Phytophthora ramorum detected in the Czech Republic
The NPPO of the Czech Republic recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of 2 findings of Phytophthora ramorum (EPPO Alert List) on its territory in 2011. It is recalled that P. ramorum had been detected on imported plants on 2 previous occasions (on Viburnum bodnantense imported from Italy in 2003 (EPPO RS 2005/159) and on Rhododendron in 2009) but had been eradicated subsequently.
- In 2011, the first finding of P. ramorum was made on 1 plant of Pieris japonica in a large supermarket. The infected P. japonica belonged to a lot of 70 plants originating from the Netherlands, all of which had been sold by the supermarket to final consumers before an official inspection could be performed. Other potential hosts of P. ramorum were inspected but as no disease symptoms could be observed, no additional phytosanitary measures were taken.
- The second finding was made during an official inspection carried out in a garden centre. Symptoms were observed on 13 plants of Rhododendron spp., and diagnostic analysis following the EPPO diagnostic protocol PM 7/66(1) confirmed the presence of P. ramorum. The infected plants belonged to a lot consisting of 57 plants originating from the Netherlands. Most plants of this infected lot had been sold to final consumers before the inspection took place. Phytosanitary measures are being taken to eradicate P. ramorum in the premises of the garden centre, in accordance with EU Commission Decision 2002/757/EC.
The pest status of Phytophthora ramorum in the Czech Republic is officially declared as: Transient, recorded in two premises in 2011, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of the Czech Republic (2011-09).
EPPO (2006) EPPO Standards PM 7/66(1). Diagnostic protocol: Phytophthora ramorum. Bulletin OEPP/EPPO Bulletin 36(1), 145-155.