First report of Lophodermium cedrinum in Germany
The NPPO of Germany informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first record of Lophodermium cedrinum on its territory. On 2014-03-14, the fungus was identified on the basis of its morphological characteristics by the Regional Plant Protection Service. L. cedrinum was detected in a lot of more than 300 cedar trees (Cedrus deodara, C. libani and C. atlantica) in a nursery in Niedersachsen. Approximately 80 % of the plants showed symptoms. These plants measuring 1.5 to 6 m high had been bought 10 years ago and their origin could not be traced back. It is assumed that the first symptoms of the disease appeared in 2010. Preliminary control measures were taken to avoid any further spread of the disease and a survey is planned. L. cedrinum is a fungal pathogen of cedars which causes needle spots and discolorations followed by needle cast. Little information is available on this fungus in the literature. It is known to occur on cedar trees in North Africa (Algeria, Mauritania), and there are records from China (Northern China on C. deodara, Liaoning on Pinus densiflora) and Pakistan.
Sources
NPPO of Germany (2014-08).
INTERNET
Julius Kühn-Institut. Express PRA on Lophodermium cedrinum. http://pflanzengesundheit.jki.bund.de/dokumente/upload/2a345_lophodermium_cedrinum_express-pra.pdf