P. abietivora is a plant disease that was originally found on a diseased Christmas tree (fraser fir, Abies fraseri) in the state of Connecticut in the United States in 2019. It was later reported in Pennsylvania and Virginia. P. abietivora is associated with root rot, which causes:
- foliar chlorosis
- discolouration
- stem cankers
- may lead to tree decline and death
Young saplings are most at risk, but the disease can affect older trees as well. It may be confused with other conditions or root rot diseases. Laboratory testing is needed to confirm the species.
The CFIA has confirmed the presence of P. abietivora in:
- Quebec
- Ontario
- Nova Scotia
If you think you have found this plant disease, report it to the CFIA.
Report a Phytophthora abietivora sighting
More information
- Pest fact sheet
- Pest fact sheet from Quebec's Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation: Phytophthora abietivora dans les sapins de Noël (in French only) (Agri Réseau)