Situation of several quarantine pests in Lithuania in 2009
The NPPO of Lithuania has informed the EPPO Secretariat of the results of national surveys conducted in 2009 on several quarantine pests. The pest status officially declared by the NPPO is indicated in bold. Results of earlier surveys were presented in EPPO RS 2005/075.
Anoplophora chinensis (EPPO A2 List)
In October 2008, the presence of A. chinensis was detected in Acer trees which had been imported from Japan to establish a Japanese garden near Klaipeda (see EPPO RS 2008/193). Emergency measures were taken and all potential host plants (68 plants in total) were removed and burned. Phytosanitary measures were taken in accordance with Commission Decision 2008/840/EC. In April 2009, inspections were carried out in the demarcated area and A. chinensis was not detected. No longer found, first found in 2008, under intensive official control for the next 3 years.
Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus (EPPO A2 List)
In 2009, 38 ware potato farms were found infected by C. michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus. Ring rot was not detected in seed potato production. 48 samples of ware potatoes (21 cultivars) tested positive: 2 samples were taken from potato fields and all others (46) were taken from storage. Phytosanitary measures were applied in accordance with Council Directive 2006/56/EEC. All infected potatoes were destroyed and potentially contaminated potatoes were used for animal feed (after steaming) or human consumption. Present, found in 38 ware potato farms, eradicated, under official control for the next 4 years.
Diaporthe vaccinii (EPPO A2 List)
In recent years, D. vaccinii has been detected in Lithuania on Vaccinium plants (see EPPO RS 2004/085 and 2006/144). In 2009, inspections were carried out on 26 farms growing Vaccinium spp. plants and on 44 sites in natural habitats. In total, 49 samples were collected and tested in the laboratory. All results were negative. No longer found, first found in 2003 in some localities, under official control for the next 3 years.
Didymella ligulicola (EPPO A2 List)
An outbreak of D. ligulicola was found for the first time in Lithuania. Symptomatic samples of chrysanthemum were collected in summer and autumn 2009. D. ligulicola was detected at 1 location in the region of Kaunas. All infected material and other potential host plants located in the immediate vicinity were destroyed (land burial). Present, found in 1 location in Kaunas region, eradicated, under official control.
Ditylenchus destructor (EU Annexes)
Outbreaks of D. destructor were detected in 2 seed potato farms. 30 tonnes of potatoes were found infested and subsequently destroyed. Present found in few areas (2 seed potato farms), eradicated, under official control.
Erwinia amylovora (EPPO A2 List)
During the annual survey on fireblight, only 1 sample was found positive. E. amylovora was detected in Kaunas region on old Crataegus plants in a private property. Pyrus, Sorbus, and many Crataegus plants growing in the immediate vicinity were destroyed. The possible source of this infestation remains unknown. This outbreak site was located within the buffer zone already delimited in 2007. Present, found in Kaunas region, eradicated, under official control for the next 2 years.
Globodera rostochiensis (EPPO A2 List)
In 2009, samples were collected from 9 seed potato and 567 ware potato farms, and 110 outbreaks of G. rostochiensis were detected. Present, found in some areas (110 outbreaks), under official control.
Plum pox virus (Potyvirus, PPV - EPPO A2 List)
In 2009, one outbreak of PPV was identified in Kaunas region. All infected trees and those growing in their immediate vicinity were destroyed. Present, found in 1 outbreak, eradicated, under official control for the next 3 years.
Puccinia horiana (EPPO A2 List)
P. horiana was found in 1 glasshouse on chrysanthemum plants grown for flower production. All infected plants were removed. Present, found in 1 glasshouse, eradicated, under official control.
Sources
NPPO of Lithuania (2010-06).