The California Oak Mortality Task Force (COMTF) focuses on the plant pathogen Phytophthora ramorum,
which can have devastating effects in the wildlands it inhabits and has had substantial impacts on the nursery industry internationally. In 14 coastal California counties and Curry County, Oregon, P. ramorum has caused outbreaks of Sudden Oak Death, killing over a million native oak and tanoak trees. The pathogen also infects the leaves and twigs of common ornamental nursery plants, such as rhododendrons and camellias, which serve as vectors for pathogen dispersal.
How to Use this WebsiteNew and Noteworthy: Check here for the latest additions and
updates to the website, including quick links to the most commonly searched and referenced pages. History & Background: Information on the history of Phytophthora ramorum, ecological threats, habitat where the disease is found, and the Disease Chronology. Symptoms & Diagnosis: Find out more about the symptoms of Phytophthora ramorum, and the most current list of host plants. Learn about the biology of Phytophthora ramorum and the most current distribution of the pathogen. Maps & Photos: See symptoms and more in our image library, or check the latest maps of pathogen distribution. Link directly to the OakMapper to create, view and print Phytophthora
ramorum confirmation maps. Treatment & Management: Quick reference guides for Homeowners and Professionals, treatment information, sanitation options, and conservation efforts. Plus Best Management Practices guides for downloading and printing. Nursery Information: The latest information for nurserymen,
including important regulatory updates, diagnostic guides, Nursery Chronology, Best Management Practices, nursery symptom photos, and more. Library: The central location for the latest Phytophthora ramorum references and resources - an expanded bibliography, diagnostic guides, Pest Alerts and Risk Assessment, and more. Check out the training resources and Task Force publications,
especially useful for Extension Specialists and Master Gardeners. Also find our archive of Press Releases and access to Media Resources. Research: Specialized pages chronicle recent projects in modeling and monitoring, and provide resources for P. ramorum sampling permits. Also find the list of projects funded each year by the USDA-Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station, and links to other P. ramorum research websites. Regulations: Basic information and links for regulatory agencies at the county, state, federal and international levels.
Monthly Newsletter: The most current report, plus archives of past months' issues, year-end summary reports, and plant host of the month descriptions, and any Media Inquiries. Calendar of Events: A calendar of upcoming events. Contact COMTF: More information on the Task Force, how to contact us, and how to reach local contacts in infested counties. Questions and Links: Still can't find what you're looking for? Try browsing through this list of the most frequently asked questions for easy summaries of the most current information. Or, check out the many other web resources linked to our site.
Media: Contact information for media assistance. | 
