The Distribution of Phytophthora cinnamomi in forests of Eastern Gipsland, Victoria

Abstract

Soil surveys of the distribution of Phytopthora cinnamomi in eastern Victorian eucalypt forests showed it to be widely distributed in flat, poorly drained coastal forests extending from Wilson's Promontory to the New South Wales border and from 15 to 25 km from the coast.

P. cinnamomi was scattered in the foothill forests up to an altitude of about 800 m. It was sometimes found in high altitude forests, at sites where recent logging, clearing and road con- struction had occurred. Its frequency of occurrence was related to the intensity of forestry activity, to internal soil drainage and to the occurrence of warm soil temperatures.

Data are provided on a number of factors affecting soil populations of P. cinnamomi, and its possible origin is discussed.