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Ash Dieback Disease (Chalara fraxinea) in Ireland

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  • 12-10-2012 8:24pm
    #1
    Pat McArdle
    Registered Users Posts: 21 ✭


    So Ash Dieback has been found in Ireland.

    http://bit.ly/TmdGhU

    Please, will everyone observe the voluntary moratorium on importing Ash? I'd hate to lose all our beautiful Ash trees. Dutch Elm Disease was annihilation enough for one lifetime.
    Tagged:


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    #2
    mountainy man
    Registered Users Posts: 981 ✭✭✭mountainy man


    This is really bad news, we all should be checking the origin of any trees we plant.

    I am of the generation that has never seen a mature elm.


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    #3
    TopTec
    Registered Users Posts: 1,167 ✭✭✭TopTec


    More information on symptoms here....

    http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/about-us/faqs/your-woods/Documents/ash-fcalert.pdf

    TT


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    #4
    robp
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,934 ✭✭✭robp


    Should there be a thread on this topic pinned to the top of the forum?


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    #5
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Why on earth are we importing ash trees? If ever there was a tree that we should be exporting, not importing, its ash. Coals to Newcastle. Are the Dutch (or whoever) really so efficient?


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    #6
    robp
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,934 ✭✭✭robp


    Deleted User wrote: »
    Why on earth are we importing ash trees? If ever there was a tree that we should be exporting, not importing, its ash. Coals to Newcastle. Are the Dutch (or whoever) really so efficient?


    They probably have a benefit of scale. Initially I would have suggested they would have lower labour costs but after checking some stats I don't think this is the case.

    The governments report suggested only 10% of planted stock is imported. Maybe, if its that low stopping further imports would be fairly doable.


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    #7
    periodictable
    Closed Accounts Posts: 931 ✭✭✭periodictable


    Pat McArdle wrote: »
    So Ash Dieback has been found in Ireland.

    http://bit.ly/TmdGhU

    Please, will everyone observe the voluntary moratorium on importing Ash? I'd hate to lose all our beautiful Ash trees. Dutch Elm Disease was annihilation enough for one lifetime.
    The horse has bolted yet more imported stock can come in. I'd like to see the Forest Service take decisive action on something important and impose an outright ban on the import of ash transplants. For the last number of years it has been more concerned with setback distances from roads and penalising plantation owners for the odd overlooked planting bag. It this is the best that it can do it should be named what it has become which is the "Forest Disservice".


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    #8
    Oldtree
    Registered Users Posts: 8,104 ✭✭✭Oldtree


    oh bugger!

    "voluntary moratorium" what a load of rubbish, where's the outright immediate ban?

    No mention in the press release of the endemic ash in the countryside, no doubt to underestimate the size of the problem.

    Too little too late, Leitrim is a deep penetration into the country. helpin the imports along was Coilltes decision to stop selling local stock to the public a few years back. Also the high quality of imported european stock put the isish producers to shame, as well as being cheaper.


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    #9
    Oldtree
    Registered Users Posts: 8,104 ✭✭✭Oldtree


    repeating info I know But the pictures and info on this pdf are too important not to be pushed on all threads about this ash disease, (from page 6 on)

    http://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2012/1121/Heinrich_Loesing.pdf


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    #10
    Oldtree
    Registered Users Posts: 8,104 ✭✭✭Oldtree


    more from the DOA today:

    "ash plants used from the same imported consignment related to the outbreak are currently being destroyed"

    http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/press/pressreleases/2012/october/title,67023,en.html

    Looks like its not gone native yet, here's hoping....


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    #11
    Oldtree
    Registered Users Posts: 8,104 ✭✭✭Oldtree


    more from the DOA yesterday:

    they were given a scientific presentation on the recent history and evolution of the disease on the continent

    Wouldnt be a bad thing to put this presentation online :rolleyes:

    "will be strengthened by the introduction of legal measures in accordance with the relevant EU legislation"

    well hurry up then...:rolleyes:

    http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/press/pressreleases/2012/october/title,67050,en.html

    a DOA/Teagasc pdf with pictures:

    http://www.teagasc.ie/forestry/docs/advice/InfoNote_Chalarafraxinea_121012.pdf


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    #12
    crackcrack30
    Registered Users Posts: 1,160 ✭✭✭crackcrack30


    Afraid i'm putting this years plans on hold for a while to see how this pans out....:(


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    #13
    Pete_Cavan
    Registered Users Posts: 6,707 ✭✭✭Pete_Cavan


    We really need to tighten our control and possibly even ban imports in order to protect our forestry and trees in general. Our government should be working with their counterparts in the North to ensure no such diseases reach our shores. As an island we have a huge advantage in that we can ensure our forestry remains a premium product which will not be effected by diseases present on the continent.

    I am sure there are EU laws which will not allow us to ban imports but allowing us to do so would also benefit the EU as they would have access to quality, disease free stock, grown in its native environment, with which to reintroduce such species onto the mainland in the future. The EU hasnt many options in terms of islands on which to grow these trees in a disease free environment. Surely our climate, our soils and the fact that we are an island will present major opportunities for us in the future? This dependant on us guaranteeing the disease-free status of this island.


