Michael leads the pathology component of FR’s Tree Health Advisory and Monitoring service as well as supporting various research projects. Michael’s team of diagnosticians answer enquires that come from members of the public through TreeAlert, while screening them for pathogens, of which some may be new to GB. The team processes samples from interceptions at GB ports and other quarantine samples, identifying any regulated high-risk pathogens such as: Fusarium circinatum, Ceratocystis palatini and Xylella fastidiosa, which help to maintain the UK’s pathogen free status.

The team also processes and investigates routine regulated pathogen surveillance samples for several pathogens of forestry concern, including various Phytopthora species. Michael, alongside his team, provides expert advice to the public and stakeholders (for example, DEFRA and the Forestry Commission) about forest pathogen identity and virulence status. Some of Michael’s responsibilities include:

• Pathology Diagnostics – Science Innovation Strategy Work Package 1 programme lead.
• Gaining a Better Understanding of the Threat Bot Canker (Diplodia corticola) Poses to Forestry in England. – Project lead.
• Understanding the threat of Hornbeam decline – Co-investigator.
• Gaining a better understanding of the complex role of Rhizoctonia butinii infection alongside P. pluvialis. – Co-investigator.
• Genomics of Animal and Plant Disease Consortium – Co-investigator.
• Participation in various forums including the UK Microbial Forensic Consortium-Sample Collection and Processing working group, Pest Risk Analysis Working Group which includes drafting and reviewing PRA’s.
• Barriers to mobilising diagnostics- Co-investigator.
• Leading the delivery of diagnostic services associated with service level agreement (SLA’s) with Forestry Commission, Scottish Forestry and the Welsh government.