Rid

Thanks for that. I'll keep my camera handy.

Hullo, just found what I (99%) believe to be Ustulina duesta at the base of a sycamore on a rainy walkabout today. Any chance someone could confirm/deny for me? Medium sized tree with busy public path and buildings in target zone, die-back at top... naive question but it has to be removed, right? Cheers.

There were recently thousands of Larch felled in Devon due to P.Ramorum, which have been stacked and left by the roadside cos they don't know what to do with it all. Meanwhile cars and trucks are driving by, perhaps collecting and spreading pathogens? Highlights the need for control measures.

Hullo, I've just been to a Plant Network conference about 'Pests, Diseases and Invasive species', with dudes from Kew, FERA, National Trust, Forestry comission etc. The main topic was Phytophthera though no control measures other than scorched earth were suggested. The major worries for pests were Citrus longhorn beetle, Emerald ash borer, Pine tree lappet moth, Oak processionary moth. If we start seeing these things around we're fcuk'd. The following link is to power points from the conference. While the main body of people there were from botanic gardens alot of what was highlighted could be of interest to y'all. PlantNetwork Conference Sheffield 2010 Bestest, Rid.