Phytophthora Impact and Control on UK Heathland, 10 Infected Sites

A report from the UK's Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA) contains tabular data on the biodiversity impact of controlling Phytophthora pathogens on heathland. The data likely covers 10 infected heathland sites in the UK, with research on control treatments conducted in Autumn 2011. The project aimed to determine effective control strategies and assess impacts on heathland biodiversity.

Use Cases

• Assessing the efficacy of different Phytophthora control treatments based on site infection and treatment data.
• Evaluating the impact of pathogen control measures on heathland biodiversity, particularly Vaccinium cover.
• Developing guidance for conservation managers on identifying and managing Phytophthora outbreaks in heathland.
• Monitoring the spread and containment of Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora kernoviae pathogens over time.

Strengths

• Data is associated with a specific, government-managed research program (Defra/FERA) launched in 2009.
• Focuses on a defined set of 10 infected heathland sites, providing a concrete study scope.
• Integrates consideration of treatment effectiveness with biodiversity impact assessment.

Limitations

• Row count and column-level documentation are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
• The description notes limited recording of effects on biodiversity beyond Vaccinium cover.

Provenance

Source

Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA), managed under a UK Defra program.

Collection Method

Research involving treatment of infected sites and recording of Vaccinium cover in quadrats.

Time Range

Program launched in 2009, with site treatments in Autumn 2011.

Freshness

Data is from a 2011 research program; current status is unknown.

Geography

United Kingdom, specifically 10 heathland sites, with noted spread mainly in the South West.