First report of Phytophthora ramorum in Belgium
In May 2002, a Viburnum bodnantense plant showing wilting, brown discoloration of the leaves, discoloured vascular tissues and root necrosis, was observed in a Belgian ornamental nursery importing plants from the Netherlands. Laboratory studies (morphological characteristics, molecular and pathogenicity tests) confirmed the presence of Phytophthora ramorum (EPPO Alert List). Since this first observation, P. ramorum has been found in other Belgian nurseries on Rhododendron yakusimanum.
The situation of Phytophthora ramorum in Belgium can be described as follows: Present, found in a few nurseries on Viburnum and Rhododendron.
Sources
De Merlier, D.; Chandelier, A.; Cavelier, M. (2003) First report of Phytophthora ramorum on Viburnum bodnantse in Belgium.
Plant Disease, 87(2), p 203.