Phytophthora cinnamomi - How is it Affecting the Cork Industry?
P. cinnamomi threatens the wine industry
The elm suffers from Dutch elm disease-pine from the pine borer beetle. Black locust has the locust leaf miner-hemlock the wooly adelgid. The American chestnut suffers from Asian bark fungus, Cryphonectria parasitica-while the oak is besieged by "sudden oak death" caused by a root pathogen, Phytophthora cinnamomi. This fungus has caused serious damage for a variety of trees, including avocado trees.
What is Phytophthora Cinnamomi?
The pathogen is a fungus. Ordinarily we think of rot as associated with an excess of water, yet this fungus lodges behind the root tip and actually prevents the absorption of water. What adds to the mystery is the fungus spreads best in water. Two unusual oak varieties are especially endangered-Live Oak and Cork Oak. To learn of the life cycle of Phytophthora cinnamomi and its effects, view or download this informative PDF file at the Government of Australia, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, web site.
Is the Fungus near Cork Oaks?
The fungus has been found concentrated in southern Spain and Portugal. The cork oak is heavily grown Portugal, that nation providing about half the world's supply of cork. Cork grows best in the central and southern parts of Portugal, the Montado, hence the concern is real.
Is Damage Being Done Now?
Some damage is, indeed, now occurring on the Iberian peninsula. Evidence is accumulating, and reference, such as in this Plant Pathology journal reference. What solutions exist to this potentially catastrophic problem? Two methods of attack are quarantine-including the required wash-down of vehicles visiting contaminated areas-and the chemical application of phosphite.
References and Resources:
Sudden Oak Death Online Symposium
University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire - "The cork industry in Portugal," by J.L. Calheiros E. Meneses
Portuguese Cork Association - "Overview - From Bark to Bottle"
Synergy Vol. 2 No. 4 - "Fighting a Deadly Fungus"
Published by Vincent Summers
My secular expertise includes 23 years of experience at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, with a share in NASA's extended Voyager 2 effort. I formerly wrote for Demand Studios, Bukisa, Suite 101, Exa... View profile
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21 Comments
Post a CommentCork is one of the items I did a research paper on in college. Great article and high 5 to a good person!
The problem with the plastic "corks" is they don't allow the wine to breath the same as real cork. I have read where some students at the University of California have invented a metal and plastic disk that fits beneath a screw cap and comes close to mimicking the desirable characteristics of a real cork. No more popping and doesn't save the cork industry but keeps fine wine drinkers happy.
Good to know. :)
Real corks are so much more attractive than plastic ones. Even in France we see plastic 'corks' now. Hope the problem can be overcome so the cork growers stay in work and cork remains available.
There's just something about corks. I always save them.
"Popping your cork!?" LOL ... Seriously, the massive loss of species is tragic and I appreciate the knowledge of the struggle Portugal's cork oak may face.
Just popping in to say Hi - have a great day :) great job on this!
What an offbeat bit of information. Oh, well, since the wine I drink is so cheap, it has a metal screw cap, not a cork, so I guess the cork shortage won't impact me.
You might want to begin saving corks! Nice ones, anyway. I see these artificial corks, but it's nice to have the genuine article, methinks.
Uh oh, I go through a lot of corks. I've heard Israel is the only country that has had a net gain in trees.