Scotland's heather moorlands could be at risk from a destructive new fungus-like infection imported into the country on nursery plants, ministers will warn this week.

The pathogen Phytophthora ramorum is best known for attacking trees, especially oaks, which can succumb within three weeks of infection.

However, its common name, sudden oak death, belies its ability to attack a wide range of other plants including Scottish heather, bilberry and other small shrubs, according to a report from scientists at Defra, the environment ministry.

Outbreaks of the disease have surged in recent months and infected plants have now been found at 625 sites in England and Wales, 30 in Scotland and others in Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands.

This week Lord Rooker, the environment minister, will launch a report and consultation on what to do about the disease. He will also release a scientific study from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), which will warn that the number of disease outbreaks on all types of plants is up 60% on last year. This is linked to the booming trade in exotic imported garden plants, which was worth about £900m last year.

A separate report from Defra’s own scientists will warn that tests have shown Scottish heather to be highly susceptible, with infected wild plants already found in some parts of Europe.

The pathogen that causes the infection is thought to originate in Asia. In trees, infestations begin with blotching on the leaves and twigs and then develops into cankers on the trunk, leading to rotting and death.

In smaller plants such as heathers, the Phytophthora pathogen attacks the leaves, discolouring them and weakening the plant so that it becomes vulnerable to other infections.

Simon Thornton-Wood, the director of science and learning at the RHS, said: “This disease is hard to control. It has killed a lot of trees in America and we need to take it very seriously.”

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