Frequently Asked Questions
Can this disease be managed?
For now, primary control options are limited to quarantine and destruction. These measures are outlined in the "Illinois Sudden Oak Death/P. ramorum Blight Detection and Response Plan"
Researchers in infested West Coast states are investigating the usefulness of a number of different fungicides and application techniques to prevent infection by P. ramorum. It's important to recognize that the application techniques and timing information you may encounter have not been evaluated in our climate or with our oak species.
Cultural tactics:
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Plants from P. ramorum-infested nurseries and P. ramorum-infested counties are under quarantine and thus, are not allowed to enter the channels of trade. Nevertheless, it is always a good practice to thoroughly inspect all plants for unusual disease symptoms and insects prior to introducing them into the nursery, garden center, forest, or landscape.
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Avoid planting P. ramorum hosts under or adjacent to oak trees. For example, Rhododendron is a commonly planted ornamental that is a host for P. ramorum, and it is possible that an infested rhododendron could infect a nearby oak.
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Avoid wetting the plant foliage, which will stimulate foliar diseases such as P. ramorum.
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Frequently monitor host plants for sudden oak death/P. ramorum blight symptoms and promptly submit a sample from any suspicious plant.
