Surveys done in 2003 in Estonia on several quarantine pests
In 2003, surveys were carried out in Estonia on the following pests.
Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (EPPO A1 list)
A survey for B. xylophilus was carried out for the first time in Estonia in 2002 (see EPPO RS 2003/070). In 2003, the survey continued: in total 451 samples were collected and analysed in the laboratory using the Baermann funnel method. Samples were taken at storage places of wood-processing companies which handle imported and domestic wood (150 samples) and from forests (301 samples) in all 15 Estonian districts. B. xylophilus was not found. The situation of B. xylophilus in Estonia can be described as follows: Absent, confirmed by survey.
Erwinia amylovora (EPPO A2 list)
Surveys have been carried out since 2000 (see EPPO RS 2003/022). In 2003, 100 samples were collected from all districts, mainly from nurseries. All samples were tested in the laboratory by immunofluorescence. E. amylovora was not found. The situation of E. amylovora in Estonia can be described as follows: Absent, confirmed by survey.
Glasshouse pests
In 2003, 145 samples were collected from 57 glasshouses and examined for the presence of Thrips palmi (Thysanoptera: Thripidae – EPPO A1 list), Liriomyza species (Diptera: Agromyzidae) and Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae – EPPO A2 list). Samples were mainly collected from vegetable crops (cucumber, capsicum, tomato) and ornamentals (pot plants and cut flowers). Among these pests, only Liriomyza bryoniae (EU Annexes) was detected in 20 samples. The presence of the pest was confirmed in 15 glasshouses (5.06 ha).
The situation of L. bryoniae in Estonia can be described as follows: Present, found only in a few glasshouses.
The situation of B. tabaci, L. huidobrensis, L. sativae, L. trifolii and T. palmi in Estonia can be described as follows: Absent, confirmed by survey.
Synchytrium endobioticum (EPPO A2 list)
In the past, S. endobioticum had been found in 3 districts: Rapla district (1 site) in 1949, Võru district (10 sites) in the 1970s and Valga district (2 sites) in 1985. In all cases, phytosanitary action was immediately taken and the disease was eradicated. In 2002, 26 soil samples were taken from all previously infected sites and their vicinity. In addition, random samples were taken in other districts. All samples were analysed in the laboratory and S. endobioticum was not found. In 2003, the survey continued, 63 soil samples were taken from Võru and Valga districts and analysed in the laboratory. Again, S. endobioticum was not found. The situation of S. endobioticum in Estonia can be described as follows: Absent, found in the past but now declared eradicated, confirmed by survey.
Tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (TSWV - EPPO A2 list)
During the 2003 survey, 58 samples were collected from ornamental pot plants and vegetable crops in 20 glasshouses. TSWV was not found in 2003. It can be recalled that in 2002 (see EPPO RS 2003/022), 2 samples were positive but eradication measures had been taken.
The situation of TSWV in Estonia can be described as follows: Absent, 2 positive samples were found in 2002 and eradication measures were taken. No longer found in 2003.
Sources
NPPO of Estonia, 2004-02.