First report of Aphelenchoides besseyi in Romania
During an official inspection to issue a phytosanitary certificate for export, a sample was taken from a rice lot (Oryza sativa) and tested for the presence of Aphelenchoides besseyi (EPPO A2 List). At the time of inspection, this rice lot (5 040 tonnes) was stored in a warehouse located in Stăncuța (Brăila county, Southeastern Romania). In October 2017, the presence of A. besseyi was confirmed in the rice sample. The origin of the infestation is unknown. As a consequence, the phytosanitary certificate was refused to the whole lot, and it was decided that the rice should be husked under official control. Rice seeds that will be used for sowing in 2018 will be tested in the laboratory.
The pest status of Aphelenchoides besseyi in Romania is officially declared as: Present, only in some parts of the Member State concerned.
Sources
NPPO of Romania (2017-11).