This study addresses the viability of Phytophthora ramorum in processed firewood and analyzes the unknown risk of spreading SOD by transporting and storing firewood products produced from SOD-diseased trees. Preliminary data from an earlier study suggested that P. ramorum spores could survive on firewood for at least 6 months. Positive P. ramorum cultures were isolated on 8 of 49 freshly cut specimens and 1 of 30 specimens that had aged (air-dried) for 6 months. Following these initial results, a larger study was initiated.

Approximately 7 tons of split firewood was selected from tanoak trees exhibiting the symptoms of SOD, and is being stored at a commercial firewood operation in Marin County with ambient temperature, humidity and rainfall data being monitored and recorded. A similar amount of firewood selected from the same diseased trees is being stored at the University of California - Richmond Field Station, on a concrete pad with simulated rain exposure reflecting periods of exceptionally high rainfall. Firewood specimens as well as water collected from the firewood pile runoff are periodically tested for presence of viable P. ramorum spores.

• Poster presented at the Sudden Oak Death Science Symposium II, January 18-21, 2005 in Monterey, California.
• Progress Report 1