Disease within an open sclerophyll forest dominated by Eucalyptus species of relatively low stature (15-20 m) was shown to be caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands, an introduced root pathogen. Diseased sites were mapped and measured. The rate of advance of the pathogen over a period of 5 months was calculated at 4 m per month through moderately drained soils compared with 7 m per month through soils subject to waterlogging. Areas showing disease symptoms increased from 10.8 to 90%, the major extensions occurring along gullies. Spread of the fungus was associated with road-making activities, waterlogging, and the presence of drainage channels. Symptom expression in the different species was studied and shown to be similar to that associated with water stress. Most of the 42 species comprising the woody flora were susceptible to the disease, those particularly susceptible including the dominants. During a period of 8 months mortalities occurred in 50% of the species. Grasses, sedges, and Eucalyptus goniocalyx appeared to be field-resistant, but were uncommon in the Aora of the sites studied.

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Foliage samples from Podocarpus totara with severe needle browning and needle loss in the lower part of the crown were observed in 2011 in the Gisborne region of New Zealand. A Phytophthora genus-specific test applied directly to the needles gave a strong positive result, and subsequent isolations yielded colonies of a slow-growing oomycete. Morphological examination in vitro revealed a Phytophthora species. Preliminary comparisons of the rDNA (ITS), and ras-related protein (Ypt) gene regions with international DNA sequence revealed low sequence similarity to species from the downy mildew genus Peronospora, as well as clade 3 Phytophthora species. Other studies have also demonstrated the close relationship with Peronospora. The species was given the interim designation Phytophthora taxon tōtara pending further examination. Here, we formally describe Phytophthora podocarpi sp. Nov. and its associated disease, tōtara needle blight.