Surveys on Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, Monilinia fructicola, Phytophthora ramorum and Pepino mosaic potexvirus in Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Official surveys were carried out in 2003/2004 in Emilia-Romagna (Italy) on the following pests, in compliance with EU regulations.
Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (EPPO A1 list)
Surveys were initiated in 2000. They focused on forest and ornamental plants, imported wood packaging material, and also included inspections of wood importing companies. Wood or sawdust samples were collected from wood packaging material Canada, China, USA; dunnage left on Ravenna seaport docks; logs and sawn wood imported from Eastern European countries; imported fuel wood. All samples gave negative results. In Emilia-Romagna, pine forests are located along the Adriatic Sea and in the Appennini mountain range. Pine trees showing suspect symptoms (wilting or recently dying) were sampled, but no B. xylophilus was found (in 2002, a few samples contained Aphelenchoides sp., Laimaphelenchus sp. as well as some saprophytic nematodes). Conifers planted in parks and gardens showing suspect symptoms were also sampled and tested. All results were negative.
The Regional PPO of Emilia-Romagna officially declares that the status of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is: Absent, confirmed by surveys.
Monilinia fructicola (EPPO A2 list)
Samples of fruits or plant material showing symptoms of Monilinia infections were collected throughout the region, mainly from stonefruit-growing areas. In 2003 and 2004, 50 and 53 samples were tested respectively, following the EPPO diagnostic protocol. In 2003, all samples were infected by M. laxa. In 2004, 51 were infected by M. laxa and 2 by M. fructigena.
The Regional PPO of Emilia-Romagna officially declares that the status of Monilinia fructicola is: Absent, confirmed by surveys.
Pepino mosaic potexvirus (PepMV - EPPO Alert List)
A survey was done in all provinces of the region on tomato propagation material, commercial fields and imported seeds. More than 120 nurseries were inspected and no suspect symptoms were observed. In Emilia-Romagna, approximately 20.000 ha of tomato for processing are grown. Crops were regularly inspected and in case of suspect symptoms, samples were taken and tested. Suspect samples were collected from the province of Forlí-Cesena. Results were negative for PepMV but positive for Tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (TSWV - EPPO A2 list). Surveys on tomato fruits collected from the wholesale market of Bologna gave negative results. Few consignments of tomato seeds were imported via the Bologna airport (3 to 4 per year). 2 consignments (one from India and the other from China) were tested for PepMV and gave negative results. The Regional PPO of Emilia-Romagna officially declares that the status of PepMV is: Absent, confirmed by surveys.
In addition, the Regional PPO of Emilia-Romagna officially declares that the status of TSWV is: Present, occasional outbreaks, mainly in protected conditions; few cases in tomato fields. Subject to official control.
Phytophthora ramorum (EPPO Alert List)
In 2003/2004, surveys mainly focused on nursery production (mainly Viburnum, but also Rhododendron, Camellia and Quercus). Checks were also made in parks and gardens. Forests were not included in the surveys. Visual inspections were made and in case of suspect symptoms, samples were collected and tested. All results were negative.
The Regional PPO of Emilia-Romagna officially declares that the status of Phytophthora ramorum is: Absent, confirmed by surveys.
Sources
Direzione Generale Agricoltura, Servizio Fitosanitario, Osservatorio per le Malattie delle Piante. Regione Emilia-Romagna, 2005-03.