In recent years, Phytophthora has emerged as an important pathogen of various landscapes in South Africa and globally, causing devastating diseases having irreversible effects on the landscapes. In South Africa, post-planting mortality of cold-tolerant Eucalyptus species caused by Phytophthora alticola has affected the commercial deployment of pure Eucalyptus nitens. Various other Phytophthora species are continuously affecting our South African forest landscapes, such as P. cinnamomi, P. frigida, and P. nicotianae. Similarly, avocadoes and citruses are threatened by P. cinnamomi, P. citrophthora, P. citricola, and P. nicotianae. The iconic Proteas in the Cape Floristic region are also under severe threat.

Understanding the importance of this pathogen in Africa and globally, FABI will host the first-ever IUFRO Working Party 07.02.09 Phytophthora in Forests and Natural Ecosystems conference in Africa! This conference will be chaired by Dr Tanay Bose (TPCP) alongside a team of world-renowned plant pathologists, including Prof. Bernard Slippers (FABI), Prof. Almuth Hammerbacher (FABI), Prof. Irene Barnes (FABI), Prof. Mike Wingfield (FABI), Dr Trudy Paap (FABI), Prof. Treena Burgess (FABI & Murdoch University), Dr Niklaus Grunwald (USDA & Oregon State University), Dr Bruno Scanu (University of Sassari), Prof. Thomas Jung (Phytophthora Research Centre, Mendel University in Brno), and Dr Tyler Bourret.

Save the Date: 12-21 September 2026
Location: Grabouw, Western Cape, South Africa

Early-bird registration and abstract submission opens on 1 October 2026

For more information, visit our conference webpage or contact Dr Tanay Bose.

This is a great opportunity to share your cutting-edge research, connect with global experts in Phytophthora and plant pathology, and contribute to solutions tackling Phytophthora threats in natural and commercial landscapes.