Can vertebrates transmit viable Phytophthora ramorum spores - data from the lab
Cheryl Blomquist1, Keyt Fischer2, and Michael Fry3
Vertebrates have been identified as potential vectors of Phytophthora canker disease (a.k.a. Sudden Oak Death or SOD). This experimental study examines two aspects of potential transmission by vertebrates. First, we determined whether chlamydospores of Phytophthora ramorum survive gut transit in birds and small mammals. Pigeons (Columba livia) and rodents (Mus musculus) were fed known concentrations of chlamydospores and hyphae in cornmeal agar. Feces were collected and plated on PARP medium at regular intervals during the course of the experiment. Second, we examined the ability of birds and small mammals to externally transport Phytophthora ramorum zoospores, sporangia and chlamydospores. Pigeons and rodents were misted with zoospores and sporangia suspended in distilled water. Samples were collected by swabbing and rinsing the animals at timed intervals. Rinse water and feces were assayed by baiting and plating onto PARP medium. In a separate experiment, chlamydospores suspended in cornmeal agar were mixed with damp soil and the mixture was placed on cage surfaces. Animals were allowed full access to the cage surfaces and after exposures of varying intervals samples were collected and plated on PARP medium.
1Plant Pest Diagnostics, Calif. Dept. of Food and Agriculture, 3294 Meadowview Road, Sacramento, CA 95832
2North America Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, 248 Swanton Blvd., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
3Meyer Hall, Animal Science, U. C. Davis, Davis, CA 95616
|
