SODMAP Mobile 1.2.4

Sudden Oak Death (SOD) is a significant and emerging tree disease caused by an exotic invasive pathogen that has severely impacted millions of oak and tanoak trees in California and Southern Oregon. Its potential to spread to forests worldwide raises concerns among researchers and environmentalists alike. Currently, SOD is recognized as one of the most regulated plant pathogens globally. In addition to affecting trees, the causative microbe may also be present in soil and aquatic environments, including rivers, streams, and ponds.

The SODMAP project (www.sodmap.org) represents a collaborative effort among researchers, government organizations, and citizen scientists aimed at creating one of the most comprehensive distribution maps for a forest disease in North America. The UC Berkeley Forest Pathology and Mycology Laboratory has developed the SODMAP Mobile app (www.matteolab.org) to enhance this initiative. Key functionalities of the app include:

• Geo-location features that allow users to visualize SOD distribution relative to their current location.
• Access to laboratory-confirmed SOD-positive and SOD-negative specimens to illustrate the disease's range.
• Clearly identifiable location pins for affected trees.
• Risk assessments for SOD infection based on user proximity to confirmed cases.
• A quick overview of local disease incidence, including information on data currency.
• A warning system for insufficient survey data or current information regarding SOD distribution in the user's vicinity.

In scenarios where local data availability is limited, users receive alerts indicating the inability to assess risk and are encouraged to participate in volunteer SOD Blitz surveys (www.sodblitz.org), which are conducted each Spring.

It is noteworthy that SOD is highly infectious and lethal; however, contagion predominantly occurs at short distances from previously infected trees. Awareness of the current fine-scale distribution of the disease is crucial for effective management. Preventive treatments are available but must be implemented prior to infection of oak trees.

The SODMAP Mobile app serves as a vital resource for landowners and open space managers by enabling them to identify nearby confirmed outbreaks and assess the risk of infection. Additionally, it informs outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers and mountain bikers about the presence of SOD in recreational areas, advising them on measures to prevent further spread through contaminated soil. Moreover, tree care specialists can utilize this app to evaluate SOD infestation levels and formulate appropriate landscape management strategies.

For more information about Sudden Oak Death and ways to engage in SODMAP surveys, visit www.sodblitz.org.

This project is supported by funding from:

• USDA Forest Service, State and Private Forestry
• The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation