Dieback, or more correctly Phytophthora
Dieback, is a deadly plant disease that devastates our
forests, woodlands and heathlands. The disease is caused
by the introduced pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi. Phytophthora
dieback is causing significant damage in the south-west
of Western Australia because:
- Over 40% (2300)
of native plant species in the region are susceptible
(Shearer et al., 2004)
- The climate and soils of the south-west region suit its survival and spread, and
- it was spread widely before it was identified as the cause of permanent damage to our ecosystems.
Phytophthora dieback spends its entire life in the soil and in plant tissue. It attacks the roots of plants and causes
them to rot. This kills the plant by limiting or stopping the uptake of water and nutrients. The pathogen is able to
survive within plant roots during the dry soil conditions commonly experienced during the summer months. In
sloping areas Phytophthora dieback spreads quickly when its microscopic spores move downwards in surface and
sub-surface water flows. It spreads slower up-slope and on flat ground (approximately one metre per year) because it
is restricted to movement by root-to-root contact.
Responsible bushwalkers take steps to ensure they do not contribute to the spread of the pathogen. Minimise the risk
of spreading the dieback pathogen in dieback affected areas by:
- Keeping to tracks, and avoiding muddy areas and puddles.
- Making sure footwear is free of mud and soil when arriving at a bushwalking site, and trying to keep
footwear as clean as possible during the walk.
- Using footpaths or shoe cleaning facilities when provided.
- Obeying 'track closed' signs on walk tracks.
- Making sure your vehicle is clean when arriving at bushwalking sites, and parking your car in designated
locations.
Bushwalkers may carry
equipment in their packs and/or vehicle to help keep their
footwear clean. A 'bushwalking hygiene kit' should contain
a bag to collect scraped off soil/mud, large and small
brushes and a bottle of water (from mains supply). Methylated
spirits can be applied using a spray bottle to sterilise
the soles of shoes.
(Adapted from the Dieback
Working Group - http://www.dwg.org.au/)
