Journal of Botanic Gardens Conservation International

Volume 13 • Number 1 • January 2016

Early warning systems for plant health The role of botanic gardens Volume 13 • Number 1 EDITORIAL TREE AND PLANT HEALTH EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS - THE ROLE OF BOTANIC GARDENS Dr Charles Lane .... 02 EDITORS MESSAGE FROM BGCI’S SECRETARY GENERAL Dr Paul Smith .... 03

AN EARLY WARNING SYSTEM FOR NEW AND EMERGING PLANT PEST AND DISEASE RISKS: A NETWORK OF BOTANIC GARDENS AND ARBORETA .... 04 Ellie Barham

TREE HEALTH, IPSN AND THE YORKSHIRE ARBORETUM John Grimshaw .... 09

Suzanne Sharrock Ellie Barham CONTRIBUTIONS OF CHRISTCHURCH BOTANIC GARDENS TO PLANT Director of Global International Plant Sentinel HEALTH AND BIOSECURITY IN NEW ZEALAND Programmes Network Coordinator .... 12 John Clemens and Eckehard Brockerhoff

Cover Photo : Longhorn (Shutterstock.com) MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF COMMON Design : Seascape www.seascapedesign.co.uk NURSERY AND LANDSCAPE PESTS IN , Hui Dong .... 16

THE SENTINEL PLANT NETWORK: ENHANCING BIOSECURITY BY BGjournal is published by Botanic Gardens Conservation LEVERAGING THE CAPACITY OF PUBLIC GARDENS TO SUPPORT EARLY .... 20 International (BGCI) . It is published twice a year. Membership is open to all interested individuals, DETECTION OF AND RAPID RESPONSE TO INVASIVE ALIEN PESTS institutions and organisations that support the aims Daniel Stern and Rachel McCarthy of BGCI. Further details available from: BIOSECURITY OF WOODY PLANT COLLECTIONS IN MLY Nˇ ANY • Botanic Gardens Conservation International, Descanso ARBORETUM House, 199 Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3BW Marek Barta, Peter Ferus and Peter Ho tka .... 23 UK. Tel: +44 (0)20 8332 5953, Fax: +44 (0)20 8332 5956 ´ E-mail: [email protected], www.bgci.org SURVEYING, MONITORING AND QUARANTINING FOR NOTIFIABLE • BGCI-Russia, c/o Main Botanical Gardens, PESTS AND DISEASES AT THE EDEN PROJECT Botanicheskaya st., 4, Moscow 127276, Russia. .... 28 Tel: +7 (095) 219 6160 / 5377, Fax: +7 (095) 218 0525, Rachel Warmington and Katie Treseder E-mail: [email protected], www.bgci.ru • BGCI-Netherlands, c/o Delft University of Technology Julianalaan 67, NL-2628 BC Delft, Netherlands RESOURCES PLANT HEALTH AND BIOSECURITY RESOURCES Tel: +31 15 278 4714 Fax: +31 15 278 2355 .... 31 E-mail: [email protected] www.botanischetuin.tudelft.nl •B GCI-Canarias, c/o Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo, Apartado de Correos 14, Tafira Alta 35017, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Spain. Tel: +34 928 21 95 80/82/83, Fax: +34 928 21 95 81, E-mail: [email protected] •B GCI-China, 723 Xingke Rd., 510650 China. Tel:(86)20-85231992. email: [email protected] www.bgci.org/china •B GCI-Colombia, c/o Jardín Botánico de Bogotá, Jose Celestino Mutis, Av. No. 61-13 – A.A. 59887, Santa Fe de Bogotá, D.C., Colombia. Tel: +57 630 0949, Fax: +57 630 5075, E-mail: [email protected], www.humboldt.org.co/jardinesdecolombia/html/la_red.htm • BGCI(US) Inc, c/o Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, Illinois 60022, USA. E-mail: [email protected], www.bgci.org/usa BGCI is a worldwide membership organisation established in 1987. Its mission is to mobilise botanic gardens and engage partners in securing plant diversity for the well-being of people and the planet . BGCI is an independent organisation registered in the United Kingdom as a charity (Charity Reg No 1098834) and a company limited by guarantee, No 4673175. BGCI is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation in the USA and is a registered non-profit organisation in Russia. Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Boards or staff of BGCI or of its members.

BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) 01 EDITORIAL: TREE AND PLANT HEALTH EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS - THE ROLE OF BOTANIC GARDENS

establishment, spread and impact, and By developing pest and disease may influence the conditions under which surveillance skills and capability they can previously benign pests and diseases are help in gathering evidence needed for able to develop and cause damaging analysing the risk a pest poses to plant impacts (Defra, 2014). Safeguarding plant species around the world, whilst improving health is a key priority for National Plant their own understanding of the pests and Protection Organisations (NPPOs) diseases that threaten their collections. balancing the safeguarding of plant This capability, appropriate pest and biosecurity whilst enabling sustainable disease surveillance tools and reporting economic growth. NPPOs use risk- mechanisms to NPPOs have the potential based decision-making to identify and to become an invaluable part of any target those organisms of the highest risk country’s plant health early warning and ensure intervention to protect plants system. Heightened awareness of plant is proportionate and targeted to make the biosecurity is not only beneficial to the staff best use of resources available. This risk and collections but also provides an assessment process is fuelled by excellent platform for raising awareness scientific information about alien pests and encouraging good plant biosecurity concerning aspects such as host range, practice with partners and visitors. geographical distribution, pest biology, However, opportunities to achieve this damage and control strategies. Evidence shared ambition of better plant biosecurity gaps increase the level of uncertainty by both botanic gardens and arboreta and Invasive alien plant pests and diseases when determining the threat of any alien NPPOs are strengthened by initiatives can cause long term economic, pest or disease. such as the International Plant Sentinel environmental and social impacts both Network. presently and as witnessed by events in In recent times, many of these incursions the past. This includes epidemics such as have damaged plants closer to home, , Brasier, C.M. 2008. The biosecurity potato late blight ( Phytophthora infestans ) impacting many citizens as they affect threat to the UK and global in the 1840s leading to 750,000 hunger parks, gardens and the green environment from international trade in related deaths across Europe (Zadoks, infrastructure of urban environments. plants. Plant Pathology 57 : 792 808. 2008) and Dutch elm disease outbreaks This proximity has motivated people to in the 1920s ( Ophiostoma ulmi ) and, more become more aware of the threats to the , Brasier, C.M. & Gibbs, J.N. 1973. Origin dramatically, in the 1970s caused by natural capital of their surroundings and a of the Dutch elm disease epidemic in Ophiostoma novo-ulmi (Brasier & Gibbs, desire for its protection. Some NPPOs Britain. Nature 242 : 607-609. 1973). Currently, we are faced by pests have recognised the opportunity to such as emerald ash borer (Agrilus harness this shared ambition to help , Defra. 2014. Protecting plant health- planipennis); and diseases such as ash protect the natural environment. a plant biosecurity strategy for Great dieback ( Hymenoscyphus fraxineus ) and Engaging the public and voluntary sectors Britain. the bacterial pathogen Xylella fastidiosa , has gathered momentum in the past few to name just a few. The threats to plant years, although relatively speaking it is still , Zadoks, J.C. 2008. The potato murrain biosecurity have increased with the in its infancy. on the European continent globalisation in trade and travel which has and the revolutions of 1848. resulted in increased volume and diversity Botanic gardens and arboreta have a vital Potato research. 51 : 5-45. of plants and plant products moving role to play as custodians of outstanding worldwide (Brasier, 2008). Predicted scientific collections of a wide range of Dr Charles Lane , climate change effects may also plants, frequently growing outside their Consultant plant pathologist, Fera increase the risk of pest and disease natural geographical origin. EUPHRESCO IPSN project leader

02 BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) • 02 MESSAGE FROM BGCI’S SECRETARY GENERAL

Dear BGjournal don’t work in that discipline. For this Reader, reason, we will start to trial a series of regular features with broader appeal in Over the past few the next issue. These will include: months we have been reviewing • A featured garden – with a particular many facets of BGCI’s work, including focus on small gardens our publications, and I wanted to alert • A Photo Gallery of images of plants, you to some changes that we will make landscapes, gardens and people to the next edition of BGjournal which • News – with a focus on important will be published in July. developments affecting botanic gardens The feedback we have received from • Resources available to BGCI members BGCI members is that the approach we • Training courses have taken over the past few years • Interviews with botanic garden staff focusing on particular topics, such as • Plant hunting and plant conservation tree conservation, seed conservation stories and plant health (this issue) is valuable to botanic garden professionals. For this As always, we welcome your feedback reason, we will keep this focused and any other suggestions for regular approach, and our next edition in July items that we could include in BGjournal will focus on the practice of ecological or in Roots . restoration as practised by the botanic garden community. Many thanks, and happy reading! However, we also recognize that by focusing on a particular topic, BGjournal Dr Paul Smith may have limited appeal to readers who BGCI Secretary General Missouri Botanical Garden (BGCI)

Red palm weevil (Chris Malumphy, Fera) Bluebells flowering in UK woodland

BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) • 03 03 Author: Ellie Barham

AN EARLY WARNING SYSTEM FOR NEW AND EMERGING PLANT PEST AND DISEASE RISKS: A NETWORK OF BOTANIC GARDENS AND ARBORETA

The plant collections of the world’s botanic gardens and arboreta include more than one third of known plant species – a unique resource to support global plant health.

Introduction and biosecurity. However, over half The International Plant Sentinel Network of the institutes surveyed identified (IPSN) has been developed in order to n a previous edition of BGjournal Kramer a need for training in all areas regarding provide this support. The network and Hird (2011) discussed the potential entomology, mycology and plant provides training and coordination; Irole that botanic gardens and arboreta pathology. Further to this, it was concluded including developing and providing links can play in plant health research. The that with coordination and support, to resources and expertise, facilitating authors discussed a survey of botanical existing efforts could be leveraged to global surveys, identifying potential institutes with plant collections which provide valuable data which could be used collaborations and sharing information. identified an existing presence of expertise to help safeguard plant health on a local, The IPSN is now coming to the end of and resources related to plant health regional and global scale. its 3 years of initial funding, and is

04 BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) • 04-08 looking to further its work by utilising has not been verified or exists in a form the power of the network to provide key not freely available to PRA scientists information for plant health scientists and (e.g. in a different language). All of this National and Regional Plant Protection can severely hamper any PRA efforts. Organisations (NPPO & RPPO). Prevention rather than cure The threat Prevention is arguably the best In recent years, the globalisation of trade management option available to plant and the ever-increasing effect of climate health regulators and scientists, both change have resulted in an increase in environmentally and economically invasive plant pests and pathogens (MacLeod et al ., 2002). However, the Participants at the IPSN and Huntington Botanical which have caused large scale damage majority of temperate forest pests that Gardens Workshop (Abby Hird) to native flora. These organisms pose have caused outbreaks in recent years one of the greatest threats to were either unknown to science or not Sentinel Plants ecosystems and biodiversity worldwide, known to be pests before damage whilst also bearing heavy economical was recorded (Kenis et al ., 2011). Sentinel research involves monitoring costs (Aukema et al ., 2011, Tomoshevich This is largely due to a lack of evolved and surveying plants maintained outside et al . 2013). Further to this, trees and resistance by new hosts and/or as a of their natural ranges that are exposed forests have high social and cultural result of an absence of natural enemies, to native pests and diseases. Monitoring significance and provide important (and which would typically control numbers and surveying these exotic plants for unique) ecosystem services, all of which to a manageable level (Tomoshevitch damage can help to provide anecdotal are at risk of being lost (Aukema et al ., et al ., 2013). This makes predicting evidence of potential future threats 2011, see box 1). which organisms could become invasive (Britton et al ., 2010). This initial in the future a difficult task; a significant identification can help to focus the Much regulation surrounding plant health issue in plant health regulation. The IPSN efforts of scientists to study these relies on inspecting for known organisms aims to utilise plant sentinels in order to organisms further and aid plant at export and import points. Pest Risk address this issue and provide early protection efforts at a regulatory Analysis (PRA) is required in European warning of such organisms. level (for example within PRAs). countries to determine if an organism should be listed as a pest, if it should be regulated and the strength of any Box 1: European ash and ash dieback phytosanitary measures imposed (Baker et al ., 2009). PRA is a relatively new European ash, Fraxinus excelsior , is a key and abundant native species in many science which relies on the gathering countries throughout the region; it is the third most common tree species in the and analyses of scientific and economic UK (Woodland Trust, 2016). As a result European ash is an environmentally, evidence, which can be a lengthy and economically and socio-culturally important species. It has a high commercial work-heavy process. Often, particularly value and is used for tools, hardwood floors and sports equipment, it has for new and emerging pests, the significance in Norse mythology, and it plays a keystone role for many important information required just does not exist, ecosystems across Europe. It is a key species in riparian areas, particularly in partially exists (e.g. gaps in knowledge), floodplains and often acts as a pioneer species in the restoration of forest habitats from grassland. Further to this, it is a common species in hedgerows, field margins, private and public gardens and urban spaces; supporting high levels of biodiversity from lichen and fungi, to invertebrates and birds, some of which are specific to ash and could face extinction upon its destruction. Therefore the loss of ash in Europe would have a cascading effect on the biodiversity and habitats it supports (Pautasso et al ., 2013).

Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus (or Chalara fraxinea , its asexual form), commonly known as ash dieback, is currently spreading across Europe devastating European ash populations (Halmschlager & Kirisits, 2008). Unlike many pathogens, ash dieback kills trees of all ages, from saplings to ancient trees, regardless of surrounding conditions and health before infection (Kowalski et al. , 2006). Although it kills younger trees quite quickly, it is likely that the full extent of damage by ash dieback will not be revealed for another 40 years or so, when its effects on ancient trees (which take much longer to die) become obvious. Due to this, and ash’s ecological importance, ash dieback poses a significant conservation challenge in Europe. As a result, it requires collaboration between experts from a diverse range of fields and countries to tackle the approaching challenges (Pautasso et al. , 2013).

Photographing scale in China

BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) 05 basis and are able to recognise, monitor GPS coordinates) and contact details, all and record changes in plant health, of which can be used to identify gardens as discussed by Kramer & Hird (2011). in areas of interest. PlantSearch, a global database cataloguing living plant, seed The range and spread of these gardens and tissue collections of gardens, allows also allows research to be carried out on the location of particular species in an international scale. With the countries around the world to be increased globalisation of trade being a identified. Both of these tools can be major pathway for the introduction and used to help identify, facilitate and drive spread of invasive pests and pathogens research. For example, studying the (Britton et al ., 2010), tackling these susceptibility of Fraxinus spp. to ash issues on a global scale is crucial to dieback, GardenSearch can help identify success. Since its launch in 2013, the gardens in areas where the pathogen is IPSN has worked hard to ensure present and PlantSearch can be used to international participation from a wide identify gardens with a diversity of range of organisations. Fraxinus spp. in their collections.

An international network IPSN member gardens are The IPSN is part of a EUPHRESCO 1 l“ocated in countries around the project which in the UK is funded by the world. Department for the Environment, Food IPSN workshop at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Rural Affairs (Defra) and is led by ” Fera, with CABI-UK and Forest Research So far, the IPSN has participation from 26 Sentinel research also offers the chance (UK). Other EUPHRESCO partners are gardens from countries around the world to address knowledge gaps for organisms the Julius Kühn-Institut (), the (see map). In addition to its EUPHRESCO suspected to be potential threats to plant Plant Protection Services (Netherlands) partners, the network is guided by an health, which is particularly important in and the Department for Innovation in International Advisory Group; leading the creation of PRAs. Research can Biological, Agro-food and Forest experts in their field from across the increase our understanding regarding an systems, University of Tuscia (). world including Europe, the U.S.A (the organism’s biology, life history and identify The IPSN, which includes additional APGA Sentinel Plant Network), South its natural predators which could suggest botanic garden and arboretum partners Africa and New Zealand. A full list is potential biological controls. Further to (see map) is, and will continue to be, available at www.plantsentinel.org/ this, it can reveal further pest-host coordinated by BGCI. BGCI manages international-advisory-group. Many of associations, identifying which plant two unique databases that contribute to these individuals and organisations were species are susceptible and to what IPSN activities. GardenSearch, a global or are involved in existing sentinel degree they are affected. All of this database of all known gardens listing research projects and thus provide information is important in creating key information such as significant unrivalled guidance and support to the appropriate PRAs, and reliably assessing collections, location (country, region, development of the IPSN. the risk they pose. In addition, information can aid and drive the creation of robust and viable management practices, including eradication, containment or, preferably, prevention.

Botanic gardens and arboreta

With over 2,500 botanic gardens and arboreta around the world playing host to an estimated one third of all known plant species, these institutes provide the perfect setting for sentinel research. These collections hold exotic species of all ages (from the newly planted to the ancient), are well documented (histories, previous management and origin) and well managed (monitored daily and kept healthy, eliminating the potential for damage to have an abiotic cause). Further to this, their staff are well-trained, knowledgeable, passionate people who work with the plant collections on a daily Participants at the IPSN and Shenzen Fairylakes Botanical Gardens workshop (Hui Dong, FLBG)

06 BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) 1www.euphresco.org Countries with IPSN Member Gardens

Countries with International Advisory Group Members

EUPHRESCO Partners Countries with IPSN Member Gardens and International Advisory Group Members

IPSN resources and training plant specimens in their collection. Through using this standardised The IPSN aims to build capacity and approach, e.g. listing all the signs and capability in botanic gardens and symptoms that are indicative of a biotic arboreta in order to support surveying cause, alongside the training documents and good biosecurity practise. Since its that accompany the form, it is hoped launch the IPSN has run a number of staff will become familiar with such workshops, hosted by engaged botanic warning signs and become constantly gardens; including workshops at on the lookout. The form’s creation Shenzhen Fairy Lakes Botanical Gardens involved collaboration from leading (China) (see p. 16-19), Huntington diagnostic scientists alongside botanic Botanical Gardens (U.S.), Royal Botanic garden staff such as the Yorkshire Gardens, Kew (UK) and the Yorkshire Arboretum (UK), whose involvement is Arboretum (UK). All of these gardens discussed further on page 9-11, and the Illustrating damage by the goldspotted oak borer already have experience in surveying Core Facility Botanical Garden at the (Abby Hird, BGCI) and pest identification, and were able to University of Vienna (). share examples of best practises with The IPSN is currently in the pilot phase of attendees. Establishing links between The future of the IPSN developing an online reporting system organisations, including botanical and a supporting public-facing database. institutes, is another key component in The IPSN is coming to the end of its This work is being led by CABI; a not-for- the work of the IPSN. initial 3 years of funding, in which time profit research and publishing it has established a global network of organisation that focuses on international The IPSN website (www.plantsentinel.org) participants and developed a potential development. CABI has much experience supports a host of training materials. infrastructure for monitoring and in this area having previously developed This includes examples of best practise, surveying. The next phase of the IPSN the CABI compendia, inventories of comprehensive guides to damage, will be to utilise these resources and datasheets for known pests, and the posters, forums, and links to external provide meaningful data to plant health Plantwise Knowledge Bank, a diagnostic databases, resources and information regulators that can ultimately help tool to aid farmers in hard to reach from around the world (see p. 31-32). conserve plant species from new and regions. The IPSN previously facilitated emerging plant health risks. A key part a link between CABI’s open-access Resources include tools to aid surveying of this work will be to continue to Invasive Species Compendium and work, most notably an IPSN developed provide support, guidance and training BGCI’s PlantSearch database, to guide surveying tool called the Plant Health to botanic gardens and arboreta. users to the major threats for a given Checker (see p. 33-36). This form This will aid staff, volunteers and plant species. This new reporting system enables users to check for, record and students in collecting data; providing aims to build on this, potentially further then make a logical decision regarding evidence to address research gaps and linking existing databases, and providing ‘next steps’ for infected and damaged identify potential future threats. an easy and user-friendly tool for staff to

BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) 07 , Kramer, A. and Hird, A., 2011. Building an international sentinel plant network. BGjournal, 8: 3-6.

, MacLeod, A., Evans, H.F. and Baker, R.H.A., 2002. An analysis of pest risk from an Asian (Anoplophora glabripennis ) to hardwood trees in the European community. Crop Protection , 21 (8): 635-645.

, Pautasso, M., Aas, G., Queloz, V. and Holdenrieder, O., 2013. European ash (Fraxinus excelsior ) dieback–a conservation biology challenge. Biological Conservation, 158 : 37-49.

, Tomoshevich, M., Kirichenko, N., Holmes, K. and Kenis, M., 2013. Foliar fungal pathogens of European woody plants in Siberia: an early warning of potential threats?. Forest Pathology , Discoloured needles as a result of Dothistroma needle blight 43 (5): 345-359. aid in the collection of surveying data. , Baker, R. H. A., Battisti, A., Bremmer, , Woodland Trust. 2016. The system will simplify and aid data J., Kenis, M., Mumford, J., Petter, F., https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visi collection whilst providing data storage Schrader, G., Bacher, S., De Barro, P., ting-woods/trees-woods-and- for results; allowing gardens to access Hulme, P. E., Karadjova, O., Lansink, wildlife/british-trees/native-trees/ash/ and manage previously uploaded records A. O., Pruvost, O., Pyšek, P., Roques, - accessed 10 January 2016. to track the progress of any damage. A., Baranchikov, Y. and Sun, J.-H. The front-facing database will also help 2009. PRATIQUE: a research project Ellie Barham plant health scientists to identify and to enhance pest risk analysis Botanic Gardens Conservation track any reports, signs, symptoms or techniques in the European Union. International, 199 Kew Road, organisms of concern, and provide a way EPPO Bulletin, 39: 87–93. doi: Richmond, TW9 3BW, UK to identify patterns of symptoms, spread 10.1111/j.1365-2338.2009.02246.x [email protected] and host species. , Britton, K.O., White, P., Kramer, A. and Ultimately, the IPSN aims to create a Hudler, G., 2010. A new approach to viable and robust network that will be stopping the spread of invasive championed by BGCI; it is included in its insects and pathogens: early 5-year strategic plan, but led by its key detection and rapid response via a stakeholders. This includes botanic global network of sentinel plantings. gardens and arboreta alongside National New Zealand Journal of Forestry Plant Protection Organisations, Regional Science , 40 : 109-114. Plant Protection Organisations and plant health scientists. , Halmschlager, E. and Kirisits, T., 2008. First report of the ash dieback To find out more about the IPSN, pathogen Chalara fraxinea on including how to get involved, Fraxinus excelsior in Austria. Plant please go to www.plantsentinel.org Pathology , 57 (6): 1177.

References: , Kenis M., Roques A., Sun J. H., Fan J. T., Kirichenko N., Baranchikov Y., , Aukema, J.E., Leung, B., Kovacs, K., Tomoshevich M., Yart A., Holmes K. & Chivers, C., Britton, K.O., Englin, J., Péré 2011. PRATIQUE Enhancements Frankel, S.J., Haight, R.G., Holmes, of pest risk analysis techniques. T.P., Liebhold, A.M. and McCullough, D.G., 2011. Economic impacts of non- , Kowalski, T., 2006. Chalara fraxinea native forest insects in the continental sp. nov. associated with dieback of United States. PLoS One , 6(9), ash ( Fraxinus excelsior ) in Poland. p.e24587. Forest Pathology , 36 (4): 264-270.

