The Cross-Pollinator is a science synthesis publication co-produced quarterly by the Urban Field Station Network and the Urban Forest Technology and Science Delivery Team. It spotlights interdisciplinary collaborations among researchers and practitioners that “cross” forest research with urban and community forests.
Sign up for our mailing list »
Issue 3
A Threat to Ecological Investments: Plant Pathogens in Landscape Restoration Projects
To repair ecological damage caused by construction, landscape managers typically apply restoration techniques - but what if these activities further damage the ecology? Invasive Phytophthora pathogens have been inadvertently introduced to environmentally vulnerable and important restoration sites, often resulting in plant illness or death and the need for costly remediation. The USDA Forest Service and partners have been researching invasive pathogens in the genus Phytophthora to protect sensitive habitats in restoration sites in high risk regions around the country.
Current Buzz - A list of related tools and resources
A Threat to Ecological Investments: Plant Pathogens in Landscape Restoration Projects
Presentations
- Adapting Landscape Plants, Policies, and Management to a Water-Limited Future
September 13, 2017
Tom Brown, USDA Forest Service
Heidi Kratsch, University of Nevada, Reno - Climate Change & Urban Environments: Adaptation through diversity
December 14, 2016
Leslie Brandt, USDA Forest Service
Justin Evertson, Nebraska Forest Service & Nebraska Statewide Arboretum
Videos
Reports, Resources, & Tools
- USDA Forest Service Reforestation, Nurseries and Genetic Resources: https://rngr.net/
- The Pest Readiness Playbook is a tool to prepare communities for potential pest outbreaks through self-assessments and recommended actions. https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/projects/pest-ready/
- Poland, Therese M.; Patel-Weynand, Toral; Finch, Deborah M.; Ford Miniat, Chelcy; Hayes, Deborah C.; Lopez, Vanessa M., eds. 2021. Invasive Species in Forests and Rangelands of the United States: A Comprehensive Science Synthesis for the United States Forest Sector. Heidelberg, Germany: Springer International Publishing.
Research Papers
- Frankel, S.J.; Alexander, J.A.; Benner, D.; Shor, A. 2018. Coordinated response to inadvertent introduction to pathogens in California restoration areas. California Agriculture. 72(4): 205–207. https://doi.org/10.3733/ca.2018a0035.
- Frankel, S.J.; Alexander, J.; Benner, D.; Hillman, J.; Shor, A. 2020. Phytophthora pathogens threaten rare habitats and conservation plantings. Sibbaldia: International Journal of Botanic Garden Horticulture. 18: 53–65. https://doi.org/10.24823/sibbaldia.2020.288.
- Frankel, S.J.; Swiecki, T.J.; Bernhardt, E.A.; Benner, D.; Blomquist, C.; Rooney-Latham, S. 2020. Accreditation to improve restoration program shows promise for pathogen prevention. In: Frankel, S.J.; Alexander, J.M., tech. coords. Proceedings of the seventh sudden oak death science and management symposium: healthy plants in a world with Phytophthora. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-268. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station: 60–61. https://www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/60496
- Garbelotto, M.; Frankel, S.J.; Scanu, B. 2018. Soil- and water-borne Phytophthora species linked to recent outbreaks in Northern California restoration sites. California Agriculture. 72(4): 208–216.
- Guo, Qinfeng; Songlin Fei; Kevin M. Potter; Andrew M. Liebhold; Jun Wen. 2019. Tree diversity regulates forest pest invasion. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
- Hauer, R.J.; Hanou, I.S.; Sivyer, D. 2020. Planning for active management of future invasive pests affecting urban forests: The ecological and economic effects of varying Dutch elm disease management practices for street trees in Milwaukee. Urban Ecosystems.
- McPherson, Brice A.; Wood, David L.; Biging, Greg; Kelly, Maggi; Mori, Sylvia R. 2020. Status of the Phytophthora ramorum epidemic across forests of the East Bay Regional Park District, San Francisco Bay Area, California. In: Frankel, Susan J.; Alexander, Janice M., tech. cords. Proceedings of the seventh sudden oak death science and management symposium: healthy plants in a world with Phytophthora. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-268. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station.
- Swiecki, T.J.; Bernhardt, E.A.; Frankel, S.J. 2018. Phytophthora root disease and the need for clean nursery stock in urban forests. Part 1. Phytophthora invasions in the urban forest and beyond. Western Arborist. 44(3): 54–60.
- Swiecki, T.J.; Bernhardt, E.A.; Frankel, S.J. 2018. Phytophthora root disease and the need for clean nursery stock in urban forests. Part 2. Phytophthora in nurseries. Western Arborist. 44(4): 38–45.
- Swiecki, T.J.; Bernhardt, E.A.; Frankel, S.J. 2019. Phytophthora root disease and the need for clean nursery stock in urban forests: Part 3. Prevention and management. Western Arborist. 45(1): 40–50.
Past Issues
- Issue 1. Natural turned national infrastructure: Urban forest patches in the 21st century
- Issue 2. Planting for the Future: Managing Urban Forests for Climate Change
Questions, Feedback and Webinar Updates
We would like to hear from you! Contact us to share your feedback, ask questions, and request special accommodations. Suggestions are welcome.
To receive future Cross-Pollinator issues or notice of our upcoming webinars, sign up for our mailing list » .