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    #14
    Oldtree
    Registered Users Posts: 8,104 ✭✭✭Oldtree


    Agreed, but the porported thing stoping a ban on imports is the EU law against a outright ban on imports from other EU countries.

    The big "but" here I feel is:

    Who is going to take us to court for implementing an outright ban on Ash plants for the reason of national security of our own native stock??? :confused:

    I would doubt anybody would do so, or even if we were taken to court would there be a fine in this case of more than a cent and a slight repremand.

    Just ban ash imports (certified or otherwise) now before it gets too late and the problem gets out of hand.

    Our native stock is already being diluted with the brown budded ash, angustifolia

    http://www.coford.ie/researchprogramme/thematicareaestablishingandgrowingforests/ashgen/

    Unless the genetics of each tree planted is checked we could already have sown the demise of our native ash tree, in hybridisation terms.

    Michael Viney speaks out too:

    http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/weekend/2012/1020/1224325490188.html


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    #15
    CJhaughey
    Registered Users Posts: 14,906 ✭✭✭✭CJhaughey


    I don't understand the difference between importing animals (which need vet clearances for diseases etc) and importing plants.
    If you think logically plant imports should be subject to the same restrictions as animals but they seem to not be?
    Any country with half an ounce of sense would be immediately putting restrictions on any imported plant material to try and prevent this.
    Foot and mouth showed it can be done.
    Biosecurity is a state of mind, it can be done but need political will.


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    #16
    Yi Harr
    Registered Users Posts: 1,205 ✭✭✭Yi Harr


    The Society of Irish Foresters sent out a circular yesterday with some links in it. Worth the watch/read even if you haven't got ash as it may help you identify it when out and about.


    A FERA video on identification of the disease. Youtube

    A training presentation document.

    Web site dedicated to the disease with useful images.


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    #17
    Oldtree
    Registered Users Posts: 8,104 ✭✭✭Oldtree


    fantastic video giving us exactly what to look out for.

    Training presentation link dosnt work, but this one does

    http://www.fera.defra.gov.uk/plants/plantHealth/pestsDiseases/documents/ashDiebackTrainingPresentation.pdf

    This was on tha same site about "Q&A if GB legislation is introduced on Chalara":

    http://www.fera.defra.gov.uk/plants/plantHealth/pestsDiseases/chalaraQAs.cfm

    "Information pertaining to ash-dieback (Chalara fraxinea) work at Fera"

    http://www.fera.defra.gov.uk/plants/plantHealth/pestsDiseases/chalaraInfo.cfm

    From the Farmers Journal on the 20th Oct it appears that the imported infected trees have been here since 2009, that means that the wind borne disease has had 4 years to spread:

    http://www.farmersjournal.ie/site/farming-Forest-Service-detect-ash-dieback-in-Leitrim-15851.html

    also this page from the Forestry Commission updated yesterday:

    http://www.forestry.gov.uk/chalara


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    #18
    Oldtree
    Registered Users Posts: 8,104 ✭✭✭Oldtree


    "Ash dieback disease discovered in mature woodland in East Anglia: Chalara fraxinea found on Woodland Trust land"
    "Morgan said the trees found with the disease could have been infected some time ago, and that further tests were needed."

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/oct/24/ash-dieback-disease-east-anglia

    oh bugger x2


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    #19
    two wheels good
    Registered Users Posts: 1,996 ✭✭✭two wheels good


    This could turn into a real catastrophe for forestry in Ireland. An immediate ban on imports must be put in place.

    Please take the time to email the minister or Dept of Ag. with your concerns

    Email Addrs for:
    Dept of Ag
    Minister Simon Coveney


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    #20
    TopTec
    Registered Users Posts: 1,167 ✭✭✭TopTec


    Just watched the news on BBc which carried a pice on the outbreak in the UK. They have banned any further imports. The guys from the Forestry Commision and the Woodland Trust are not hopefull about eradicating the fungus.

    90% of ash has gone in Denmark alone.

    TT


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    #21
    Oldtree
    Registered Users Posts: 8,104 ✭✭✭Oldtree


    ban from monday in the UK, 8 months after they knew about it! Very quick there too.
    One option for containing the disease being considered by the Forestry Commission is destroying trees for over a thousand sq km next to infected sites.

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/oct/26/ash-dieback-imports-banned

    already id'ed in Buckinghamshire, Leicestershire, Yorkshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/georgemonbiot/2012/oct/25/ash-dieback-cameron
    http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/oct/24/ash-dieback-disease-east-anglia?newsfeed=true


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    #22
    robp
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,934 ✭✭✭robp


    Oldtree wrote: »
    ban from monday in the UK, 8 months after they knew about it! Very quick there too.
    One option for containing the disease being considered by the Forestry Commission is destroying trees for over a thousand sq km next to infected sites.