08 BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) Author: John Grimshaw

TREE HEALTH, IPSN AND THE YORKSHIRE ARBORETUM

The Yorkshire Arboretum has provided a test site for the International Plant Sentinel Network (IPSN) and is involved with other initiatives to monitor the spread of pests and diseases.

Introduction The collection comprises a wide range of hardy trees and shrubs including native n the face of current unprecedented species and the former forestry trees that threats to trees from novel pests and were on the site previously. The garden in Idiseases, botanic gardens have a Ray Wood has a diverse collection in its frontline role to play in monitoring their own right, notably of Rhododendron . presence and spread. Collections are Approximately 35% of the total collection under regular scrutiny by staff, records is of known wild origin. The Yorkshire Arboretum Director testing plant are often detailed, and they form part of material for Dothistroma needle blight a wider scientific network. In addition, Pests and diseases such gardens are often able to maximise usually non-fatal but damaging diseases possibilities for crowd-sourced data In the North Yorkshire countryside several such as poplar cankers, willow collection (‘citizen science’), using their important tree diseases are easily anthracnose Drepanopeziza sphaerioides reputation to recruit volunteers while their observed: the continuing presence of and powdery mildew Erysiphe alphitoides facilities can be used for training or, Dutch elm disease Ophiostoma ulmi on native oaks ( Quercus robur, Q. petraea ) importantly, public engagement. affecting regenerating elms Ulmus spp.; that are so familiar that they no longer Occupying 48 ha of former parkland the seldom-mentioned Phytophthora alni arouse comment. Dothistroma needle on the Castle Howard estate, North causing massive die-off of alder Alnus blight Dothistroma septosporum is well Yorkshire, UK, and with a satellite 10 ha glutinosa along watercourses; and Ash established, and the arboretum has had to woodland garden in Ray Wood adjacent dieback Hymenoscyphus fraxineus which fell many interesting but badly affected to Castle Howard 1 km away, the is becoming ever more established pines in consequence. Phytophthora arboretum was founded in 1979. throughout the area. In addition there are ramorum has been found a few kilometres

BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) • 09-11 09 away but fortunately has not yet appeared Sentinel Network (IPSN), a three-year in the vicinity of the arboretum, where EUPHRESCO project funded by the UK’s old larch plantations would be at risk. Defra. The IPSN aims to create links However the less familiar (and less between botanic gardens and arboreta problematic) P. cambivora and P. plurivora around the world and the wider plant have both been found on beech within the health community. The network will utilise collection. the many eyes of the botanic gardens’ staff and volunteers to observe and report In addition to these major and tree diseases present in collections. This widespread diseases the arboretum hosts information can be used by the plant other organisms of interest and concern. health community to take prompt action European Mountain Ash Ringspot- to prevent pest and disease introduction associated Virus (EMARAV) is present and spread. In 2014, following previous on Sorbus , and has previously only been contact through the OPAL Tree Health issues using the traffic light system. The identified in the United Kingdom at RBG initiative (a UK Citizen Science project), trial of the proforma with our volunteer Kew and in the Highlands of Scotland. Ellie asked us to become active members teams revealed misunderstandings in However, since its discovery in the of IPSN and to take part in developing the terminology, and the need to ensure that arboretum it has now been looked for reporting system. volunteers are familiar with technical and found on Sorbus elsewhere in North terms; knowledge cannot be assumed. Yorkshire, an example of how the more A number of workshops were If there are evident problems with the detailed observations possible in a tree, the system escalates to Step 2, collection can be used to stimulate h“eld at the Yorkshire Arboretum where a more experienced observer can investigation elsewhere. Dieback of with prototype recording sheets, undertake a more detailed assessment, branches of the St Lucia Fir Abies perhaps leading to the submission of bracteata was eventually traced to the resulting in refinements to the samples for diagnosis, or recognition of fungus Allantophomopsis pseudotsugae , IPSN system. a known problem. but a slow decline leading to death in Zelkova species has yet to be identified. ” The person surveying the tree in Step 2 We have not suffered any novel problems The end result, the IPSN Plant Health should ideally be familiar with the species with pests in the past four years, Checker (available for both broad-leaved and individual specimen. The importance but it is worth mentioning that the and coniferous trees) provides a way of of this became clear during the greatest threat to the collection and assessing a tree’s state of health. It uses a development work done at the arboretum. successful establishment of many taxa two-step ‘traffic light’ system: green Assessment of a tree requires a comes from the Grey Squirrel Sciurus indicates normal health, amber a situation reasonable understanding of healthiness carolinianus , a reminder of the diversity that requires follow-up and red is a as a baseline position, against which of threats faced by trees. warning that something is evidently very symptoms of ill health can be compared. wrong (An example of the plant health Curatorial personnel will often have International Plant Sentinel Network checker can be found on page 33-36). intimate knowledge of the specimen, together with an understanding of the Fera is located at Sand Hutton near Step 1, the initial assessment, is intended conditions in which it is growing. Many York, only 13 km away from the to be undertaken by non-specialist symptoms of poor health do not have arboretum, along with the UK volunteers who can give the tree an pathogenic origin. For example a late frost Government’s and Plant Health inspection, and flag up any obvious can kill new shoots; poor planting, Agency (APHA). Professor Nicola Spence, Chief Plant Health Officer, is a trustee of the Yorkshire Arboretum and through her, and by making contact with key members of the Fera tree pathology team such as Dr Charles Lane, Consultant Plant Pathologist, we have developed an excellent relationship with the plant health community there. Our diverse collection of trees makes the arboretum an ideal site for workshops and field studies, while also providing samples of pathogens of interest – the Allantophomopsis and Zelkova problems mentioned above being key examples.

One of the team based at Fera is Ellie Barham, an employee of BGCI who is the Coordinator for the International Plant IPSN diagnostic training at the Yorkshire Arboretum

10 BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) especially through the deployment of realistic but gigantic insect models in the arboretum. This was well received by children and their parents – a similar event will be repeated this year.

Conclusion

The IPSN has recognised that the staff and volunteers in botanic gardens, arboreta and other public collections are very well placed to undertake observations on tree health that can act as a warning to the wider world. This could enable action to be taken before a problem becomes too widespread; Fera mycologist and arboretum volunteer looking for signs of disease citizen science also has a hugely important role to play in tackling this compaction or waterlogged soil can The major difficulty with the IPSN for us, international concern. cause unthrifty growth; deficiency and probably for other participating diseases present frequently; some taxa gardens, is finding the time and personnel We see our connection with the IPSN struggle in unsuitable conditions, and to undertake the surveys amongst a busy and other initiatives as part of our glyphosate can have very unusual effects. workload and limited staff. Volunteers are scientific remit and an area in which Such curatorial experience can greatly aid one answer, but they require training and we can make a contribution that is not understanding regarding a dubious Step 2 requires staff input. Information on overly taxing on an organisation with symptom. paper forms needs transcribing into the limited resources of either time or IPSN electronic record-keeping system, finances, but has a unique resource in its There remains the issue of what to do a labour intensive task. We are looking diverse collection of trees. We are all at about a diseased tree. Amber on the forward to trialling an electronic version of the frontline in the battle with pathogens, Plant Checker System suggests watching the Plant Health Checker, developed by and our collections should be used for and waiting, revisiting later in the season CABI, which uses a tablet to enable direct the benefit of all. Not only can we or the following year to monitor any recording in the field, downloadable monitor diseases, but we can also development of problems, but when there direct to the IPSN database. This online discover which trees are resistant or less is an evident critical problem, what form will also comprise guidance and susceptible, making diverse collections should the curatorial decision be? The help in order to support surveyors, which particularly important. For example, we main objective of the IPSN is to know will also help ease the process. have over thirty taxa of Fraxinus in the what pests and diseases are causing collection and monitoring these for damage and thus are potential threats, so Other initiatives and training health in the time of ash dieback may diagnosis should always be the next step. have significant consequences for the This is essential if we are to understand In collaboration with Fera and APHA the replacement of trees lost from the and tackle the problem of tree disease. Yorkshire Arboretum has also been active landscape due to this disease. Once a diagnosis has been made a in other areas of plant health science and decision needs to be taken on the public awareness. Our collection of Botanic gardens have a huge role to play infected tree’s future. At the Yorkshire Dothistroma -infected pines has been in stimulating public and governmental Arboretum we often have interesting used as the basis of a volunteer project, awareness of plant pests and diseases, discussions with our friends from Fera, trialling the GENIE system for rapid, in- which are at their most conspicuous who would like to study an infected tree field genetic tests, and as a pilot for when affecting trees. We can also for its ‘nice’ pathology, while our aim is to spectroscopy tests measuring the mobilise citizen scientists to undertake keep the collection as healthy as possible coloration of infected and healthy trees as monitoring of tree populations both on through its removal. a rapid survey technique. An international site and in the wider landscape, and group of nematologists visited last year, engage with professional pathologists, and fortunately found nothing of which requires a coordinated approach. significance. In 2015 the arboretum was A further step might be the production of used to host training sessions of best practice guidelines for biosecurity in volunteers for the Observatree initiative, botanic gardens, or on how to deal with which uses citizen science through a diseased plants present in a collection. nationwide cohort of observers who As a community we could do a lot more. monitor woodlands for pests and diseases, with some notable successes Dr John M Grimshaw FLS to date. An APHA-led event during the Director, The Yorkshire Arboretum October half-term holiday raised public The Yorkshire Arboretum, Castle awareness of tree health problems, Howard, York YO60 7BY

BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) 11 Authors: John Clemens and Eckehard Brockerhoff

Biosecurity and the management of invasive species is a top priority for a garden with a long history of plant introduction

CONTRIBUTIONS OF CHRISTCHURCH BOTANIC GARDENS TO PLANT HEALTH AND BIOSECURITY IN NEW ZEALAND

12 BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) • 12-15 Introduction Many ‘worlds’ in one place

he 21 ha Christchurch Botanic Botanic gardens cast in the colonial Gardens is part of a 9,000 ha mould have typically brought together Tparks network throughout urban plants from many continents, not just to and wilder areas of Christchurch. In the delight visitors, but to reflect civic pride past the Botanic Gardens have been the and economic development. Such centre for numerous plant introductions, gardens were built on the translocation including the unintentional importation of of indigenous plants from other lands some that might have become invasive (McCracken, 1997). In the 1880s, plants, plant pests and pathogens. In Christchurch Botanic Gardens had a recent decades the Botanic Gardens “pie chart” arboretum with each slice have worked with several other agencies dedicated to growing trees from a Collaborating scientists work into the night to protect our biodiversity and to different continent (see image below). alongside the public to identify plants during a educate our visitors about conservation, BioBlitz. Drs Steve Wagstaff (seated) and Colin care for the environment, and plant Bringing plant worlds together and Meurk (standing). health in the city and beyond. redistributing new plants to the colonial public was fettered only by the price and indigenous potato orchid ( Gastrodia ), The primary goal of the Botanic Gardens availability of propagating material. several species of which occur in the is to help visitors appreciate and However, the seeds, cuttings, budwood, Botanic Gardens and locally (Macdonald understand the plant world. As whole plants and soil in which they were et al ., 2015). Other fungi lead to the resources permit, we mount activities grown, along with the mud on the boots decline and death of the introduced trees, under the banners of display, education, of those transporting them brought such as the polypore fungus of beech, research and conservation, guided by pests, diseases and benign associates Meripilus giganteus , and Armillaria, the targets of the Global Strategy for of other lands. Ganoderma and Agrocybe species. Plant Conservation. Biosecurity and the management of invasive species is Colonial gardens became not It is a wonder that the plants, local and therefore a top priority in a country that imported, managed to survive in this has a history of having to deal with past “so much botanic decorations as strange mixture of the world’s invasions and protecting against new intimate mixtures, microcosms biodiversity. It is likely that many ones (Allen & Lee, 2006). introduced plants did not establish of the world's biodiversity, successfully in past decades or persist, The Botanic Gardens are in a strong synthetic ecosystems where the but their absence today goes unnoticed. position to address global challenges of conservation and biosecurity. Their imported mingled with the local The biosecurity setting governance means their influence wildlife. extends outside the core 21 ha of its New Zealand is a trading nation. Its grounds into the wider city parks ” economy, enhanced by a growing tourism network. They have wide cultural and A snap 24-hour survey in 2005 to raise industry, is dependent on the movement biological diversity, and the expertise public awareness of biodiversity (termed across its borders of people, products of collaborators in universities and a BioBlitz) found around 1,200 different and the materials needed for production. government research and biosecurity organisms living wild in our Botanic Although geographically isolated from organisations nearby. In addition, the Gardens and the surrounding Hagley other land masses by nearly 2,000 km of million plus visitors who visit the Botanic Park, over a third of which were the South Pacific Ocean, movements of Gardens annually have the opportunity introductions from overseas. The people and materials through its ports to learn about important biosecurity species list included 100 species of and airports pose a constant threat to the messages and potentially to contribute annelids, mites and insects, 300 country’s indigenous wildlife and primary to biosecurity surveillance and response. bacteria, 100 algae, 23 freshwater industries. invertebrates, almost 300 plant species, and 79 fungi. Although most of these are Incursions of harmful pests and diseases overlooked or unseen by the public, can be costly for a small country of 4 some of the fungi associated with million people; for example it cost $25m introduced vegetation are favoured by to eradicate a Queensland fruit fly local collectors. The most popular target incursion in New Zealand's largest city is the cep or penny bun ( Boletus edulis ), Auckland in 2015, and an imported introduced with oak trees by early bacterium of kiwifruit vines first detected settlers from the UK (Cooper, 2012). in New Zealand in 2012 cost growers over $200m annually at the height of the Many fungi form beneficial associations infection. A tight regulatory system Plan of the 1887 arboretum (circled) within the with our plants, e.g. mycorrhizal species, currently helps to minimise the risk of Botanic Gardens in the shape of a ‘pie chart’. Each or are needed for plant establishment and biological incursions like these (Acosta "slice" was dedicated to trees of a different continent. survival, e.g. fungi supporting the and White, 2011).

BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) 13 Working with the Forest Research Institute (Scion) and the University of Canterbury, we surveyed the abundance of species on the 50 pine species and other conifers growing in the Botanic Gardens. The survey discovered new associations and, surprisingly, selectivity for different conifers among our (Redlich et al ., 2013). Research such as this can contribute to the effort of the International Plant Sentinel Network to alert the relevant national authorities to new potential threats. These might be insect pests in their own right, or vectors of asymptomatic diseases already present, that could threaten plantations and indigenous A playful "jail" containing the caricature of a Most un-Wanted pest plant boneseed ( Chrysanthemoides forests in New Zealand or in other monilifera ssp. monilifera ): part of an educational display on invasive plant eradication. countries where these trees or aphids occur. On the other hand, introduced plants in botanic gardens, arboreta, city streets Studies in the Gardens have and private gardens can provide unique opportunities for the early detection of “identified new host-pest pest and disease problems, and provide associations. clues to their control. They also provide research opportunities and help us to ” educate the public about plant health Managing potential invasions challenges and good biosecurity practice. There is little doubt that botanic gardens have been, at least partially, instrumental Pest and disease surveillance in the escape of invasive plant species in the past (Hulme, 2011). This is hardly The New Zealand Ministry for Primary surprising as they are virtually "training Industry (MPI) undertakes routine high grounds" for the successful risk sites surveillance (HRSS) of forestry establishment of newly introduced Gum tree, Christchurch Botanic Gardens and landscape plants throughout the species freed from the pests and country (Acosta and White, 2011). This diseases present in their native range. The importation of most plants and other determines which pests and diseases They are also typically located near cities organisms is today strictly controlled, are already present, and if they are and waterways that provide disturbed which is in stark contrast with the spreading. However, the main purpose habitats for colonisation. They are also situation in earlier centuries. M a-ori of HRSS is to give authorities an early potential sources of propagules of cultivated the treasured kumara and warning of new arrivals, to enable timely species. Of course, a botanic garden is other plants brought by their ancestors responses of incursions and to increase only one agent among many that have from elsewhere in the Pacific over 700 the probability of successful eradication imported and distributed introduced years ago. These were overshadowed by (Brockerhoff et al ., 2010). HRSS survey plants. Nonetheless, city councils such the >25,000 plant species that have lines in the Christchurch Botanic as Christchurch’s have active been introduced and cultivated in New Gardens are regularly surveyed by programmes to monitor, control and Zealand since European settlement in specialist consultants employed on eradicate pest plant species emanating the mid-1800s (Gordon, 2012). behalf of MPI. from whatever source.

As well as providing the seeds of today's New Zealand has already accumulated Groom et al . (2011) described how a primary industries, landscapes and hundreds of plant-feeding invertebrates, botanic garden can lead to the escape of garden plantings, these plants - and their mainly since the mid-1800s, with aphids species that grow well within its grounds, accompanying organisms - can pose a being by far the most common plant- e.g. shade-loving species from a garden serious threat to economic, plant, human feeding group with 110 recorded species dominated by forest. At the Christchurch and environmental health (Goldson et al ., (Martin and Paynter, 2014). However, until Botanic Gardens staff are well aware of 2015). Fruit trees and other edibles are recently we had limited information on the the risk of releasing potential invaders of increasingly being planted in urban parks abundance and feeding preferences of both open and forest habitats. The and private gardens, adding to the these aphids with respect to introduced Botanic Gardens were founded in an area abundance of plant species that could plant species, some of which were that did not contain any trees in the 1850s, harbour pests and diseases to threaten threatened with extinction in their and the indigenous species present at the crop production. countries of origin (Arnet et al ., 2015). time were predominantly those of

14 BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) grasslands, wastelands, wetlands and threatening classroom. Behind the , Gordon, D.P. 2012. other open habitats. These open habitats scenes, staff and science and New Zealand are still abound in Christchurch and the governmental collaborators take inventory of surrounding region, being especially advantage of the rich biodiversity to biodiversity. Volume prevalent since the 2010/11 earthquakes. receive early warning of incursions and to 3: kingdoms bacteria, However, the study of naturally colonising study plant-insect and other associations. protozoa, chromista, indigenous plants within the Botanic These two realms, the public and the plantae, fungi . Canterbury University Gardens showed a move in recent years expert, are complementary, with the Press, Christchurch, New Zealand. from species that favour open habitats to public making a significant contribution forest- and forest margin-loving species towards detecting new organisms. While , Groom, Q.J., Ronse, A. and Hoste I. (Fig. 1). invasive threats are real and bear serious 2011. The reasons for exotic plant consequences, a future in which the invasions and why botanic gardens Some potentially invasive plant species public understands and is supportive of are particularly vulnerable . BGJournal are kept and used in educational biosecurity measures is a bright one. 8: 18-22. programmes that alert the public to the threats these plants can pose. No Acknowledgements , Hulme, P.E. 2011. Addressing the invasive species are propagated for threat to biodiversity from botanic wider distribution. We also cultivate We wish to thank Rory McLellan and gardens . Trends in Ecology & close relatives of known invasive culprits Paul Stevens (Senior Advisors, Plants Evolution 26 : 168–174. but only when these are sterile or show Surveillance Incursion and Investigation, no tendency to spread vegetatively. As MPI Wellington) and Botanic Gardens , Macdonald, K.J., Lennon, Z.J., always staff are alert to any change in staff who contributed helpful information Bensemann, L.L., Clemens, J. the behaviour of plants in their care, for this article. and Kelly D. 2015. Variable pollinator detecting invasive tendencies before dependence of three Gastrodia these get out of control. References species (Orchidaceae) in modified Canterbury landscapes . New Zealand The future , Acosta, H. and White, P. 2011. Atlas of Journal of Ecology 39 : 208-213. biosecurity surveillance. 2011-May . The Christchurch Botanic Gardens, like Wellington, New Zealand, Ministry of , Martin N.A. and Paynter Q. 2014. others around the world, offer amazing Agriculture and Forestry. Predicting risk from adventive opportunities for helping members of the herbivores to New Zealand public to understand biosecurity issues in , Allen, R.B. and Lee, W.G. (eds.) 2006. indigenous plants . New Zealand engaging ways in a natural, non- Biological invasions in New Zealand . Entomologist 37 : 21-28, Springer, Berlin. DOI:10.1080/00779962.2012.759308

80 , Arnet, M., Santos, B., Brockerhoff, , McCracken, D. 1997. Gardens of E.G., Pelser, P.B., Ecroyd, C. and empire: botanical institutions of the Clemens, J. 2015. Importance of Victorian British Empire . Leicester 60 arboreta for ex-situ conservation of University Press, Leicester. threatened trees . Biodiversity and Conservation 24 : 3601-3620. , Redlich, S., Clemens, J., Pendrigh, D., 40 Godsoe, W., Bader, M., Teulon, D. , Brockerhoff, E.G., Liebhold, A.M., and Brockerhoff, E.G. 2013. Richardson, B. and Suckling, D.M. Identifying new associations between 20 2010. Eradication of invasive forest aphids and Pinaceae using plant insects: concepts, methods, costs and sentinels in botanic gardens . benefits . New Zealand Journal of [https://www.bgci.org/resources/3299 0 Forestry Science 40 : S117-S135. / retrieved 5 Jan 2016]. 1864 1919 2011 , Cooper, J. 2012. Mycological Notes John Clemens Forest and forest margin species 11: Boletus edulis in Canterbury . Manager Conservation and Grassland and open habitat species http://www.funnz.org.nz/node/78 Sustainable Development Wasteland and other habitat species [accessed 5 Jan 2016]. Curator Christchurch Botanic Gardens Christchurch City Council Fig 1: Numbers of forest and forest margin species , Goldson, S.L., Bourdôt, G.W., PO Box 73036, Christchurch 8154, colonising naturally in the Botanic Gardens have Brockerhoff, E.G., Byrom, A.E., Clout, New Zealand greatly increased in recent years. M.N., McGlone, M.S., Nelson, W.A., Popay, A.J., Suckling, D.M. and Eckehard G. Brockerhoff Top: High risk sites surveillance (HRSS) survey lines Templeton, M.D. 2015. New Zealand Principal Scientist (numerous dashed yellow/pink lines) within the pest management: current and future Scion (New Zealand Forest Research Botanic Gardens (solid white line). From Acosta and challenges . Journal of the Royal Institute), PO Box 29237, White (2011, Map 16). Society of New Zealand 45 : 31-58. Christchurch 8540, New Zealand

BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) 15 Author: Hui Dong

MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF COMMON NURSERY AND LANDSCAPE PESTS IN SHENZHEN, CHINA

Fairylake Botanical Garden’s approach to building an online significant damage to landscaping plants locally, affecting the horticultural industry digital interactive Pest Guide in a new Chinese megacity by reducing the quantity and quality of nursery plants. Identification of common nursery and landscape pests currently depends on taxonomical literature. Introduction in the fern nursery, representing more More specifically, it relies on the than one third of China’s native fern comparison between the specimens and nventory, phenological recording, species. Furthermore, the garden has the reliable collections which have been digitization, and online management national leading collections of previously identified by experts. Iof cultivated and wild plants are key Gesneriaceae, Magnolia , bryophytes, However, few such collections exist. components of the conservation efforts Acanthaceae, Hoya, Begonia, Plumeria , in botanical gardens. Since its Palm, Bougainviellea , aloe, aquatic In order to fill that gap, FLBG initiated establishment in 1983, Fairylake plants, Araceae, and shade plants. the current project in 2013; building an Botanical Garden, Shenzhen & Chinese online digital interactive pest guide of Academy of Sciences (abbreviated as The documentation and identification of common nursery and landscape pests FLBG below) has emphasized its pests and invasive species is critical to in Shenzhen. The main objective is to conservation work. Among 21 special the garden’s management. The past assemble a “digital reference” in the collection areas across the garden, the decade has seen an increased interest in form of a collection of datasheets, cycad collection is of most importance pests of nursery and landscape plants, images, distribution data, molecular data and is where the National Cycad largely in response to the accidental (DNA barcodes) and bibliography. This Conservation Center is based. It holds introduction of several invasive species set of information will serve as a basic approximately 240 species in ex situ in recent years, such as the leaf on-line reference collection and will cultivation, representing nearly 80% of beetle ( Brontispa longissima ) and the facilitate current and future projects on the world’s cycad species. There are Erythrina gall wasp ( Quadrastichus nursery and landscape pests in also approximately 700 species of ferns erythrinae ). These species have caused Shenzhen.

