Phytophthora in Toowoomba

Phytophthora is a destructive water mould that can cause serious plant disease, such as root rot and dieback. It affects a wide range of tree and shrub species. 

Phytophthora can kill susceptible trees. It does this by damaging the roots and vascular system of the tree preventing the tree from moving water and nutrients effectively.

Preventing the spread of Phytophthora

Phytophthora spreads primarily through soil, organic matter and water. lt can spread on shoes, tools, vehicles and other materials that come into contact with contaminated soil or organic matter. The pathogen can also move between trees that have intermingled roots. Some species are invasive and pose a significant threat to native ecosystems and biodiversity if spread into natural areas.

Phytophthora has been found in Queens Park, at Picnic Point and in some urban street trees in Toowoomba. Further testing will occur as trees are noticed to be in poor condition.

Management plan

We are working to identify which species of Phytophthora are present in our parks and across Toowoomba. Once this is determined, arborists and other experts will be better able to predict what the likely impact will be. Once identified, we can develop a targeted management plan to protect the heritage values and significant trees within our parks and streetscapes.

Plant recovery 

Some trees can recover from a Phytophthora attack. Plant health and good soil condition including good drainage will all help determine if a tree will survive. There are also soil drenching and stem injection interventions that might help. We recommend speaking with an arborist if you have a tree that you think might be affected.

Biosecurity considerations

There is no formal biosecurity obligation for Phytophthora in Queensland. This means the plant pathogen is not reportable and the Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is not imposing any requirements on people regarding limiting the spread.

National parks

Phytophthora can be extremely damaging to natural ecosystems and is difficult to manage in these locations. If you are a regular visitor to Toowoomba parks, we recommend using separate shoes and clothing to visit national parks either in our area or elsewhere. If this isn’t possible, selecting a shoe type that is very easy to clean and cleaning them before walking in national parks is recommended. The Australian Government publication Arrive Clean, Leave Clean has recommendations for limiting the spread, including recommendations for cleaning clothing, shoes and equipment.

Cleaning

Cleaning shoes can be achieved with a solution of 70% ethanol or methylated spirits in 30% water. Carry a hard brush and a spray bottle of this solution and use it when leaving the park. First use the hard brush or stick to remove as much mud, soil or organic matter as possible before disinfecting with the solution.

Any surface that comes into contact with and can carry mud, soil or organic matter can spread a plant pathogen. That can include a leaf in your hair, mud on your pants legs, or a water bottle that you rested on the ground. It is important to be aware of these other sources of possible contamination and reduce the likelihood of carrying soil or organic matter away from the site.

Vehicles and equipment can collect and carry soil and organic matter away from the site. Good wash-down protocols should be used to clean mud flaps, tyres, tools and equipment.

Other threats to plants in Toowoomba

In Toowoomba, there are several threats we monitor either because they are already present or they have the potential to cause harm if introduced.

  • Myrtle rust
  • Brown root rot
  • Tree cankers
  • Armillaria root rot
  • Southern bracket
  • Erinose mites
  • Eucalyptus weevils
  • Gumtree scale
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