This document summarizes a project called PHYTO-THREATS that is investigating global threats from the genus Phytophthora, which includes many plant pathogens. The project has five work packages led by researchers from various institutions that aim to understand the distribution and diversity of Phytophthora in UK nurseries, develop best practices for the nursery industry, analyze risks from global Phytophthora, study the evolution of Phytophthora genomes, and coordinate the project. The project is supported by several funders for three years under the Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Initiative. It has involved several workshops to share findings and discuss opportunities to reduce Phytophthora threats.

1. Phytophthora disease threats in UK nurseries
and wider landscapes: what’s here, what’s
coming and what we can do about it
Nov 13th 2019, Sand Hutton, York

2. 14/01/20202
PHYTO-THREATS
Global Threats from Phytophthora spp.;
Understanding drivers of emergence and
opportunities for mitigation through
nursery best practice
https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/research/global-
threats-from-phytophthora-spp/
PHYTO-THREATS project

3. 14/01/20203
(WP1) Phytophthora distribution, diversity and management in UK nursery systems
Led by David Cooke, James Hutton Institute
(WP2) Feasibility analyses and development of ‘best practice’ criteria to underpin accreditation
Led by Mariella Marzano, Forest Research
(WP3) Global Phytophthora risks to the UK
Led by Bethan Purse, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
Project objectives

4. 14/01/20204
(WP4) Predicting risk via analysis of Phytophthora genome evolution
Led by Paul Sharp, University of Edinburgh
(WP5) Project coordination, communication and interaction
Led by Sarah Green, Forest Research
Project objectives

5. 14/01/20205
Supported for three years by a grant funded jointly by;
• Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
• Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
• Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
• Forestry Commission
• Scottish Government
Under the Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Initiative (THAPBI)
Funding

6. 14/01/20206
‘Improving Nursery Resilience Against
Threats From Phytophthora’
Objectives
1. Share and learn from a broad range
of expert experiences, opinions and
advice on disease threats to trade and
the wider environment
2. Identify opportunities for reducing
Phytophthora threats and how these
might be best taken forward
3. Leave the science team with a host
of information to help guide the Phyto-
threats project
October 2016 workshop

7. 14/01/20207
‘Reducing Phytophthora in trade and
designing effective accreditation’
Objectives
1. Share key science findings from the
Phyto-threats project which might
help underpin accreditation
2. Understand existing UK assurance
schemes and how they are supported
3. Generate ideas for how an
accreditation scheme should work in
order to be effective
October 2017 workshop

8. 14/01/20208
‘Phytophthora disease threats in UK nurseries
and wider landscapes: what’s here, what’s
coming and what we can do about it’
Objectives
1. Share the latest science findings from the
Phyto-threats project
2. Provide an interactive demonstration of
science outcomes and tools
3. Explore how our science outcomes can best
be used to support the continued
development of accreditation and Plant
Health policy
November 2019 workshop