(Bay Science Foundation, 2008) In 1998, Rhododendron album was deemed vulnerable by the World Conservation Monitoring Centre, meaning that it faces a high risk of extinction in the mid-term future unless proper conservation methods are employed (Whitten et al. 1996).

It is mostly found in the increasingly smaller high elevation forests throughout western and central Java.

The habitat loss is due to agriculture, extraction of trees and other species of plants, as well as expansion of infrastructure throughout Java's forests.

In order to save the species, more education and a stricter enforcement of the law against tree cutting is required.

Rhododendron album, along with the many other variations and hybrids, are popular plants in the landscaping industry, and are used for a variety of decorations, including wedding and special occasion bouquets, corsages, and other floral arrangements.

The symptoms of the disease were large necrotic spots with water soaked outside borders and rust colored centers.

After amplifying it with a PCR assay, GenBank matched the DNA to that of Phytophthora ramorum and P. lateralis.

In 2004, Rhododendron leaves with similar symptoms were studied and showed the host range of P. hibernalis as well (Blomquist et al. 2005).

In a test of the susceptibility of five different types of Rhododendron to P. ramorum, samples were exposed to a zoospore suspension and left in a moist environment for 10 days.

Researchers have been working to isolate the bacteria, and also have asked for help from nurseries and growers in looking for links to possible causes.