Committee for Lorne: Our Stately Gums

Key points

• Two soil-dwelling plant pathogens have been confirmed in the Lorne area, according to a sign on the Doug Stirling Track. One, Phytophthora cinnamomica, causes root rot that can kill plants, including canopy gums.
• The other, Mycosphaerella, also affects eucalypts and spreads through wet soil, water and contaminated footwear or vehicles. The writer says there is no known cure, so management focuses on prevention, such as cleaning boots and equipment before entering bushland.
• Public land managers also treat affected areas with phosphorous acid.