Phytophthora ramorum, the pathogen involved with Ramorum Blight/Sudden Oak Death was detected in plants (among a total shipment of 52,000 plants) shipped to PA from a nursery in Oregon. A mix of rhododendrons and other plants were sent to ‘big box stores’. The PA Dept. of Ag is initiating a trace forward effort to try to find plants that may be infected, immediately starting with the big box stores. It is likely that some of the plants from that shipment have been sold.
Any commercial nurseries, landscaper, etc. concerned with this issue should contact a PDA inspector or the Bureau of Plant Industry directly in Harrisburg and send samples via that route.
More information will be forthcoming, including fact sheets from PDA. Just be aware that there is a problem and that you may be receiving questions from clientele about this issue.
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