Landholder Resources

Managing Phytophthora

Cinnamon Fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi) is a soil fungus that causes disease in plants. Infecting plant roots, the fungus affects the plant’s ability to take up water, causing dieback and death. Cinnamon Fungus can affect all types of vegetation, including trees and understorey plants. This means that it can permanently change habitat structure and reduce food and shelter for wildlife. Cinnamon Fungus is recognised as a key threatening process for Australian ecosystems. 

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This information is relevant across Victoria, especially in warmer, damper habitats and poorly drained areas with highly susceptible species such as coastal heathlands and heathy woodlands. It is less relevant in drier and colder areas of the state. 

  • Cinnamon Fungus spreads via microscopic spores. These can be transported in soil or water attached to footwear and equipment 
  • Once Cinnamon Fungus is established, it cannot be eradicated 
  • Preventing the spread of Cinnamon Fungus is the most effective way of managing this disease 
  • The fungus is most active in warm, moist conditions, such as spring. It is less active in cold and dry conditions 
  • Disease caused by Cinnamon Fungus can look similar to the impacts of drought. Laboratory soil testing can confirm the presence of the fungus 
  • Different plant species have different levels of susceptibility to the fungus. Species such as grass trees (Xanthorrhoea) and members of the Protea family (such as banksias) are highly susceptible. Dieback of these species can indicate the presence of the fungus 
  • A distinct ‘front’ of dieback that moves through habitat over months and years or follows water flow, or a mosaic pattern of dieback, can indicate the presence of the fungus. 
  • Where possible, avoid working in areas where Phytophthora is present 
  • Prevent transport of soil from outside habitat and within areas of property 
  • Remove soil from shoes, tools and vehicles before entering susceptible habitat 
  • Spray or wash shoes, tools and equipment with fungal disinfectant (available from garden suppliers) 
  • When planting for revegetation, check biosecurity processes of suppliers 
  • Fence areas of habitat to prevent stock access 
  • Monitor habitat for signs of dieback  
  • Different plants species take different timeframes (from months to years) to show symptoms 
  • Inform visitors and contractors if Phytophthora is suspected on your property 
  • Ask visitors and contractors to remove soil and spray disinfectant on shoes, tools and vehicles 

This information is relevant across Victoria, especially in warmer, damper habitats and poorly drained areas with highly susceptible species such as coastal heathlands and heathy woodlands. It is less relevant in drier and colder areas of the state. 

  • Cinnamon Fungus spreads via microscopic spores. These can be transported in soil or water attached to footwear and equipment 
  • Once Cinnamon Fungus is established, it cannot be eradicated 
  • Preventing the spread of Cinnamon Fungus is the most effective way of managing this disease 
  • The fungus is most active in warm, moist conditions, such as spring. It is less active in cold and dry conditions 
  • Disease caused by Cinnamon Fungus can look similar to the impacts of drought. Laboratory soil testing can confirm the presence of the fungus 
  • Different plant species have different levels of susceptibility to the fungus. Species such as grass trees (Xanthorrhoea) and members of the Protea family (such as banksias) are highly susceptible. Dieback of these species can indicate the presence of the fungus 
  • A distinct ‘front’ of dieback that moves through habitat over months and years or follows water flow, or a mosaic pattern of dieback, can indicate the presence of the fungus. 
  • Where possible, avoid working in areas where Phytophthora is present 
  • Prevent transport of soil from outside habitat and within areas of property 
  • Remove soil from shoes, tools and vehicles before entering susceptible habitat 
  • Spray or wash shoes, tools and equipment with fungal disinfectant (available from garden suppliers) 
  • When planting for revegetation, check biosecurity processes of suppliers 
  • Fence areas of habitat to prevent stock access 
  • Monitor habitat for signs of dieback  
  • Different plants species take different timeframes (from months to years) to show symptoms 
  • Inform visitors and contractors if Phytophthora is suspected on your property 
  • Ask visitors and contractors to remove soil and spray disinfectant on shoes, tools and vehicles 
Safety
Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when undertaking land management. Follow all label instructions on equipment and local regulations. Be mindful of weather conditions. Do not conduct land management on days of extreme or catastrophic fire danger or total fire ban. 
Further information
If you have a conservation covenant, please consult with your Trust for Nature regional staff member to ensure land management activities are in line with your covenant deed.

For further advice and support, please contact Trust for Nature

Phone:(03) 8361 5800
Email:  trustfornature@tfn.org.au
Disclaimer
Trust for Nature and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication