First occurrence of Phytophthora ramorum in Pieris japonica in Germany
In August 2004, in Schleswig-Holstein, Phytophthora ramorum (EPPO Alert List) was detected in the underwood (consisting of Rhododendron, Pieris, and Leucothoe) of a forest (around 120 years old) consisting of Pinus sylvestris, Quercus robur, Fagus sylvatica, and other species. The Pieris plant showed symptoms similar to those of P. ramorum, and the presence of the pathogen was confirmed by microscopic investigation and PCR testing. It is assumed that P. ramorum in Pieris japonica has been existing in that area for several years already. The forest has been under survey since P. ramorum was detected in a Rhododendron tree in 2003. This earlier finding was however made at a considerable distance from the present one.
The pest status as to Pieris is declared as follows: One single occurrence.
Sources
NPPO of Germany, 2004-09.