Evolution of an Invasive Species Research Program and Implications for Large-Scale Management of a Non-native, Invasive Plant Pathogen

We conducted a research needs assessment (RNA) in 2010 to gather opinions of “experts” and a larger public on research priorities for Phytophthora ramorum, the pathogen that causes sudden oak death in forest trees and Ramorum blight in ornamental plants. We place these 2010 findings in context with findings of similar P. ramorum needs assessments from 2002 and 2007-2008 and with a comprehensive literature review published in 2010. P. ramorum research needs have evolved from an emphasis on basic biological information toward an emphasis on management. As with many other non-native, invasive organisms, a major challenge remains how to move P. ramorum research into more widescale, unified attempts at management. Our analysis suggests that successfully moving from basic research to on-the-ground management requires overcoming the tendency toward specialized, limited viewpoints and providing stakeholders a comprehensive, integrated picture of the necessity and possibility of managing this plant disease