Update on the situation of Dothistroma septosporum in Germany
The NPPO of Germany recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the detection of Dothistroma septosporum (teleomorph: Mycosphaerella pini – EU Annexes) in new areas during 2015 and 2016.
Brandenburg
Symptoms of red-band needle blight were observed in the botanical garden and arboretum of Eberswalde on 9 pine (Pinus spp.) trees. These trees had been planted in 2003, and were 3-5 m high and approximately 15-20 years old. The first symptoms were first noticed in April 2015. Samples were taken from 2 symptomatic trees (P. jeffreyi, P. ponderosa) and the identity of D. septosporum was confirmed in January 2016 on the basis of its morphological characteristics. The source of this outbreak is unknown. Official phytosanitary measures will be taken to eradicate the disease (destruction of infected trees) and further surveys will be carried out in the area concerned and in nurseries located nearby.
Saxony
D. septosporum was found in 2 Pinus jeffreyi trees. These trees were growing in a public site in Dresden, and the symptoms observed were notified to the NPPO by a member of the public. Samples were collected in May 2016 from these symptomatic trees, and the identity of the fungus was confirmed in June 2016 on the basis of its morphological characteristics. Official phytosanitary measures will be taken to eradicate the disease (destruction of infected trees) and surveys will be carried out.
Schleswig-Holstein
D. septosporum was detected in a private garden located in Schwarzenbek (district of Herzogtum Lauenburg) on 1 large bonsai tree (Pinus sylvestris ‘Watereri’) which had been planted in 1999. The owner had sent a sample for diagnosis to the Plant Protection Service of Hamburg in June 2015. The identity of the fungus was confirmed in July 2015 on the basis of its morphological characteristics. The source of this outbreak is unknown. Infected needles were removed and a fungicide treatment was applied. Further phytosanitary inspections will be carried out in 2016.
The pest status of Dothistroma septosporum in Germany is officially declared as: Present, few occurrences.
Sources
NPPO of Germany (2016-06).