Situation of several quarantine pests in Germany in 1999 and 2000
The NPPO of Germany has recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the following:
In December 1999, Gynaikothrips uzeli was found in Baden-Württemberg in a glasshouse of a Botanical Garden. This unusual pest was found on Ficus benjamina. Plants showed strong leaf galling. Abamectin treatments were applied and the thrips were no longer found. It is stressed that it was difficult to carry out a pest risk analysis on G. uzeli, as very little information was available from the literature.
Mycosphaerella dearnessii (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) was observed in Bayern on one Pinus mugo tree naturally growing in an upland moor area. In Germany, M. dearnessii had first been reported from Bayern in 1995 (see EPPO RS 95/239). The presence of the fungus was determined on samples of needles and young shoots in the laboratory. Due to difficult soil conditions, it was not possible to examine other trees in this moor area but further work will continue. Present: only in Bayern.
Pepino mosaic potexvirus (EPPO Alert List) was found in Thüringen on tomatoes grown under glass for fruit production in one place of production. Fruit symptoms occurred on Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Clarence. Leaf symptoms were observed on cvs Starfighter and Tradiro, without any impact on yield. The presence of the virus was detected serologically, and even symptomless samples had high virus concentrations. Measures were taken on the whole place of production (10 ha): disinfection and burning of tomato plants. Tomato plants had originally been imported from the Netherlands. Present: only in some areas of one state (Thüringen) in protected cultivation.
Plum pox potyvirus (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) was found in June 2000 in Thüringen, a state which was previously free from the disease. It was found in a nursery, during a routine inspection for the issuance of plant passport, on 2000 plants (Prunus domestica) in containers which had previously been imported from Hungary. Plum pox potyvirus was detected on the basis of symptoms and its presence was confirmed by ELISA tests. No other symptoms were observed in the nursery and its surroundings. All infected plants were destroyed. It is assumed that this finding is connected to the import of already infected plants. In Germany, plum pox potyvirus is present in many areas where host crops are grown.
In August 1999, Spodoptera frugiperda (EPPO A1 quarantine pest) was found in Baden-Württemberg on sweet maize plants grown in a nursery (3 ha). There were clear evidence of larval feeding. In September 1999, 40 infected plants were found. Larvae were collected and destroyed. Because of the climatic conditions, it appears unlikely that any further spread occurred. Maize cobs had been imported from USA and were originally intended for fresh consumption. The production site is under quarantine and further observations will be made to verify the absence of the pest. Present: only in one place of production in Baden-Württemberg, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Germany, 2000-10.