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The need to introduce guidelines to help control the movement of pests and pathogens is gathering some serious pace. In the run up to the forthcoming EFI forestry ministerial conference and legislation from the EU, we are also likely to see some measures adopted in the UK shortly which will affect many in land industry.

The FAO have recently published the international 'Guide to implementation of phytosanitary standards in forestry', (click to download PDF).

Also worth a watch is this video from the USDA, promoting the FAO and its work with regards Forest Pests - it is very bizarre, written & performed by Dr Kerry Britton, National Pathologist for the USDA. -

Taken from the text of the FAO document -

Good planting practices that minimize pest presence. Be aware that monocultures and clonal plantations can be more vulnerable to pests than mixed forests.

Avoid reliance on a single tree species or clone. Choose the correct provenances (geographic origin) and tree species appropriate to the site and climate to ensure strong and healthy plants.

Select appropriate growing sites to ensure healthy plants and avoid future pest problems. Consider the potential of the species to become a pest when selecting nonindigenous tree species for planting.  

Be cautious when moving plants with soil; if possible use bare rooted plants. Move bare root plants when dormant and less likely to spread forest pests. This also reduces plant stress.

The potential of termite attack should be taken into consideration when planting bare root crops.

Provide healthy growing conditions, with sufficient water, sunlight and nutrients to avoid stress. 

Provide adequate spacing between field-planted seedlings to reduce susceptibility to pests. Consider appropriate cultural practices to allow for good drainage and root expansion and breathing.

Clean and disinfect footwear and equipment (e.g. tools, vehicles) before entering and before going off-site, particularly if the site is infested, to help reduce the spread of diseases such as root rot.

Disinfect tools after each use.

Survey often, particularly after planting, to ensure forest management goals are met and to ensure pests are not prevalent.

Control weeds to ensure that crop plants are able to grow well. Consider encouraging weeds that promote natural enemies of pests without harming trees.

Where silvicultural wastes from pruning and thinning can be a breeding substrate for pests, dispose of them properly by burning, deep burial, composting or heat treatment sufficient to kill pests.*

Notify the NPPO (in UK FR or FERA - for general help and information with regards wild UK flora the charity Plantlife and their website are an excellent source of information) or other appropriate officials if an unknown organism or an important or regulated pest is found.  

*In some countries, local environmental or waste management regulations may influence decisions on how material may be treated or disposed. Check with the relevant authority before proceeding.