Pests and diseases
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Blog
Pine Processionary Moth: Assessing the threat
PPM are spreading further north across Europe but are not established in the UK. We discuss the signs and symptoms to look out for.
Fritha West • 31 Mar 2022
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Blog
It’s full steam ahead for Observatree in 2022
Observatree has now been in operation for eight years; and during that time, our volunteers have submitted over 13,500 reports.
Peter Crow • 21 Feb 2022
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Blog
Observatree volunteers go from strength to strength
Over 13,500 reports have been submitted to date and our volunteers continue to build on this extremely valuable e-resource. During 2021, 174 reports were submitted to Forest Research for suspected priority pests and diseases.
Ana Perez-Sierra • 21 Feb 2022
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Blog
Observatree volunteers help the Woodland Trust manage OPM
Over the course of 2021, many of our invaluable citizen scientists have continued their surveillance of Woodland Trust sites for Oak Processionary Moth (OPM).
Rebecca Gosling • 24 Nov 2021
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Blog
A moving diagnosis
If it’s possible to have a mobile home, just imagine how useful a mobile lab would be?
Dr Caroline Gorton • 24 Nov 2021
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Blog
Oak Processionary Moth Update
Oak processionary moth (OPM), introduced to the London area in 2005, is a pest of oak trees. The OPM team at Forestry Commission give us an update on the situation.
Andrew Hoppit & Millie Toft • 11 Nov 2020
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Blog
Emerald ash borer survey and detection: the Canadian experience
It's the International Year of Plant Health and our colleague from Canada give us details on their work with emerald ash borer. A highly destructive pest of ash trees.
Jon Sweeney, Erin Bullas-Appleton, Troy Kimoto & Ron Neville • 22 Sep 2020
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Blog
Coronavirus or Xylella: The importance of biosecurity, early detection and decisive action.
Professor Nicola Spence, DEFRA's Chief Plant Health Officer, explains why biosecurity is so important.
Professor Nicola Spence • 16 Jun 2020
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Blog
On the trail of Sirococcus tsugae
Lead Volunteer, Andy Gordon, lets us know about his experience of surveying for Sirococcus tsugae.
Andy Gordon • 14 Aug 2018
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Blog
A world without males: How the elm zigzag sawfly is benefiting from their absence
Expert entomologist Max Blake gives us an insight into the lifecycle of the elm zigzag sawfly.
Max Blake • 08 Jul 2018