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/oct/26/ash-dieback-imports-banned

    already id'ed in Buckinghamshire, Leicestershire, Yorkshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/georgemonbiot/2012/oct/25/ash-dieback-cameron
    http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/oct/24/ash-dieback-disease-east-anglia?newsfeed=true

    The dept is issuing a ban in importation from all infected areas. Is this enough? Should there be an outright total ban?


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    #23
    Oldtree
    Registered Users Posts: 8,104 ✭✭✭Oldtree


    there should have been an outright ban within the EU on any movement of ash between countries years ago. But yet again the fools have left it too long.


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    #24
    Oldtree
    Registered Users Posts: 8,104 ✭✭✭Oldtree


    following from what robp says above:

    from yesterday "announced the introduction of legal measures to prohibit the importation into Ireland of plant material from ash dieback infected areas.

    and:

    The measures will make it an offence to import ash plants and seed from areas within the EU that are known to have the disease."

    http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/press/pressreleases/2012/october/title,67308,en.html

    so it is still ok to import ash from other areas not known to be affected by the disease yet, but the plants could still be infected unbeknown to the powers that be. Are they trying to kill off our ash, I have to ask what the agenda behind the importation of ash is all about.

    IMO we have to have a outright total ban now, say goodbye to a few years of ash planting and establish guranteed disease free native ash stock for planting in the years to come otherwise its the end of the story for ash here.


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    #25
    The_Conductor
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 32,278 Mod ✭✭✭✭The_Conductor


    So, we've identified stands in Leitrim thus far- is this the extent of it- and are we planning any of the clearances like the Forestry Commission have underway in Buckinghamshire? I'll see if I can dig out the official notices for SIF and the British Forestry Commission from last week- and I'll post them here (it'll be tomorrow).

    The big problem in the UK seems to have been that it was on forestry nurseries- who in turn transported it all over the country- so what could have been a localised problem- all of a sudden became a national one.

    Which other species are susceptible to CF? Its 100% definitely not limited to ash........?


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    #26
    Oldtree
    Registered Users Posts: 8,104 ✭✭✭Oldtree


    I dont think its the last we will hear about it, by a long shot. It has had plenty of time to disperse from both know and unknown sites of infection within this island.

    Did you notice under the "Notes for Editors" here

    http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/press/pressreleases/2012/october/title,67308,en.html

    Active surveillance, in place since 2008 is continuing by Department Forestry Inspectorate staff across ash plantations.

    The pretence of it, I'm gonna explode......

    As I linked to before plants here since 2009:

    http://www.farmersjournal.ie/site/farming-Forest-Service-detect-ash-dieback-in-Leitrim-15851.html


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    #27
    Oldtree
    Registered Users Posts: 8,104 ✭✭✭Oldtree


    smccarrick wrote: »
    Which other species are susceptible to CF? Its 100% definitely not limited to ash........?

    cant find any references of it going onto any other species other than other ash's, have you any links pl?


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    #28
    yellowlabrador
    Registered Users Posts: 1,176 ✭✭✭yellowlabrador


    Here's another video about ash dieback this time it's someone from Nottingham University
    http://youtu.be/DaYPjQE3Wtw


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    #29
    Oldtree
    Registered Users Posts: 8,104 ✭✭✭Oldtree


    North South chat on the situation:

    "the situation in relation to the single incidence of the disease is now under control."

    http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/press/pressreleases/2012/november/title,67393,en.html

    now theres an understatement again minimising the potential of the situation. I wonder where the leaf litter has gone from the last 3 winters since the infected trees were planted? Did they steralise the surrounding area to further prevent ingress into our lovely isle????

    Perhaps the potential sale of harvests to China is having an influence on the minimising by the DOF of the potential impact of this disease?

    ''We are examining the option of selling the harvesting rights to the Coillte forests for a period of up to 70 to 80 years"

    http://www.farmersjournal.ie/site/farming-Sale-of-harvesting-rights-to-Coillte-forests-an-option-Coveney-14319.html


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    #30
    two wheels good
    Registered Users Posts: 1,996 ✭✭✭two wheels good


    I had a reply from Minister Coveney's office. (In pdf format - see attached). It mentions the Leitrim infected consignment was planted in 11 other areas. Very worrying!

    As already posted allowing any imports means they could be coming from area that may unknowingly harbor the disease

    Here's an interesting detail from the UK experience:

    "The reality [of importing a prolific native plant such as ash] is even crazier. The Woodland Trust has been busy with its largest ever tree-planting campaign to create the 460-acre Jubilee Forest in Leicestershire. Like other foresters, the charity asks nurseries for ash from native seeds. Its suppliers comply but some send seeds to the Netherlands to be grown before saplings are returned for planting. Austin Brady, the trust's head of conservation, admits that the charity may have unknowingly bought trees from nurseries that grew British seeds abroad."
    Extract from here


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    #31
    mountainy man
    Registered Users Posts: 981 ✭✭✭mountainy man


    More cases in Scotland.

    http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/ash-disease-found-at-new-woodlands.19300655


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