Phytophthora Management

Phytophthora is an introduced water mould. It is a microscopic soil dwelling pathogen that infects plants, and kills susceptible species. People are the most likely carriers of infected soil or plants from one site to another

Protecting Plant and Animal biodiversity in the Otway Ranges, Bells Beach (Ironbark Basin) and Great Ocean Road hinterland from Phytophthora dieback

The aim is to prevent the introduction or minimise the spread of Phytophthora into uninfected areas, and to reduce the impact of dieback disease at infected sites in the Otways.

Changes to forest canopy health and vegetation health over the past 20 years across the Otways has been captured and mapped; and priority protection areas (PPAs) identified. These are areas of valuable biodiversity that demand active management, including aerial spraying with phosphite, for long-term protection against disease impacts. Areas of Carlisle and Anglesea heath have been hand sprayed.

Standard Operating Procedures are being developed, and training delivered to land managers and community in phytophthora hygiene protocols. Training in phosphite spraying will follow.

A habitat rehabilitation trial will monitor the re-establishment of susceptible heathland species within dieback affected areas of the Eastern Otway Ranges; and test the efficacy of differing phosphite treatments.

Phytophthora cinnamomi under a microscope

Delivery & Supporting Partners

The lead consultant for this sub-project is Barbara Wilson Pty Ltd.

The project delivery team includes Dr Barbara Wilson, Professor David Cahill (Deakin University), Dr Mark Garkaklis (Barbara Wilson Pty Ltd and State of the Environment Pty Ltd – Aireys Inlet ), Dr Terry Walshe (The University of Melbourne), Dr Tricia Wevill (Deakin University), and Dr Sarah Barrett (Research Partner – WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions). Dr Linda Parker (University of Melbourne) will also collaborate through her research into the conservation of Tall Astelia.

A Deakin University Otways region Phytophthora research program will be undertaken to determine the current extent of infestation by P. cinnamomi; model the rate of spread and determine areas of high vulnerability to disease; conduct in-field pathogen testing; and use phosphite as a control measure at site and landscape scales.

Phytophthora Hygiene Training

This training video can be used to show people working and recreating in the Otways how they can play their part in stopping the spread of Phytophthora dieback through hygiene management.

Linkages With Other Sub-Projects

Ineffective hygiene control within the Pig and Deer Eradication, Fox and Cat Management, and the Small Mammal Conservation projects would likely lead to spread of the pathogen into uninfested, at-risk vegetation communities. To prevent this outcome, Phytophthora dieback hygiene briefings will be provided to all Wild Otways Initiative project teams.

Deakin University research will involve a quantitative assessment of the feasibility for habitat protection. This will be important in confirming habitats that can be protected in the Small Mammal Conservation project and supporting achievable outcomes in Stage 2 of the Rewilding project.

Frequently Asked Questions:

The Australian Government’s Wild Otways initiative was a three-year $6m commitment to threatened species management and pest animal control in the greater Otways region that ran from 2020-2023. The Initiative delivered a Community Environment Grants Program and five commissioned sub-projects - pig and deer eradication, fox and cat management, Phytophthora dieback disease management, small mammal conservation and a rewilding project exploring the feasibility of translocations and reintroductions as conservation measures for threatened mammals in the region.

For more information visit https://ccma.vic.gov.au/projects/wild-otways/

The project area for the initiative covered the area from Jan Juc/Bells Beach to Peterborough, and the Great Otway National Park and hinterlands (Otways Region) in South West Victoria.