EPPO Global Database

EPPO Reporting Service no. 08 - 2013 Num. article: 2013/174

First report of Phytophthora fragariae in Finland


In 2012, the presence of Phytophthora fragariae (EPPO A2 List) was found for the first time in Finland during phytosanitary inspections conducted in 55 strawberry plantations in different parts of the country. It is supposed that the wet and cool weather of summer 2012 favoured disease spread and symptom expression. As the pathogen can survive in the soil for long periods without any host plant, eradication was not considered feasible but containment measures have been taken to prevent the spread of the disease from contaminated farms to other commercial production areas.
The situation of Phytophthora fragariae in Finland can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2012, under official control.

Sources

INTERNET
Evira. Finnish Food Safety Authority (2013-01-17) New plant pests in horticultural production came as a surprise in 2012. http://www.evira.fi/portal/en/plants/current+issues/?bid=3290