Update on the situation of Cryphonectria parasitica in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, Cryphonectria parasitica (EPPO A2 List) was first found in 2011 in 2 orchards of sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) in Warwickshire and Sussex where eradication measures were taken (EPPO RS 2012/048). Subsequent studies showed that the fungus had been introduced with chestnut planting material imported from one nursery in France. These studies also detected C. parasitica in more than 30 trees on a farm in East Sussex, 2 trees at a private residence in Herefordshire, as well as in several trees in 7 private residences and 1 nursery of Southwestern England. In all cases, eradication measures were taken. The vast majority of infested trees had been supplied by the French nursery (by mail order).
The pest status of Cryphonectria parasitica in the United Kingdom is officially declared as: Present, under eradication.
Sources
Fera (2013) Rapid Pest Risk analysis for Cryphonectria parasitica. http://www.fera.defra.gov.uk/plants/plantHealth/pestsDiseases/documents/rapidAssessmentCryphonectriaParasitica.pdf
Hunter GC, Wylder B, Jones B, Webber JF (2013) First finding of Cryphonectria parasitica causing chestnut blight on Castanea sativa trees in England. New Disease Reports 27, 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.5197/j.2044-0588.2013.027.001