RHS steps up disease precautions
The RHS, the UK’s foremost gardening charity, has introduced measures to protect its gardens, shows and plant retail operations against a ‘game-changing’ killer disease.
A lthough it hasn’t reached Britain yet, bacteria Xylella fastidiosa is already present in areas of Italy, Spain and other parts of the Mediterranean. Groves of ancient olive trees have already been grubbed up in parts of Italy.
Spread by sucking insects, such as leafhoppers and froghoppers, the pathogen causes dieback of infected shoots, and eventual death of the plant. Xylella has been found to affect more than 350 plant species, with cherry, lavender, hebe and rosemary considered to be at high risk.
The RHS has adopted guidelines to manage future activity better, including in the short term:
● Isolating all imported, semi-mature trees for 12 months prior to planting in RHS gardens and shows.
● Using UK grown and sourced plant material wherever possible.
● Developing a list of RHS-approved suppliers that meet the requisite plant health criteria.
● Introducing the evaluation of plant health risks into judging at RHS shows.
To help manage plant health issues, the charity has employed three new senior staff. It’s also encouraging gardeners and the industry to follow its lead by only buying susceptible plants that are UK-sourced and grown for 12 months. Outbreaks of the disease would result in the destruction of all host plants within 100m (161km) of infection and restrictions on the movement of plants within a 3.1 mile (5km) radius for five years.
“Xylella is a game-changer for gardeners and the horticultural industry,” said RHS Head of Plant Health, Gerard Clover. “The question is not if, but when the UK will have its first outbreak. The industry and public must be prepared for the far-reaching impact of it.”