KY FY22 P.ramorum Survey 1S.0115.01

The nursery industry has a large economic impact in the state of Kentucky. In 2017, nursery greenhouse sales in Kentucky were estimated at $83 million. In 2021, Kentucky had 475 licensed nurseries in the state and 925 licensed nursery dealers (data from Office of the State Entomologist); thus, it is an important industry and source of revenue. This survey will allow us to conduct a targeted survey for Phytophthora ramorum which is of concern since many nurseries in Kentucky import nursery stock from the West Coast. Detections in nurseries that ship widely throughout the United States have increased concerns that this disease could appear in other U.S. nurseries and move to susceptible species in the surrounding environment. Many states, including Kentucky, have had trace forwards in recent years, including in 2021. The NAPIS database shows that this disease has been found in several eastern states, many of which are close to Kentucky such as Indiana and Tennessee. Kentucky has been identified as a high risk area for Phytophthora ramorum because of the extensive oak forests within the state. This disease could also have a severe effect on an economy that depends on the revenue generated from the sale of logs and wood products. Discovery of this disease could greatly reduce the amount of oak lumber that could be exported overseas from Kentucky and, thus, have devastating economic consequences. Beginning in April/May 2022 a Nursery Inspector, who is the program manager, will visually inspect high-risk host plants for symptoms in 20 nurseries. The SSC may assist, as needed. We will take samples from all suspicious plants (at least 5 symptomatic leaves and/or stems per sample) and submit the samples to the University of Kentucky Plant Pathology Diagnostic Laboratory in Lexington, KY for ELISA testing. ELISA positives will be sent to the University of Florida for PCR analysis. Personnel will use water-baiting methods when applicable. It is anticipated that only a few of the 20 nurseries, if any, will have a water feature that will allow for this technique. It has become difficult to locate nurseries that have target plants, import stock, and have a water feature on the property. However, if such features are found, we will place field-collected Rhododendron leaves in 2 mesh bags, allow them to float in the water for 7-14 days, then submit the samples to the University of Kentucky Plant Pathology Laboratory in Lexington, KY for ELISA testing. ELISA positives will be sent to the University of Florida for PCR analysis. Prior Experience Kentucky has conducted Phytophthora ramorum surveys, through various funding sources, for many years. This survey was conducted using CAPS funding each year from 2004-2010. Each year from FY11-FY21 (except for FY15) Kentucky has received Farm Bill/PPA 7721 funding for this survey. Due to the timeframe of the agreements, FY14 funding began in September 2014; therefore, the survey was conducted in CY15 and we did not apply for FY15 funds in an attempt to match the funding period with the survey period. Fortunately, we were able to match the funding period with the survey period without missing a year of conducting the survey. Depending on funding levels, the survey generally involves 20-25 nurseries. The survey for FY21 is ongoing and can be summarized as follows: xx nurseries surveyed thus far, xxx high-risk plants inspected, xxx plants sampled, xx foliar samples taken, xx ELISA-positive foliar samples, 0 PCR-positive foliar samples. By the end of the survey season, we will have conducted the survey in 20 nurseries. The FY21 midyear accomplishment report is not due until December 1, 2021; therefore, I attached the final accomplishment report for FY20. For every year of funding, I submit a midyear and final report outlining our accomplishments, demonstrating how much of the state was impacted by this survey, the number of samples collected, etc.