SOD off!

The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that sudden oak death (Phytophthora ramorum) has been found on camellia plants at a California nursery. Unfortunately, the nursery, Monrovia Growers, had already sold some of the plants to people outside of the state. Scientists and government officials met in California earlier this week to discuss the problem at a conference held by the California Oak Mortality Task Force. Sudden oak death is caused by a fungal infection, and as its name suggests, it can quickly kill many different species of oak trees. Bonus points to the Chronicle for using SOD's scientific name, and extra bonus points for seeking out the appropriately named Steve Oak, an employee from the U.S. Forest Service's North Carolina office, for a quote.

Thanks to Owen for sending in the link to this story.