Detection of Phytophthora drechsleri in the Czech Republic
The NPPO of the Czech Republic recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of Phytophthora drechsleri on its territory. P. drechsleri is reported from all continents and infects a wide range of plants including potato, tomato lucerne, cucurbits, ornamentals and trees. It causes various symptoms on its different hosts (tuber or root rot, damping-off, soft rot, bark canker) which may lead to economically significant damage. Relatively high temperatures and wet conditions are needed for disease development. P. drechsleri can be transmitted with plants for planting and attached growing medium.
In the Czech Republic, the pathogen was confirmed in 2010 on Gerbera jamesonii plants in one glasshouse (hydroponic cultivation) producing cut flowers. Affected plants showed sudden wilting and dieback, and the disease spread to most gerbera plants in the glasshouse. Samples were collected and tested in the laboratory (isolation, morphology, PCR and RFLP). Although the source of this infection could not be fully ascertained, it is suspected that imports of infected G. jamesonii plants were the source of the disease in the glasshouse concerned. Phytosanitary measures were taken to eradicate P. drechsleri. All G. jamesonii plants were destroyed and the glasshouse disinfected. The efficacy of the eradication measures will be officially monitored.
The pest status of Phytophthora drechsleri in the Czech Republic is officially declared as: Transient, recorded in one premises, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of the Czech Republic (2011-04).
CABI (1985) Phytophthora drechsleri. CMI Descriptions of pathogenic fungi and bacteria no. 840, 2 pp.
CABI (1991) Phytophthora drechsleri. Distribution maps of plant diseases no. 281, 2;pp.