16 BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) • 16-19 monitoring, identification and documentation of Shenzhen’s nursery and landscape pests, playing an important role in plant protection at FLBG and municipal parks of Shenzhen.

Pest investigation and digitalization

The need for accurate data on the pests of landscaping plants in Shenzhen has resulted in several pest surveys (Table 1), undertaken by FLBG and university researchers. A project supported by Botanical Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) and the International SZCIQ’s Plant Post-Entry Quarantine Center Plant Sentinel Network (IPSN) entitled ‘Studies into Chinese longhorn in Background 1999). However, in Shenzhen during a the Shenzhen region and investigation similar period (1985-2001) the number of into the Plagionotus genus in China’ was The location of Shenzhen, near Hong plant species increased 406% (from 58 launched by FLBG in 2015. This study Kong, has been a site of human to 294) for both native and non-native used literature studies and on-site habitation for a few centuries. It was species (Ye et al . 2012). Non-native surveys to increase knowledge and designated as a Special Economic Zone species have been introduced mainly understanding of longhorn beetles in in 1979, as it has one of the first from Hong Kong and other countries Shenzhen. 108 longhorn beetle samples international trade ports in China. In 34 due to the explosive growth in trade were collected in Shenzhen, belonging years, the population of Shenzhen grew and urban development. to 45 morphological species. Results explosively from about 300,000 to 10.63 from the above studies have supplied million (UN DESA 2012) and the urban FLBG is the most important important information for the decision- area increased from 64,625 ha in 1996 making process in pest control at to 84,115 ha in 2004 (Li et al . 2010). “integrated botanical research Shenzhen (Feng 1998; Feng et al .; 2000; Presently, Shenzhen is categorized as institute in Shenzhen, and Liu et al . 2015). one of the first-tier cities in China, along with the three other biggest cities; provides horticulture and So far, 2,102 specimens (damaged plant Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai, landscape support to urban specimens, pinned-specimens, fluid- based on population and economic preserved specimens, slides) of common power (Ye et al . 2012). greening efforts. nursery and landscape pests in Shenzhen ” have been digitalized, with each Shenzhen has 218 parks and 5,000 specimen being given an individual hectares of scenic forests (van Dijk The Plant Protection Laboratory in FLBG barcode for reference. Two hundred and 2009). The number of native plant which was established in 1988, is one of twelve pest datasheets have been species in Shanghai fell by 43-53% the laboratories which belong to the Key developed, including 200 insects, 10 during a period of urban development Laboratory of Southern Subtropical Plant mites and 2 nematodes. The datasheets (1980-2000) (Yang et al . 2002; Xu et al . Biodiversity. It is devoted to the comprise fully referenced sections on

Title of Project Lead Year Insects Disease Weeds Total Researchers

Research on pests and FENG Hui 1998 389 347 10 739 controlling method of Ling landscape plants in Shenzhen

An Enumeration of Landscape FENG Hui 2000 288 202 9 499 Plant Pests, Diseases and Ling et al . Weeds in Shenzhen

Checklist of Major Landscape DONG Hui 2013 180 155 9 344 Pests in Shenzhen and CHEN Shenghu

Pest monitoring through an Android app Table 1. The surveys of landscaping plant pests in Shenzhen

BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) 17 developed as an application of the living 1. Providing digital keys that facilitate the plant collection database for FLBG to identification of common garden pests. gather and organize field data, which can 2. Establishing applications of molecular be managed on remote Android devices identification of common garden pests (Fig. 2). Information collected is used in based on mtDNA COI gene fragment research projects and, together with (DNA barcodes). output from pest forecasts developed at FLBG, is delivered to the horticultural The morphological identification system department monthly. Those for the uses traditional dichotomous keys Shenzhen City are published on FLBG’s including high-quality illustrations and/or website monthly (www.szbg.ac.cn). photographs. In addition to providing an image gallery of landscaping pests, an automatic identification system for Monthly pest forecasts are identifying insects based on images of delivered to the horticulture certain groups (such as butterflies) will Barcode library available online “ be developed in the future. department. and nomenclature, diagnostic ” The molecular identification system features, host plants, biology, images and serves as a workbench with distributional data. This set of records is Pest identification using digital management, quality assurance, and freely available at http://ipip.csdb.cn/. keys and DNA barcoding analysis of barcode data. It is a system with flexible security, web based Pest monitoring and forecasting Pest identification and classification is delivery, and full interface with molecular time-consuming work requiring expert sequence databases, such as GenBank, Monitoring for pests and diseases is a knowledge. In order to facilitate garden BOLD (Ratnasingham & Hebert, 2007), fundamental step in creating a proper and urban pest management, FLBG ITIS, and so on. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) developed an online digital interactive program. There are many methods pest guide of common nursery and Collaboration on plant employed to monitor the pests and landscape pests in Shenzhen. This biosecurity diseases of landscape plants and pests project is developed in collaboration of the herbarium at FLBG, such as sticky with Shenzhen Greening Administration FLBG has been collaborating closely with traps, pheromone traps, malaise traps and the Computer Network Information the Shenzhen Entry-Exit Inspection and and light traps. A solar insect monitor is Center, CAS (CNIC). The aim of this Quarantine Bureau (SZCIQ) on invasive set up in the garden to track the presence study was to establish morphological species monitoring, pest identification, and population development of key pests. and molecular identification systems isolated inspection and quarantine. Plants The monitor uses light traps to collect to facilitate remote detecting and from abroad, introduced to FLBG through nocturnal insects and the captured monitoring of landscaping pests to international exchange programs, are insects are killed and dried by infrared prevent them from further spreading in quarantined at SZCIQ’s Plant Post-Entry ray and preserved separately. The pest FLBG and Shenzhen city. The main tasks Quarantine Center before being planted in monitoring function has also been are as follows: the nursery of FLBG. There are 16 isolation rooms in SZCIQ for plant quarantine, including common isolation rooms, advanced isolation rooms and risk simulation rooms.

The collaboration between FLBG and SZCIQ also covers weed identification and fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) monitoring. The botanists of FLBG Herbarium have joined several weed investigations in Shenzhen-Hong Kong Ports and fruit fly traps are set up in FLBG every April to November.

Education and training

FLBG serves as the biodiversity research base for local universities, including Hong Kong Baptist University, Sun Yat- Sen University, South China Agricultural University, and IPSN workshop hosted by Fairylake Botanical Gardens Shenzhen Polytechnic. In addition,

18 BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) Pest Identification Platform

Morphological Molecular Data Searches Identification Identification Horticulture System System System

Pest DNA Barcodes Pest Digital Keys Databases Database Forecasting

Host Identification Pest Control Gallery Light trap Databases Tools Method

FLBG provides a diverse range of formal and informal education programs for Distribution Pesticide people of all ages and at all levels. The Map Database IPSN workshop ‘The Identification and Diagnosis of Longhorn Beetles in China and nearby Countries’ was successfully held in FLBG on March 26-27, 2015. Pest identification in Fairylake Botanical Gardens The course was supported by BGCI and organized by FLBG. Twenty four bugs (Acanthosomatidae) of Ontario participants from 17 institutions, and adjacent areas: A key to species including staff from botanical gardens, and a review of the fauna. Canadian students from universities and Journal of Identification government officials from Shenzhen No. 24, 1 September, 2013. Available Quarantine Bureau and Hong Kong online at http://www.biology.ualberta. Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation ca/bsc/ejournal/pmmm_24.html Department attended this workshop. , Ratnasingham, S., & Hebert, P.D.N. Reference 2007. BOLD: The Barcode of Life Data System (http://www. barcodinglife. , Feng, H.L. 1998. Research on pests org). Molecular Ecology Notes , 7(3): and controlling method of landscape 355-364. A non-native beetle identified by FLBG scientists plants in Shenzhen. (Project report) , van Dijk, M.P. 2009. Citing online , Feng, H.L., Xie, H.B., and Li, Z.L. sources: Ecological cities, what are 2000. An Enumeration of Landscape we heading for and are new towns Plants Pests, diseases and Weeds in examples of ecological cities? Shenzhen. Fairylake Botanical Available from http://naerus.net/web/ Garden. pp. 1-74. sat/workshops/2009/Rotterdam/pdf/v anDijk_Meine.pdf [accessed 10 , Li, T.H., Li, W.K., and Qian, Z.Z. 2010. October 2015]. Variations in ecosystem service value in response to land use changes in , Xu, B.S., Ou, S.H., and Yang, B.S. Shenzhen. Ecological Economics , 1999. Flora of Shanghai. Shanghai 69 : 1427–1435. Scientific and Technology and , Yang, Y.C., Da, L.J., and Qin, X.K. Document Press, Shanghai, China. 2002. A study of the flora on , Liu, D.M., Liang, Z.Y., Dong. H., He, F., pp 1-953. Shanghai Scientific and Dajinshan Island in Shanghai. Journal Yi, Q.F., Xu, Y., and Xing, F.W. 2015. Technology and Document Press. of Wuhan Botanical Research . 20 : Technical Code for Pest Control in Location is Shanghai. 433–37. Urban Green Land. Quality and Technical Supervision Bureau of , Ye, Y.H., Lin, S.S., Wu, J., Li, J., Zou, Hui Dong Shenzhen. J.F., and Yu, D.Y. 2012. Effect of rapid Fairylake Botanical Garden, Shenzhen urbanization on plant species diversity & Chinese Academy of Sciences , Paiero, S.M., Marshall, S.A., in municipal parks, in a new Chines 160 Xianhu Road, , McPherson, J.E. & Ma, M.S. 2013. city: Shenzhen. Acta Ecologica Sinica , Shenzhen, GD, P.R.China, 518004 Stink bugs (Pentatomidae) and parent 32 : 221–226. [email protected]

BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) 19 Authors: Daniel Stern and Rachel McCarthy

THE SENTINEL PLANT NETWORK: ENHANCING BIOSECURITY BY LEVERAGING THE CAPACITY OF PUBLIC GARDENS TO SUPPORT EARLY DETECTION OF AND RAPID RESPONSE TO INVASIVE ALIEN PESTS

