A potentially dangerous disease that attacks shrubs, especially rhododendrons, has been found at Brodick Castle and Country Park on Arran.
Neil MacLean, president of the Isle of Arran Horticultural Society, said: ‘If private gardens are situated near rhododendrons then this disease could very easily spread into the garden and the results could be disastrous.
‘It is important to take precautions like curtailing visitors to your garden and ensuring that all tools are properly disinfected. Stringent controls need to be put in place both by the staff at the castle and by gardeners themselves.’
Three plants infected with Phytophthora kernoviae were found at Brodick Castle following an inspection by the Scottish government.
Castle property manager Ken Thorburn said: ‘We are at a loss to know how this disease was spread to Arran but we hope to be told later in the week its full ramifications.’
Jan Haenraets, head of gardens and designed landscapes services for the National Trust for Scotland explained: ‘This is a potentially dangerous disease for our plant life and we will continue to work with experts, including the Scottish government, to minimise its impact on Brodick and its beautiful grounds.
‘The gardens will remain open to the public but there are a few important tips for visitors. It’s vital to clean your boots thoroughly after leaving, keep dogs on a short leash during your visit and don’t take any cuttings from plants.’
Native Scottish plants could be seriously in danger if the disease is allowed to spread.
Richard Luxmoore, senior nature conservation adviser for the trust, said: ‘This disease could pose a serious threat to Scotland’s countryside as it is known to infect blaeberries and heather as well as garden plants.
‘It is important that gardeners keep an eye out for signs of the disease, particularly when buying from commercial nurseries.’
The pathogen, which is related to sudden oak death, is normally found in damp and warm conditions but is thought to have travelled north on plants that had been delivered to Scotland. It can spread easily to beech trees where it can cause bleeding cankers and sometimes death.
Colin Stubbs, owner of Kirkend Nursery, Whiting Bay said: ‘It is worrying that this disease has been found on Arran. It sounds very similar to sudden oak death, which is already threatening to wipe out all of our native trees. It is very difficult to protect gardens from the disease but I don’t think people need to avoid nurseries or garden centres.
‘We ensure all our own plants are EEC Plant Passport certified which reduces the risk of spreading the disease considerably.’
Advice to gardeners includes ensuring that gardens are kept clean by burning leaf debris.
Keep tools clean and disinfected to stop the disease spreading and remove soil from shoes and boots with soap and water.
If woody plants appear to die quickly, check to see if they are situated near susceptible shrubs like viburnum and rhododendron.
The disease was first confirmed at one private garden in Scotland in January. Now it has arrived on Arran.
