Pseudomonas syringae pv. aesculi found in Styria (Austria)
In Austria, Pseudomonas syringae pv. aesculi (formerly EPPO Alert List) was detected for the first time in Styria (Steiermark) in June 2018. The bacterium was found in 5 chestnut trees (Aesculus x carnea) in a garden in the municipality of Fohnsdorf. These trees had been planted in April 2017 and originated from another EU Member State. As all trees have been destroyed, it is assumed that P. syringae pv. aesculi has been eradicated from Styria. The NPPO recalls that this bacterium occurs at low prevalence in Vienna, Lower Austria (Niederösterreich) and Burgenland. Concerning Vienna, the NPPO also explained that the pathogen was first detected in 2014 on young trees (Aesculus x carnea) in an outdoor dining garden. All infected trees (14 trees) were destroyed. However, P. syringae pv. aesculi was detected again in 2016 in chestnut (A. hippocastanum) trees along an avenue, and eradication measures were taken (10 trees were destroyed).
The pest status of Pseudomonas syringae pv. aesculi in Austria is officially declared as: Present, only in some parts of the Member State concerned, at low prevalence.
Sources
NPPO of Austria (2018-06, 2018-07).