Update on the situation of Cryphonectria parasitica in Germany
In 1996, an outbreak of Cryphonectria parasitica (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) was found in Germany at one site in Rheinland-Pfalz on an area of about 0.4 ha. Infected chestnut trees were felled and destroyed. A detection survey was set up in a surrounding buffer zone of approximately 40 ha. In August 1997, the monitoring of chestnut stands in the near vicinity of the felled area showed the presence of two further chestnut trees attacked by the disease. Both trees were immediately felled and destroyed. Around the site of the felled area of the previous year, a concentric felled area of 10 m depth was newly established at the end of October 1997. The wood cut from this area was exclusively used as firewood. In addition, all chestnuts and oaks were felled in a working strip of approximately 15-20 m. This area is thus only covered with a loose layer of Douglas fir and pine. The former infection of 1996 is considered as eradicated.
In the 1998 growing season, further observations will be carried out by the plant protection service by visual inspection of the site. It is envisaged that these inspections will continue for a further 5 years.
Sources
Plant Protection Service of Germany, 1998-01.