Hymenoscyphus fraxineus in Ireland - Current Findings and Management Strategies

1. Hymenoscyphusfraxineusin IrelandApril 2018 • Cathal Ryan • Forestry Inspector • Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine • 12th April 2018

2. National legislative measures in place – not regulated under the EU Plant Health Directive Plants, seeds and wood of Fraxinus All Ireland Chalara Control Strategy (2013) under review... All Ireland Chalara Management Plan An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

3. 20,610ha or 3.2% of stocked forest area An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

4. Current Findings Current findings: An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

5. Distribution map to 31/07/2017 An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

6. Distribution map to 31/07/2017 10x10km grid squares An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

7. Distribution map to 31/03/2018 10x10km grid squares An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

8. Scientific uncertainties remain – • life cycle • influence of climate/weather patterns • infection pressure • rate of infection and spread within • a stand • rate of loss of wood quality An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

9. An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

10. Revised Reconstitution Scheme launched 2017 Why 3 categories were introduced.... Originally a phytosanitary scheme... but.... status of the disease now An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

11. Increased number of older plantations infected • Utilisation of larger non-infected trees from infected forestry plantations allowable • Recovery of non-infected large diameter ash wood (>10cm diameter) from infected plantations that are required being cleared - can then be placed on the market for sale either as domestic fuel wood or for other uses such as the making of hurleys (within Ireland) An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

12. Statutory disposal notices no longer routinely issued • Landowners in Categories 1 & 2 given 6 months to act following notification of finding with the possibility of an extension An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

13. Chalara related schemes in Great Britain An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

14. FRAXBACK COST Action (2012-2016) Fraxinus dieback in Europe: elaborating guidelines and strategies for sustainable management Final publication: http://www.cost.eu/media/publications/European-Ash-Consequences-and-Guidelines-for-Sustainable-Management 27 papers from participating countries Plus a special issue of Baltic Forestry on ash dieback An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

15. Common themes emerging: • Annual inspections of plantations recommended (during summer) • Level of damage and age structure should dictate management approach • Take into account crown damage but also root collar lesions, epicormics – timber degrade • Thin to favour healthy ash trees and other species present An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

16. Common themes emerging: • Encourage alternative species, diversity, resilience • Loss of potentially tolerant individuals by clearfelling ash • (EUPHRESCO meeting) • Role of Armillaria and other root rots • Health and safety implications, dangerous trees • Importance of regular monitoring An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

17. Thanks for your attention An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara │ Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine