Microclimate environmental parameters indexed for Sudden Oak death in Georgia and South Carolina

We monitored Ericaceous habitat in Georgia and South Carolina for temperature, dew point and humidity ranges throughout a two year period. Temperature and humidity data were used to characterize their range in Georgia and South Carolina where potential SOD susceptible hosts occur. This data suggests risk for SOD development may be more widespread in southeastern forest microclimates than current risk maps indicate. A sudden oak death infection risk index based on laboratory infection parameters for Phytophthora ramorum was developed for use in the field. In addition, we monitored streams and bleeding bark cankers from different ecotypes throughout Georgia using various methods for detection of Phytophthora propagules. Samples cultured from bleeding cankers on oaks yielded a broad assortment of organisms. Most often found associated with these cankers are the fungal genera Mortierella and the potential antagonist Trichoderma.