Status of Phytophthora ramorum in Germany (2001/2002)
In 2001, a survey on the occurrence of Phytophthora ramorum (EPPO Alert List) was carried out in several regions in Germany. The survey comprised a total of approximately 230 locations, mainly nurseries, and was performed from August to December. P. ramorum was detected in 11 samples of Rhododendron spp. and in 9 samples of Viburnum spp. out of a total of 53 suspect samples.
In 2002, a survey for P. ramorum was again carried out from July to the end of October. Companies (nurseries, garden centres, trade companies), and to a lesser extent, public parks and private gardens were inspected, focussing mainly on Rhododendron and Viburnum. Infected plants were found at 38 locations out of 672 places included in the survey. 36 cases were detected in companies (624 inspected), and 2 cases were detected in private gardens (10 inspected). P. ramorum was only detected in Rhododendron and Viburnum. In some areas, naturally growing oak trees near the infected companies were inspected with negative results. Since 2002-11-01, Commission Decision 2002/757 on provisional emergency phytosanitary measures to prevent the introduction into and the spread within the Community of Phytophthora ramorum has been applied.