Colorado beetle (Shutterstock)

costly and, as a result, typically restricted combatting invasive alien pests. to a small sample of incoming cargo. In Partnerships like the Sentinel Plant addition, pests present in plant material Network illustrate how their capacity or products (e.g. wood packaging) can can be leveraged to support early easily be hidden or in an unidentifiable detection and rapid response efforts stage at the time of inspection and thus along several fronts. go unnoticed. Launched in 2011 with financial support While important, these prevention tactics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture nvasive alien pests represent a are not sufficient. Early detection strategies – Animal and Plant Health Inspection significant threat to agriculture, forests are imperative for biosecurity because the Service (USDA – APHIS), the Sentinel Iand the vital ecosystem services that longer an invasive species goes unnoticed, Plant Network is a collaborative they provide. With the volume of the more difficult it becomes to eradicate partnership between two organizations international trade increasing by about or control. But, in order for early detection with complementary resources and a five percent per year since 2000, the risk to work, it must be coupled with rapid and shared commitment to plant of introduction continues to grow. effective response techniques. As such we conservation. Although prevention is the preferred also need regulatory agencies and the mode of invasive species management; work that they do to eradicate or limit the The first is the American Public Gardens both preclearance (port of export) and spread of invasive alien pests. Public Association, which was founded in 1940 exclusion (port of entry) inspections are gardens need to take a leadership role in and has grown to include more than 585

20 BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) • 20-22 garden staff in basic plant diagnostics, significant pests and diseases in their region, potential threats, and best practices for monitoring their collections. These events, which have served 420 individuals from 170 different public gardens to date, have also provided a valuable opportunity for the Sentinel Plant Network to build relationships between the public garden community, diagnosticians and regulatory officials so they can work together more effectively on the front lines of early detection. Sentinel Plant Network Workshop In addition to in-person training, the institutions, spanning all 50 states, the NPDN has grown into an internationally Sentinel Plant Network provides member District of Columbia, Canada, and 24 respected consortium of laboratories gardens with monitoring tools (e.g. countries. The Association advances the that are engaged in diagnostics, training camera-equipped dissecting scopes) so field by encouraging best practice, offering and communication. The capacity that they can efficiently communicate with educational and networking opportunities, NPDN brings to the Sentinel Plant diagnosticians and get timely and equipping public garden professionals Network includes: accurate identification of pest and disease with the tools they need to celebrate and problems. The Network also engages preserve plants creatively and sustainably, • A nationwide network of diagnostic its members year-round through geo- and advocating on behalf of its members expertise and laboratory infrastructure; targeted pest and disease alerts. These and public gardens worldwide. The • A national database where diagnostic alerts contain actionable information capacity that the Association brings to the results are recorded and available for about what garden staff should be on early detection of serious plant pests and review by a variety of stakeholders; the lookout for, phenological cues, host diseases includes: • A cohesive chain of communication plants, common symptoms, and links to that ensures that any observations of the program’s threat-specific monitoring • Hundreds of gardens who maintain pests or diseases with potential checklists and visual aids. detailed records in their stewardship quarantine significance are reported of tremendously diverse taxonomic immediately to appropriate regulatory Public gardens have a collections and natural areas; officials and decision makers unique capacity to educate the • Thousands of front-line horticulturists responsible for responding to and “ and garden volunteers who observe mitigating new outbreaks. public about the impact of the plants under their care daily; • Millions of people that visit member The Sentinel Plant Network contributes serious plant pests and diseases gardens annually who can learn about to plant conservation by engaging public and encourage their support of serious pests and diseases, act as garden professionals, volunteers and citizen scientists and support rapid visitors in the early detection of serious regulatory control measures. response and regulatory action. plant pests and diseases. Since its ” launch in 2011, the program has grown Public gardens provide immersive However, in a 2011 BGCI survey of to include more than 200 gardens across experiences with nature that can help botanical institutions around the world, North America. visitors make the connection between most respondents indicated that their the urban landscape and the forest. organization relied entirely on external Public garden staff and volunteers are partners for insect pest and pathogen well positioned to contribute identification or that their organization observational data that improves our had some in-house expertise but could understanding about the distribution of use more help (Kramer and Hird, 2011). serious plant pests and diseases and help identify emerging threats because This expertise is brought to the they are intimately familiar with and partnership by the National Plant maintain detailed accession records Diagnostic Network (NPDN), a branch about the diverse plants under their care. of the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. NPDN was established The Sentinel Plant Network enhances in 2002 to enhance security in this capacity by providing training and agricultural and natural ecosystems in resources on monitoring for pests and the U.S. Pooling the collective efforts of diseases and engages front-line professionals at Land Grant Universities, horticulturists to survey their collections. federal agencies, state departments of Since 2011, the Network has conducted agriculture and other stakeholders. 16 regional workshops to train public

BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) 21 When a plant in the garden captures a visitor’s interest, it also presents a unique informal learning opportunity to engage that person on subjects related to forest health and plant conservation. The Sentinel Plant Network capitalizes on this opportunity by developing eye- catching interpretive signage and plant labels featuring high-consequence pests and diseases. At a glance, visitors can learn about the threat and its impact, Sentinel Plant Network workshop steps the public can take to help prevent its spread, and the importance of early Besides reaching visitors as they walk gardens in forest health protection and detection, rapid response and regulatory through their plant collections, public plant conservation. The Plant Protection action. Each of these pieces also bears gardens also serve as centers for formal Program also includes Plant Heroes, the a quick response (QR) code which, when education in their communities. The Association’s youth education program. scanned with a smartphone, takes the Sentinel Plant Network leverages this The vibrant Plant Heroes activity books, garden visitor to a threat-specific landing capacity by providing member gardens comics, field guides and other materials page on a mobile-friendly website where with curriculum materials to encourage available at www.plantheroes.org are they can learn more. To date, over 500 class participants to get more involved great for public garden professionals, of these pieces have been deployed at by becoming a certified member of parents and teachers looking for more than 50 Sentinel Plant Network NPDN’s First Detector Network. To date, innovative ways to educate young gardens across North America. Sentinel Plant Network gardens have learners about the importance of plants Public gardens can engage new delivered this content to thousands of and involve them in protecting forests audiences to get involved in early program participants. from the threat of invasive species. detection efforts as citizen scientists. The American Public Gardens References Association’s participation in the Sentinel Plant Network falls within the , Kramer, A., A. Hird. 2011. Building an Association’s Plant Protection Program, international sentinel plant network . which encompasses a variety BGjournal 8(2): 3-6 of activities and resources that Support for the Plant Protection Program engage public comes from the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the USDA Forest Service – Forest Health Protection Real Impact Division. For more information about the Plant Protection Program, Plant Heroes “The cool thing is that my volunteers were trained to or the Sentinel Plant Network visit look for [viburnum leaf beetle], and I had also sent out VLB fact http://publicgardens.org/programs/plant sheets (alerts to watch out for) to all of our horticulturists recently; the -protection-program. For more Sentinel Plant Network training helped make these early finds possible.” information on the National Plant Tom Tiddens, Plant Health Care Supervisor, Chicago Botanic Garden Diagnostic Network and their First Detector Network, visit http://npdn.org/. There have been numerous early detections by Sentinel Plant Network gardens over the past five years, but the recent events at one member garden in Daniel Stern is the Manager of the particular truly epitomize the full capacity that public gardens play in early American Public Gardens detection and rapid response efforts. In early 2014, Sentinel Plant Network Association’s Plant Protection garden, Bloedel Reserve, submitted a plant sample to their state’s NPDN lab Program and coordinates the that was subsequently diagnosed as positive for Phytophthora ramorum , a Association’s participation in the waterborne pathogen of quarantine significance. Instead of being paralyzed by Sentinel Plant Network. Daniel can be this devastating diagnosis, the news launched the Bloedel Reserve into action. reached at [email protected]. The garden worked closely with officials from the Department of Agriculture to conduct a delimitation survey to identify all additional infected plants on garden Rachel McCarthy is a Training and grounds so that they could be destroyed. The garden also implemented soil Education Coordinator for the steaming treatments in affected areas, and assisted with a “trace-back” National Plant Diagnostic Network investigation to find the source of infection. The garden continues to train their and coordinates their participation staff and educate visitors on sanitation practices to mitigate the spread of the in the Sentinel Plant Network. pathogen. In addition, the garden leveraged the local publicity to enroll more Rachel can be reached at community members in First Detector trainings at the garden. [email protected].

22 BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) Authors: Marek Barta, Peter Ferus and Peter Ho ka ť

BIOSECURITY OF WOODY PLANT COLLECTIONS IN MLYNANY

A section of North American flora in the arboretum (Juraj Kuba).

The Mly nany Arboretum manages the largest living surrounding biodiversity protection in does not provide adequate collectioˇn of non-native trees and shrubs in Slovakia. provisions to tackle the ca. 40% of vascular and ca. 16% of non-vascular The trees are regularly monitored for the presence of plants that are estimated to be endangered in the country (Government native and alien pests and pathogens in order to identify of the Slovak Republic, 2013). In 2013, the updated National Strategy for organisms that could present a potential risk to tree health. Biodiversity Protection to 2020 was adopted by the Slovak government with the aim to halt biodiversity loss and the degradation of ecosystems by 2020. Introduction of trade that create conditions Biosecurity and the fight against invasive appropriate for new and emerging non- alien species were both highlighted in otanic gardens and arboreta native pests, diseases, and weeds. this national strategy. worldwide face the issues of Botanic gardens and arboreta usually Bprotecting living plant collections, manage large and diverse plant The Mly nˇany Arboretum is the only biodiversity and natural habitats from collections which offer an excellent botanic garden exclusively specialised in various biological threats that may cause opportunity to monitor, understand, and collecting exotic woody plant taxa in plant damage or disorders. These issues predict new potential biological threats Slovakia. It is situated in south-western are a result of human-caused global to plant health and the biodiversity of Slovakia in one of the warmest and environmental changes and globalisation natural habitats. The present legislation driest areas of the country with an

BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) • 23-27 23 Mly nˇany Arboretum – a rich collection of non-native woody plant taxa in Slovakia

The Mly nˇany Arboretum, founded by a Hungarian noble Dr. István Ambrózy- Migazzi in 1892, houses the most unusual collections of trees and shrubs in Central Europe. Dr. Ambrózy-Migazzi and his followers adopted a neglected piece of land, turning it into a beautiful park visited by scientists, students and the public. An enthusiastic naturalist, Dr. Ambrózy- Migazzi, often visited the Mediterranean area and, impressed by the local evergreen flora, decided to establish a collection of evergreen plants in the continental climate at the southern foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. In 1892, he began creating his idea of an Escaped from the Mlyn any Arboretum into the “evergreen park”, and evergreen species adjacent black locust fˇorest (Peter Ferus). were planted into an oak-hornbeam forest of ca. 40 ha (98.84 acres). Soon after the However, the issue of biosecurity is initial plantings, he and his assistant Josef included as a matter of attention within Mišák, a qualified gardener, succeeded in the arboretum’s General Management building an extraordinarily rich assortment Plan for Living Collections. Mly nˇany of approximately 250 evergreen and semi- Arboretum currently collaborates with the evergreen taxa - the most abundant plant National Plant Health Agency (the Slovak collection of such species in Central Central Controlling and Testing Institute Europe at that time. Contemporary in Agriculture) focusing on the issues of botanists and professional gardeners plant propagation, plant protection, and disputed that such a park was possible as internal and external quarantine. The it was the first garden in the area to try collaborative relationship between the and acclimatise evergreens under Agency and plant growers is anchored in continental climate. Research on biology of invasive seed bug national legislation, but also has an Leptoglossus occidentalis in the arboretum. element of voluntary participation In 1953, the Slovak Academy of Sciences through consultation and advisory took over the Mly nˇany Arboretum with average annual temperature of 9.86°C services available to growers. the ambition not only to preserve the and an average annual rainfall of 577.94 mm. The arboretum manages the largest living collection of non-native trees and shrubs in Slovakia and houses one of the richest collections of such species in Central Europe.

