A California-based chronological review (1995–2004) of research on Phytophthora ramorum, the causal agent of sudden oak death

This review describes in chronological order the events surrounding the discovery in California of the causal agent of the forest disease known as Sudden Oak Death. We hope it will not only provide the reader with a basic synopsis of what is known about this novel pathosystem, but also relate the human and societal aspects of a unique experience for a group of scientists involved in highly visible research. Advances in the understandA California-based chronological review (1995–2004) of research on Phytophthora ramorum, the causal agent of sudden oak death