Please consider how you use the Hills Face Zone reserves and assist in preventing the spread of disease. By cleaning your bike and/or shoes you can limit the spread of weeds or plant diseases. Management strategies involve adapting human behaviour to minimise the spread of Phytophthora.

Phytophthora

Cinnamon Fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi) and other species of Phytophthora are introduced plant pathogens that cause disease and death in a range of native plant species. Phytophthora is recognised by the Australian Government as a key threat to the survival of our native plants and animals and has developed a National Threat Abatement Plan (Environment Australia, 2001).

What is Phytophthora?

Phytophthora is a microscopic, soil and water borne organism that attacks the roots and basal stem tissue of living plants. It is often referred to as a 'fungus'.

Phytophthora prevents the uptake of water and nutrients by the plant, causing dieback of native and introduced plants including ornamentals, vines, fruit and vegetables.

Phytophthora dieback occurs in native bushlands such as open forests, woodlands and heath lands, farmlands, nurseries and gardens. It is a major threat to some of Australia's threatened native species (both animal and plant) and ecological communities.

The risk of Phytophthora becoming established is highest in areas with:

• greater than 400mm average annual rainfall
• warm, moist conditions (optimum temperature = 15-30°C)
• neutral to acid soils, low in nutrients and organic matter, open textured with few micro-organisms
• poor drainage
• plants that are susceptible to infection

Areas within South Australia, which receive 400mm or more average annual rainfall include:

• The Mount Lofty Ranges (City of Mitcham Hill Face Zone)
• Fleurieu Peninsula
• Kangaroo Island
• Lower Eyre Peninsula

We can prevent the spread of Phytophthora by:

• modifying activities within reserves
• controlling access to reserves
• adopting hygiene procedures before entering reserves

The best way to control the fungus is to prevent the transfer of infested soil and plant material by avoiding activities in an area when the soils are wet and sticky. Brushing soil off footwear and tools before and after each visit to a bush land will limit the spread of Phytphthora see 'Hygiene Procedures' below.

For further information download a copy of the Phytophthora Management Guidelines.