This high plant diversity “means an abundance of potential host species for harmful exotic pests and diseases. ” This also means there is an increased potential for non-native plants to become invasive in a new environment. At present, the Mly nˇany Arboretum does not possess a risk management plan that would encompass a detailed policy framework on how to predict, identify, and manage potential biological threats. An aerial view of the Mly nany Arboretum (BTV Blu cina). ˇ ˇ

24 BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) Many new plant parasites h“ave been detected and studied in the arboretum’s collections. ” During the past 15 years more than 400 taxa of exotic woody plants have been evaluated and numerous species of parasitic fungi were found on assimilative organs (280 species) or branches (226 species) (Juhásová 2002a, 2002b, 2004).

Undisputedly, among the most aggressive fungi observed during the survey was Cryphonectria parasitica (Murr.) Barr responsible for sweet chestnut blight A side view of the mansion from the rose garden (Marek Barta). and bark cancer. This fungus is a typical example of an invasive plant parasite evergreen park, but also to extend the gardens and arboreta. It is likely that with a huge impact on tree vitality. In the plant collection to grow as many exotic every botanic garden around the world Mly nˇany Arboretum, a severe infection of trees and shrubs in this climate as has already had serious exotic pests an experimental plot by this invasive possible. After 1967, extensive considered as threats to its plant collections of non-native woody species collections. Therefore, it is vital that were planted in new sections. The plants biosecurity measures form a substantial were arranged aesthetically according to component of plant management plans phytogeographical principles, i.e. plants in botanic gardens. 17% were established in groups which were based on the differing ecosystems of Introduction of new exotic plant species is 14% their native habitats. In total, a new area generally thought to be linked with an of 27 ha (66.72 acres) was established to increased risk of the introduction of new grow East-Asian (19.5 ha – 48.18 acres) (invasive) pests and diseases. Biosecurity and North-American woody species (7.5 research in the Mly nˇany Arboretum dates 69% ha – 18.53 acres). Besides these two back to as early as 1967 when the large collections, other smaller ones were Institute of Dendrobiology was established for North-Korean flora, native established and a project of plant pests flora and a rose garden. Nowadays, the was initiated under the direction of Prof. Mly nˇany Arboretum manages the largest František Ben cˇat. The main aim was to Conifers park in Slovakia, almost 67 ha in extent. study mutually beneficial relationships (Semi-) evergreens Visitors can find here more than 1,930 between introduced plant hosts and their Deciduous woody taxa, approximately 1,100 of them parasites, focusing on identifying new are wild species and more than 600 are introductions in connection with the arrival Figure 2. Categories of trees and shrubs growing in cultivars. The plant collection is of exotic plant species to the arboretum. Mly nˇany Arboretum in 2012 (Ho tka and Barta 2012). represented by more than 1,300 ´ deciduous, 273 evergreen or semi- evergreen, and 327 coniferous taxa 1,107 (Ho tka and Barta 2012). ´ Exotic woody plants harbour exotic pests

Over the last few years, a number of 617 plant pests and diseases have been found in Europe for the first time and have caused significant damage to either 235 the native flora or to commercial crops. 83 180 These threats have increased due to the 11 18 globalisation of trade and with climate change. New emerging pests and Families Genera Species Subspecies Varieties Forms Cultivars diseases can also cause significant damage to living collections of botanic Figure 1. Taxonomic profile of the living collections of the Mly nany Arboretum in 2012 (Ho tka and Barta 2012). ˇ ´

BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) 25 distance from the arboretum’s border. The following seven species were found; Acer negundo L., Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh., Prunus laurocerasus L., Ilex aquifolium L., Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt. and Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud. Thirteen years later, a similar analysis was repeated in the black locust forest, but the study area was extended to an abandoned apple orchard located along the arboretum’s east border and also to a thin belt of wild vegetation Black cherry ( Prunus serotina (Ehrh.) Borkh.) and Oregon grape ( Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt.) along the outside border of the arboretum. Altogether, 27 exotic woody pathogen killed all 262 trees of the arboretum, many first records of taxa were reported with a predominance intraspecific Castanea sativa × C. sativa mostly fungal and insect species of East Asian species, though North and interspecific C. sativa × C. crenata parasitizing on exotic trees and shrubs American species dominated, including crosses established in 1981-1982 within have been published. However, no direct black cherry ( Prunus serotina (Ehrh.) just a short period of five years (2009- link between incursion of new pests and Borkh.), red ash ( Fraxinus pennsylvanica 2014). Much work has been done on C. intentional introduction of plant species Marsh.), and Oregon grape ( Mahonia parasitica as it seriously endangers crop has been observed. aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt.), which were production of sweet chestnut. Biological most likely distributed by birds and/or control of the disease by hypovirulent When introduced plants become wind. According to the National strains has been intensively studied in weeds Regulation No. 24/2003 (Government of laboratory and field experiments the Slovak Republic, 2003), land owners (Juhásová et al . 2005). Over 300 insect If non-native plants are grown over a are obliged to eradicate listed invasive species were found in trophic association long period of time, they stand a better plant species, however, in reality, this is with exotic woody plants in the arboretum chance of naturalizing, which is the first very rarely practised. Therefore the including mostly new records of alien step to becoming an invasive problem. arboretum’s ambition is to provide phyllophagous lepidopterans like Of course, not all exotic species will knowledge transfer and danger alerts on Cameraria ohridella, Phyllonorycter become invasive, and they are invasive plant species to local farmers, platani, P. robiniella, P. leucographella, considered to be invasive only when foresters, and local authorities. robiniella, Coleotechnites they cause harm. In Slovakia, 126 piceaella, trifasciata, A. thuiella species of invasive and 79 potentially Meetings and training is delivered by the and Cydalima perspectalis (Hrubík, 2002; invasive vascular plants have been arboretum’s staff, external experts, and Barta, 2009; Barta & Konôpková, 2013). recorded (Government of the Slovak representatives of the national regulatory Recently, selected non-native pest Republic, 2013). Invasive plants possess body for employees, land owners, species have been studied to understand a set of specific traits that characterize horticulturists, students, and visitors to their life history, host spectrum, and local their invasive potential. The disseminate information on invasive dispersal (e.g. Leptoglossus occidentalis, naturalization of exotic woody plants is plant species and the necessity of their Megabruchidius tonkineus, Cameraria carefully watched in the Mly nˇany effective management. ohridella, Chloropulvinaria floccifera ) Arboretum and the botanical staff has (Barta & Ferus 2014; Barta, 2015). Since assessed the invasive potential of Research on invasive plants has been the plant health monitoring was initiated in “problematic” species. From a the focus of the arboretum for several biosecurity point of view, capacity of years. Recently, a cooperation with the these species for self-expansion is a very Taipei botanical garden (Taiwan) and dangerous trait. Therefore seedlings of Multidisciplinary Institute of Plant spontaneously ‘escaped’ exotic plant Biology in Córdoba (Argentina) has species from cultivation need to be started to assess the prospects for localized, identified, quantified and then bioregulation of the invasive tree-of- effectively eradicated. Surveys on heaven ( Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) spontaneous escape of woody plants Swingle) in Central Europe and to outside the arboretum’s fence started explain changes in honey locust relatively recently, and the first of them (Gleditsia triacanthos L.) preceding its was carried out at the end of the last switch to invasive behaviour. The century (Tomaško, 1999). Focusing only arboretum also participates in the on a specific area of black locust “European information system for alien ( pseudoacacia L.) forest, situated species” (European COST action TD on the south-western side of the 1209) which aims to contribute to early Meeting in the arboretum’s mansion to disseminate arboretum, the presence of exotic woody warning tools and the development of actual information on invasive plant species. species was analysed with increasing rapid response protocols.

26 BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) Conclusion 12 12 In 2015, the Mly nˇany Arboretum updated Graph 1 Graph 2 its Plant Management Strategy and incorporated biosecurity measures. 9 9 r r e Prevention rather than cure is the e b b m emphasis of plant biosecurity in the m u u n n

6 6 s arboretum, since there are many pests s e e i i c that can only be controlled to a limited c e e p p S extent and not eliminated. S 3 3 Regular surveying of plant collections, application of 0 0 , t y y y a y a h s n r r i t r “ r c a a o o i s r o o r e E h h o A

h h e

n c sanitation practices, conducting c e t N c c l a o o s m r o o r d p r a A o a d e m o E i z t B r e employee training and effective i o t M n d d n e A n A E monitoring of imported seeds and M plant material are fundamental Figure 3. Geographical origin (Graph 1) and dissemination mode (Graph 2) of non-native woody species measures implemented in the detected behind the arboretum’s fence in 2012. biosecurity strategy. , Barta, M. 2015. Biology and , Juhásová, G. 2002b. The most ” temperature requirements of the important fungal diseases on invasive seed bug Leptoglossus sempervirent ornamental woody plant Since early identification of pests provides occidentalis (Heteroptera: Coreidae ) species. Proceedings of papers 110 a greater chance for success of control or in Europe. J. Pest. Sci. DOI years of Arboretum Mly nˇany , p. 60-65. eradication programmes, we regularly 10.1007/s10340-015-0673-z monitor the occurrence of native and alien , Juhásová G. 2004. Results of pests and pathogens of plants with the , Barta, M. & Konôpková, J. 2013. phytopathological research of woody aim to identify organisms that could Important pests of evergreen woody plants in Arboretum Mly nˇany . present a potential risk to tree health. plants in Mly nˇany Arboretum SAS. Proceedings of papers Introduction and The arboretum works together with local Proceedings of papers Woody plants acclimatisation of trees in conditions of universities (Slovak Agricultural University in public greenery , p 215. central Europe p. 235-241. and Constantine the Philosopher University) and forest diagnostic , Barta, M. & Ferus, P. 2014. Potential , Juhásová G., Adamíková K., and laboratories (the National Forest Centre) spatial distribution modelling of non Robin, C. 2005. Results of biological for plant pests and pathogens native bruchid beetle Megabruchidius control of chestnut blight in Slovakia . identification. As a member of Botanic tonkineus in Slovakia. Proceedings of Phytoprotection 86 : 19-23. Gardens Conservation International and papers Dendrological Days in Mlyany the International Plant Sentinel Network, Arboretum SAS 2014 , p. 1523. , The Government of the Slovak the arboretum has a chance to Republic, 2003. Regulation of the collaborate with other member gardens , Ho tka , P. and Barta, M. 2012. Ministry of Environment of the Slovak on building an early warning system for Inve´ntory of Living Collections of the Republic for the implementation of the new pest risks. Worldwide, botanic Mly nˇany Arboretum SAS. VEDA, Law no. 543/2002 On nature and gardens and arboreta can effectively and Bratislava, 136 landscape protection. relatively quickly share their data on incursion of new invasive species and , Hrubík, P. 2002. Results and current , The Government of the Slovak thus produce a strong global network as a issues on exotic woody plant Republic, 2013. Updated National tool of early warning system. protection in Slovakia. Proceedings of Strategy for the Protection of papers Growing and protection of Biodiversity to 2020. References exotic woody plants in Slovakia p. 40-49. , Tomaško, I. 1999. Invasive dendrotaxa , Barta, M. 2009. Occurrence of pests of Arboretum Mly nˇany. Invasions and on introduced woody plants under , Juhásová, G. 2002a. Vulnerability of invasive organisms 2, SNK SCOPE & conditions of Arboretum Mlyany SAS exotic woody species by parasitic SEKOS, Bratislava, p. 183-190. during 2007-2009. Proceedings of fungi. Proceedings of papers Growing papers Dendrological Days in Mly nˇany and protection of exotic woody plants Marek Barta, Peter Ferus Arboretum SAS 2009 , p. 32-40. in Slovakia p. 50-60. and Peter Ho tka Institute of Fo´rest Ecology SAS Mly nˇany Arboretum Vieska nad Žitavou , Slovak Republic

BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) 27 Authors: Rachel Warmington and Katie Treseder

SURVEYING, MONITORING AND QUARANTINING FOR NOTIFIABLE PESTS AND DISEASES AT THE EDEN PROJECT

Aerial shot of the Eden Project

Introduction The Eden project has experience of managing a wide range

he Eden Project is a botanic of pests and diseases associated with large-scale planting garden, educational charity and and the unique environments of its biomes. Tvisitor attraction in Cornwall, which has been open to the public since March 2001. It was designed to celebrate the interdependence of plants and people, and to educate people about the need to nursery. Nearly two million individual and growing plants from around the care for the world. Located in an old plants make up Eden’s collection, with world in preparation for the biomes, it china clay pit at Bodelva, the 105 hectare over 1,000 species being located in the was realised that there was a significant site consists of the outer estate (car Rainforest biome. risk of importation of invertebrate pests. parks, wetland, grassland, copses and This was despite ensuring that all plants an orchard), outdoor gardens (separated Pest and disease management were imported with their relevant plant into themed areas such as the outdoor passports and phytosanitary certificates. Mediterranean, crop production and wild In the fifteen years since opening, there Indeed, many of the pest and disease Cornwall) together with two large have been many pest and disease management issues faced today at the geodesic biomes that provide a humid management challenges following the Eden project can be attributed to the tropical environment (the Rainforest first plantings in the rainforest biome. large scale planting which occurred in biome), a warm temperate environment Even at the early stages, when a small the early years, as well as the unique (the Mediterranean biome) and the team of horticulturists started procuring environments created in the biomes.

