Best Management Practices

Manage water flow into the nursery and minimize standing water.  The presence of algae indicates a poorly drained area.  Keep irrigation equipment clean and store them off the floor. Test irrigation water for pathogens such as Phytophthora ramorum (97). Filter and/or disinfest used and contaminated water (97).  Water from infested areas can harbor pathogens.  Map water flow into the nursery from other areas and divert excess water away from root systems.  If it is unknown whether surrounding land is infested, diverting water and soil movement can prevent the entrance of unknown pathogens and reduce moisture conducive to fungal growth (16). 

PR:  Phytophthora ramorum is a water-borne fungus-like organism[RB1] .  Extended leaf wetness due to poorly timed irrigation makes plants more susceptible to fungal infections like P. ramorum.  It is also important to conduct annual tests of untreated irrigation water to confirm the absence of pathogens. (72)

RPW:  Flooded orchards and high soil moisture contribute to the spread of

infestations (5).  Moist soil is used as a refuge (6)