The aggressive fungus-like pathogen is infecting juniper at a large number of upland woodland sites in northern Britain and causing dieback and mortality.
P. austrocedri was first described in 2007 in southern Argentina where it is killing trees of the native South American conifer species, Austrocedrus chilensis. Since then, the pathogen has also been found infecting individual amenity specimens of Lawson cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) and Nootka Cypress (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) in Scotland. Reported hosts are all members of the cypress family (Cupressaceae).
This resource will help you to identify P. austrocedri infections and submit samples for diagnosis.
P. austrocedri primarily attacks juniper roots, branches and stem bases; the pathogen can extend 50cm or more up diseased stems.
To examine the phloem, cut away the outer bark from the base of the tree. If you suspect P. austrocderi in a tree, our Tree Health and Diagnostic Advisory Service can confirm infection. Please get in touch.