They say -- Jonathan Jones

RESUME
Name: Jonathan Jones
Title: National Phytophthora ramorum program manager.

Affiliation: USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine, Emergency and Domestic Programs, PPQ Public Affairs, (301) 734-5271; fax (301) 734-5221; www.aphis.usda.gov/
ppq/ispm/pramorum/; jonathan.m.jones@
aphis.usda.gov.

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Todd Davis
NMPRO Editor

Jonathan Jones
On the P. ramorum situation

It's been a seemingly slow year on the Phytophthora ramorum front, especially considering the mess this plant pathogen caused in 2004. But this is far from a dead issue. The disease is still popping up intermittently at nurseries across the country, and regulations are on schedule to change. I caught up with Jonathan Jones, national P. ramorum project manager with USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Q. I understand APHIS' P. ramorum emergency order is scheduled to sunset. When would this occur?

A. Although the federal order restricting the movement of nursery stock from California, Oregon and Washington is scheduled to sunset (be lifted) in December 2007, we will remain committed to working with industry and our cooperators to develop a management program that will ensure nurseries are free of P. ramorum before nursery stock is shipped.

Industry can expect APHIS to support some provisions of the federal order for a period beyond 2007.

Q. What changes will occur when the order is phased out?

A. The December 2004 federal order required inspection of host as well as non-host plants for P. ramorum. As we move toward sunset, that three-year period allowed for a robust national survey for the disease, increased awareness of the pathogen among nurseries owners and the development of varying nursery management practices that could be tailored to a specific nursery environment.

In 2008, unless shown to be necessary, APHIS will become transparent in working with the industry. While there could be state oversight in some instances, there will be no federally-mandated inspection of nurseries. We're confident that industry, along with the states, will closely monitor distribution of the pathogen.

Q. Should nursery growers expect big changes in the current P. ramorum regulations over time?

A. As we learn more about the pathogen, we will continue to refine the regulations. Compost, soil and growing media are concerns. Water has even shown to be a pathway for the spread of this pathogen.

Q. The detection of this pathogen at commercial nurseries is low. Is this a sign that we have it under control?

A. It is getting better. The number of nurseries is dropping year to year.

The number of [infected] grower nurseries is also getting lower. However, we believe we can reduce the numbers further through early detection and good sanitary practices.

Q. Does APHIS still look at P. ramorum as a major threat to U.S. forest systems?

A. I think the U.S. Forest Service can address your question. Certainly the environment and forests are at risk.

We know we can manage the disease in a nursery environment, but this not just a pest of nursery stock.

Q. How is APHIS helping growers comply with current regulations?

A. Currently, the regulations are federally funded, so there is little direct cost for inspections and certification of an owner's nursery.

We also maintain an informative Web site where current regulations, protocols and regulated plant lists can be found. The site also links to www.suddenoakdeath.org, an excellent resource for growers.

In California, where the disease exists in the natural environment, we are supporting industry outreach efforts to nurseries. We're in constant communication with industry groups, such as the American Nursery and Landscape Association, and various local grower organizations on regulations, policies and future directions of the program.

Q. How will the agency educate growers about any P. ramorum regulation changes? A. We use various forms of communication to keep growers informed. APHIS' state plant health directors work closely the each state's plant regulatory official.

Information is shared and disseminated through the state departments of agriculture. Growers are also familiar with both the APHIS and www.suddenoakdeath.org Web sites. Magazine articles such as this also help to keep growers informed.