28 BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) • 28-30 Despite ensuring that all imported plants the horticultural team use pest check had the relevant documentation, and sheets in weekly inspections, which are working closely with the local Plant then passed to the Plant Health team. Health Inspector and the Central Science These use specific plants which act as Laboratory (now Fera), many non- sentinels to enable pest populations to indigenous pests were accidentally be surveyed for and assessed. The team introduced into the gardens, but in also report on any additional problems, particular the rainforest biome. These such as dieback, fungal growth, leaf include nigronervosa (banana spots and nutrient deficiency symptoms, aphid), Aleurotrachelus atratus (palm providing photographs and samples infesting ), Nipaecoccus nipae when the symptoms are high up in the (coconut or spiked mealybug), Opogona tree canopy. sacharri (banana borer) and Coccus viridis (green coffee scale). These pests A combination of passive are the subject of a containment notice Example of a pest and disease check sheet from DEFRA, meaning we are obliged to “and active monitoring ensures monitor pest populations and maintain how long a plant needs to be in that plants at all sites are an integrated pest management quarantine before it can either be programme to control them. In addition, planted at Bodelva, or be placed with regularly monitored. the notice also stipulates that strict other stock plants at the nursery. A ” measures must be taken to ensure that minimum of 1 month of quarantine is these pests are not allowed to escape given for temperate plants compared to In the outdoor gardens, Mediterranean from the rainforest biome, restricting the 3 months for tropical plants. For new biome and the wider estate a plant material that can be removed from plant material a Plant Risk Assessment combination of general monitoring by the biome and requiring inspection of is carried out which helps to highlight the horticultural team and tree surveys any plant cuttings or seeds that do leave. any particular issues which will impact (which are carried out as part of the Tree Furthermore, all seeds and cuttings are the length of quarantining time required, Safety Policy) help to highlight problems. grown on in our quarantine facilities to i.e. the potential presence of pests with The Plant Health team also check all the ensure they are free from pests and cryptic life stages. The quarantined bulbs which are purchased each year for diseases before they are placed with plants are checked weekly by members planting in both the Mediterranean other plants from our collection. of the Plant Health team, who record all biome and the outdoor gardens. their findings on Eden’s plant database, These checks are carried out to prevent The nursery and quarantine facilities reporting any issues to be dealt with to diseased bulbs being planted (which has are based at Pentewan, approximately the nursery staff, as well as advising resulted in poor flowering occurring in six miles away from the main Eden site when plants can be moved out either to the past). This also links with our general at Bodelva. This site enables the be planted at Bodelva, or held at the quarantining and inspecting procedures, quarantining of all new plants, and any nursery. Numerous pests and diseases which specify that all organic matter cuttings or plants being moved from have been identified on new plants in must be checked by a member of the temporary displays, away from the main quarantine, sometimes resulting in plants Plant Health team before being brought collection. The quarantine area is divided being disposed of if there is no suitable into the gardens. In 2015 more than fifty into separate areas for temperate and treatment available, particularly if viruses thousand bulbs were checked before tropical plants, with strict protocols on are identified or suspected. planting, with basal rots, aphids and gummosis being just some of the Pest Identification problems identified on the bulbs which were then discarded or returned to In addition to quarantining plants in the suppliers. All problems found on the facilities at our nursery site at Pentewan, bulbs, as well as the number of bulbs we also have to continually monitor the discarded, are recorded for future main site at Bodelva, including the outer reference. estate, which is achieved by both passive and active monitoring. Passive Disease Identification monitoring is carried out predominately by the horticultural team whilst they are Previously Phytophthora ramorum has performing other tasks around the site been found in the gardens and as a (watering, weeding, pruning etc), but result we routinely use lateral flow device often other members of the Eden team kits (LFDs) to test any host plants with will also report to the Plant Health team symptoms. LFDs use the same anything that requires attention. For technology as home pregnancy testing active monitoring in the rainforest biome kits, using antibodies to detect antigens which are produced by all species of Large bamboo plants arriving as part of the first Phytophthora . A small piece of diseased plantings plant material is crushed in a buffer

BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) 29 solution, and a few drops of the resulting for Phytophthora . The results of this mixture are pipetted onto the lateral flow project provide a baseline data set for device. Any Phytophthora antigens future monitoring, and have highlighted present will react with the antibodies a number of trees which are showing in the device, causing a line to appear. some potentially concerning symptoms. If a positive result is found we call in our These specific trees will be assessed by local Plant Health Inspector to obtain a the Plant Health team who will decide on formal diagnosis. further action required.

Starting in May 2015, a project was Our laboratory facilities, based at the carried out by an intern with the Plant nursery site, enable the Plant Health Health team which extended our team to carry out microbiology work monitoring to surveying for and for identification of pathogens by recording of symptoms of notifiable microscopy. When required we will also diseases on the Eden Project site. send pest and pathogen samples to The whole site at Bodelva, including universities or Fera for molecular the outer estate, was divided into 25 characterisation. In addition to looking sections of approximately 200 x 200 at pathogens in the laboratory we also metres. For each section any host trees conduct our own testing of soil pH and of the pathogens Phytophthora conductivity, which can be useful when ramorum, P. kernoviae, Hymenoscyphus determining whether symptoms seen on fraxineus , and Ceratocystis platani were a plant are caused by disease or by identified and mapped using our plant nutrient deficiency. The temperatures in records database. They were then our compost heaps are also monitored visually identified on the ground, and recorded by the Plant Health team together with any hosts not listed in to ensure that they reach sufficiently high Plants being brought into the rainforest biome as our database; the GPS-location and, temperatures for a long enough period part of the first plantings if known, the accession number was to safeguard against pests and recorded. All trees were scored on a pathogens being inadvertently spread The horticulturalists out in the gardens scale from 1 to 5; 1 being ‘dead/dying’ around the gardens where the compost and working at the nursery report and 5 being ‘very healthy’. Scores were is used. potential problems to the Plant Health based on the overall appearance of the team, as well as completing the plant tree and any disease-specific symptoms The Eden Project team movement records. These records are were recorded separately. In addition, all managed by a dedicated Plant Records trees and shrubs showing any symptoms All of the plant health operating Scientist, using the database application of P. ramorum were tested using a lateral procedures we have in place at Eden BG-BASE, and they provide all the flow device. Fortunately all of the plants Project require everyone on the details required by the Plant Health team tested during this project were negative Horticulture team to work together. to operate the quarantine facility effectively. This includes the date plants arrived in quarantine, the original provenance of plants, where the plants were before on the Eden site (if not new plants) and any pest and disease issues previously identified in quarantine. Once armed with all of this information the Plant Health team is able to advise on control measures as required, plant movement around site, notifiable diseases and integrated pest management programs.

The on-going use of quarantining, restrictions on plant movements and the inspection of organic materials entering the gardens will help to safeguard our valuable plant collection for the future.

Rachel Warmington & Katie Treseder Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG [email protected] The Eden Project biomes

30 BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) RESOURCES

In the framework of the IPSN, BGCI has IPSN Guides developed a number of resources over the last few years aimed at building Plant Biosecurity in Botanic Gardens capacity and capability in the area of and Arboreta: this guide provides plant health and biosecurity amongst principles of good biosecurity; botanic garden and arboretum staff. precautionary steps aimed at reducing the risk of introducing and/or spreading All resources are available to IPSN harmful organisms. This is particularly Member Gardens through the ‘Members important for botanic gardens and only’ area on the IPSN website. IPSN arboreta as they move plant material membership is completely free and open regularly and have valuable/rare plant to all botanic gardens and arboreta. To collections to protect. find out more please go to: http://www.plantsentinel.org/get-involved Plant Health Governance: this guide introduces the structure of organisations that govern plant health policy. Botanic IPSN Plant Health Checker gardens and arboreta have a legal and moral responsibility to carry out good Available for broadleaf (pg 33-34) and biosecurity; knowing and understanding conifer trees (pg 35-36), this form allows relevant plant health policy is therefore users to assess, monitor and record important and can aid day-to-day damage on infected trees in a working. standardised format. Submitting Physical Samples: this It is accompanied by a comprehensive guide provides help on how to submit a guide detailing how to use the forms and diagnostic sample and how procedures providing details, including images, of change depending on what type of common signs and symptoms to be material is being sent. This may be aware of. It also helps to identify when important to ensure a diagnosis of a a problem should be escalated both particular pest or disease outbreak, and internally, e.g. to senior staff/different helps to save time, money and resources department, and externally, e.g. to seek that would otherwise be lost due to help diagnosing a problem or to report samples being submitted wrongly. any quarantine/organisms of statutory concern to the relevant authority. Taking Photographs for Diagnostic Purposes: this guide provides information on how to take photos which will enable diagnosticians to make an initial assessment of signs and symptoms (or for the garden’s own record to monitor damage). Photos will not be used to diagnose a plant pest or pathogen, but can be used to determine whether a physical sample is required for further investigation.

BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1) • 31-34 31 IPSN Posters

The IPSN has produced a series of posters detailing new and emerging pests and diseases of iconic UK tree species; including English oak ( Quercus robur ), European ash ( Fraxinus excelsior ), and Pinus spp. The organisms included all have the potential to enter the UK, either through trade or via natural spread, in the near future and are known to have a damaging effect on these species. Making UK botanic gardens and arboreta aware of these organisms could help in their early detection - should they be introduced – an important step in stopping their establishment and spread. A template has been designed in order to allow other countries to create their own poster series.

Similarly, the IPSN has developed a poster for Xylella fastidiosa , a bacterium causing damage worldwide due to its effects on various important plant species including grapes (Pearce’s disease) and olives.

Targeted surveys

The IPSN has been developing a number of materials for supporting botanic gardens and arboreta in carrying out targeted surveys for specific organisms. These are designed to collect valuable information for plant health scientists, addressing knowledge gaps for known damaging and potentially invasive organisms. This information will be used to support the development of Pest Risk Analyses (PRAs) and management techniques.

32 BGCI • 2016 • BGjournal • Vol 13 (1)

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