First detection in the US: new plant pathogen, Phytophthora tentaculata, in native plant nurseries and restoration sites in California

Abstract

Phytophthora tentaculata Kröber & Marwitz (Pythiaceae) has been detected in several native plant nurseries in 4 California counties and in restoration sites on orange sticky monkey flower (Diplacus aurantiacus (W. Curtis) Jeps. subsp. aurantiacus [Scrophulariaceae]), toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia (Lindl.) M. Roem. [Rosaceae]), coffeeberry (Frangula californica (Eschsch.) A. Gray [Rhamnaceae]), and sage (Salvia spp. L. [Lamiaceae]). These findings are the first detections of P. tentaculata in the US and the first ever on these host plants. Phytophthora species are a known problem in horticultural nurseries, but little attention has been placed on native plant or restoration nurseries. The potential for plant pathogens to be outplanted along with native plant nursery stock is very high, posing a threat to neighboring forests.