![Phytophthora Lateralis lesions at the base of Lawson cypress tree](/media/44061/phytophthora-lateralis-lesions-at-the-base-of-lawson-cypress-tree-dsc03535-ana-perez-sierra-forest-research.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&heightratio=0.5622047244094488188976377953&width=647&rnd=132132800460000000)
Credit: Ana Perez Sierra / Forest Research
What is Phytophthora lateralis?
Phytophthora is a genus of fungus-like soil and water-borne organisms that cause some of the worst plant health issues across the world. The potato famine in 19th Century Ireland was caused by a species of Phytophthora.
P. lateralis infects and damages the roots of trees so it can no longer take up water and nutrients, killing the tree.