Phytophthora cinnamomi: extent and impact in Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia (1983–2024)

Ray P. Hart; G. Freebury; S. Barrett

doi:10.1071/PC24028

RESEARCH ARTICLE (Open Access)

Next Contents Vol 30(4)

Phytophthora cinnamomi: extent and impact in Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia (1983–2024)

Ray P. Hart ^A , G. Freebury ^B and S. Barrett

^B ^*

+ Author Affiliations

- Author Affiliations

^A Deceased.

^B Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Albany, WA, Australia.

^* Correspondence to: sarah.barrett@dbca.wa.gov.au

Handling Editor: Mike Calver

Pacific Conservation Biology 30, PC24028 https://doi.org/10.1071/PC24028

Submitted: 17 April 2024 Accepted: 28 May 2024 Published: 6 August 2024

© 2024 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND)

Abstract

Context

Phytophthora cinnamomi has been present in Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve in Western Australia for decades, with impacts observed in susceptible plant communities.

Aims

This study aimed to examine the past and present impact of P. cinnamomi on ecosystems.

Methods

The distribution of P. cinnamomi was mapped 1983–1995 and reassessed in 2024. The long-term spread of the pathogen was measured. Plant densities were assessed, dry-weight biomass measured, and visits by avifauna quantified in infested and healthy vegetation. The persistence of chlamydospores was assessed.

Key results

Mapping confirmed the widespread distribution of P. cinnamomi in the Reserve, with some areas mapped as disease-free up to 1995 now infested. Phytophthora dieback has spread in Banksia shrubland at an average of 1.5 m/year over a 33-year period. The density of species from the Proteaceae, Fabaceae, Ericaceae, and Hibbertia was significantly reduced; and the biomass of non-sedge species and visits by avifauna lower in infested compared with healthy Banksia shrubland. However, pockets of healthy habitat persist in infested areas and two highly susceptible Ericaceae (Leucopogon glabellus, Styphelia flavescens) were observed in high numbers in infested vegetation. Recovery of chlamydospores confirmed the persistence of the pathogen behind the dieback front.

Conclusions

The impact of P. cinnamomi is long term and irreversible, however, some susceptible species may have mechanisms to ensure their persistence through prolific seed production.

Implications

Protection of areas of healthy susceptible habitat from the introduction and spread of P. cinnamomi, the implementation of existing control measures and research into alternative measures continue to be a priority.

Keywords: Banksia, plant disease, Phytophthora cinnamomi, Phytophthora cinnamomi impact, Phytophthora cinnamomi spread, Phytophthora cinnamomi survey, Proteaceae, Two Peoples Bay.

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