Dundreggan Biosecurity Protocols

Imported plants

No imported plants will be brought into the nursery, any trees required for planting sites on the estate which have not been grown on the nursery will be delivered directly to site from the supplying nursery. Guidelines related to planting native species and supply of planting stock will be adhered to

Rationale for tree species grown

Trees for Life has historically grown relatively small quantities of a wide range of native tree species at its nursery at Plodda lodge. The acquisition of Dundreggan estate and the subsequent sale of Plodda has created more space for nursery development along with a greater demand to supply planting schemes on the estate. This expansion has coincided with a significant increase in pathogens effecting both native & non-native tree species in the UK. This has required TfL to carefully consider which tree species to grow in its nursery.

The most significant diseases effecting native tree species are:

Dothisroma Needle Blight (DNB) on Scots Pine Pinus sylvestris Chalara fraxina or Ash Dieback on Ash Fraxina excelsior Phytophthora austrocedrae on Juniper Juniperus communis

To remove the risk of spreading 2 of the headline diseaseʼs we will not grow Scotʼs Pine Pinus sylvestris or Ash Fraxinus excelsior.

As well as currently growing juniper both from seed and cuttings we have a significant population of juniper growing on the estate. We are keeping a close eye on developments in relation to juniper and are keen to take an active role in the conservation of this biodiversity action plan species. At the present time we will continue to grow juniper and this highlights the need to be rigorous in our biosecurity procedures. We will regularly review the situation with regard to Phytophthora austrocedrae and implement any necessary changes promptly.

As well as the range of common native tree species grown we are intending to specialise in montane species and are currently growing Dwarf birch Betula nana as well as small quantities of montane willow species which is an area we are keen to expand. We have also built up considerable experience in the propagation of Aspen Populus tremula cuttings from root collections and are working closely with the Highland Aspen Group to continue and develop new methods of increasing productivity on a very wide range of Aspen clones.

Seed & cutting collection

We will endeavour to collect seed and cuttings from healthy parent plants in areas where there are no known disease issues.

Record keeping

Comprehensive records of trees produced on the nursery from seed (or cutting) collection to final dispatch along with a systematic labelling system will be maintained. Forest Reproductive Material (FRM) Regulations will continue to be adhered to.

Hygiene

Good hygiene will be practised to prevent the spread of pests and diseases: • Tools and machinery are cleaned at the end of each day. • Boots are washed at the start and end of each day working in the nursery – soapy water in footbaths is provided. • Any pots and trays which are to be re-used are disinfected before re-use. • Plant debris is removed promptly from the plant growing areas. • Gloves used for work in the nursery are kept and washed on the nursery, and not used for other estate work. • Vehicles only enter the nursery site when necessary, and if they are clean of mud and plant debris.

Plant Husbandry

Good plant husbandry will be used to avoid plant stress and plant vulnerability to pests and diseases whenever possible, e.g. • Monitoring fertiliser and watering regimes to avoid nutrient deficiency and under or over watering. • Avoiding prolonged leaf wetness by not using overhead irrigation late in the day. • Adequate ventilation of polytunnels. • Careful handling of bare-root trees to avoid damage and desiccation.

Water Management

Good water management to help prevent the spread of plant pathogens will include: • Not using recycled water. • All water storage tanks are covered. • Regular cleaning of tanks and irrigation lines. • Good drainage on plant standing areas and nursery beds.

Waste

All organic waste from the nursery is composted according to FERAʼs Code of Practice for Horticultural Waste (Paragraph 14a Treatment of Solid Waste: Composting) which minimises the risk of transmitting plant pathogens and pests when plant material is re-used.

Monitoring

Staff receive up-to-date information on the symptoms of tree diseases so that stock can be monitored and any problems identified early.