2018 Cal-IPC Symposium in Monterey

The 27th annual Cal-IPC Symposium takes place November 7 – 10 in Monterey. Land managers, researchers, conservationists, and others will gather to learn and celebrate the latest in invasive plant biology and management. This year’s theme “BioDiversity: Expanding our Vision” confronts that along with biological diversity, cultural and intellectual diversity are necessary.

Wednesday features trainings, Thursday and Friday presents special sessions, and Saturday explores invasive plant management with field trips.

Phytophthora sessions

CNPS strongly encourages native plant nursery and propagation practices that help prevent plant diseases and that discourage the spread of Phytophthora and other harmful plant pathogens. The symposium will feature several sessions on Phytophthora.

November 7, 1 -5 pm |  Best Practices for Controlling Phytophthora in Restoration
Topics include: sampling and diagnosis; pear baiting and leachate baiting; best management practices for field crews; as well as sanitation techniques.

November 8 or 9, TBD | Controlling Phytophthora in Restoration
Moderated by Susan Frankel, USDA Forest Service, PSW Res. Stn, will feature the following presentations:

• Phytophthora threats to native vegetation and land manager response – Susan Frankel, USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station
• Phytophthora impacts to endangered pallid manzanita in the East Bay Regional Parks –  Michele Hammond, East Bay Regional Parks District
• Results from Phytophthora surveys on Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District lands –  Ebba Peterson, Oregon State University.

A discussion group will follow the session with Janell Hillman of Santa Clara Valley Water District, Diana Benner of The Watershed Nursery, and  Alisa Shor of Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. The group will explore implications of Phytophthora species as a major threat to restoration activities in California. Questions include:

• How are native plant nurseries and restoration workers addressing this challenge?
• What are the pathways for pathogen spread?
• What best practices are needed to minimize the risk of contamination during trail work or other field activities?
• What strategies can be used to avoid pathogen introduction and spread and how will these shifts change restoration norms?

All events will be held at the Hyatt Regency, Monterey. Early-bird registration ends September 15.

Learn more about the event on the Cal-IPC website.

See more CNPS information on Phytophthora.