Situation of Phytophthora ramorum in Croatia
Specific surveys on Phytophthora ramorum (EPPO Alert List) have been conducted in Croatia since 2004 and during that period a total of 291 samples (leaves and shoots) were collected from symptomatic ornamental plants (Rhododendron, Viburnum, Camellia, Syringa, Pieris, Nerium, Photinia, Magnolia, Leucothoe) at 134 locations, and tested in the laboratory using morphological characteristics according to the EPPO Standard PM 7/66(1).
P. ramorum was first recorded in 2007 on 1 sample of Rhododendron collected from a nursery in Čakovec (Međimurska county) and on 1 sample of Rhododendron collected from a garden centre in Lučko (City of Zagreb). Investigations showed that both infected samples were part of the same consignment imported from the Netherlands in March 2007. All infected and susceptible plants from the consignment were destroyed and additional inspections were carried out at those locations.
After this first finding, symptoms resembling those of P. ramorum were observed in 2009, on 2 Rhododendron plants at 2 locations in Lučko (City of Zagreb) and Turanj (Zadarska county), and again in 2010, on 3 Rhododendron and 1 Leucothoe plant at 4 locations in Turanj, Štefanec (Međimurska county) and 2 in Zagreb. After the infection had been confirmed, eradication measures were ordered. All infected plants, and all susceptible plants located within a radius of 2 m from the infected plants, were destroyed. Two additional inspections were carried out within three months. During that period, the application of the plant protection products that may cover up the symptoms of infection was forbidden. Cultivation of susceptible plants within 4 m of the infected plants has been prohibited for a period of three years.
The pest status of Phytophthora ramorum in Croatia is officially declared as: Several outbreaks on Rhododendron spp. and Leucothoe plants from imported consignments, eradication measures conducted, under official control.
Sources
NPPO of Croatia (2011-11).
EPPO Standard PM 7/66(1) Diagnostic protocol Phytophthora ramorum. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2338.2006.00927.x/pdf