SUMMARY1A serious disease of the heathsErica hyemalis, E. nivalisandE. Willmoreanahas been investigated.2The causal organism was isolated and identified asPhytophthora CinnamomiRands.3This was shown to be capable of causing a similar disease inAntirrhinum, Calceolaria, Schizanthusand beech seedlings. It also rots apple and tomato fruits.4Infection was traced to (a) contaminated water tanks, (b) the “standing‐out” ground, and (c) plunging material.5The water tanks were cleaned by removing the debris, scrubbing with water and finally treating with formaldehyde.6The need for destroying the compost from discarded pots or alternatively of sterilizing it by heat before using it again is empha