What is Dieback?

• What is Phytophthora Dieback?
• Life cycle
• Preferred Environment
• Susceptible Species
• How is it spread?

The introduction of Phytophthora dieback into Western Australia is a disaster of global significance. The impact of this devastating plant disease is arguably the greatest threatening processes to the natural heritage of Western Australia and the impact of the disease on our State's biodiversity is greater than salinity. Over 40% of the State's native plant species are at risk and over 50% of the State's rare or endangered plants are vulnerable.

Phytophthora dieback acts like a biological bulldozer in our native ecosystems by reducing the density & diversity of the native vegetation. This dramatic change in the native plant community structure reduces the number of native animals that inhabitit it, including insects, birds and marsupials. The disease also costs hundreds of millions of dollars every year in industries such as horticulture, plant nurseries, mining, forestry, construction and tourism.