First report of Mycosphaerella pini in Belgium
The NPPO of Belgium recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of Mycosphaerella pini (syn= Scirrhia pini – EU Annexes) on its territory. Symptoms of needle blight were observed in 2 forests in the communes of Meeuwen-Gruitrode (Limburg province) and Ravels (Antwerpen province) on pine trees (Pinus nigra subsp. laricio). Morphological analysis of the fungus revealed the presence of fruiting bodies and conidia of the anamorph stage of M. pini (Dothistroma septospora). These results were confirmed by another laboratory (morphological analysis and PCR) in November 2007. The owners of the forests concerned have been informed. Nursery inspections will be carried out focusing on the possible presence of M. pini symptoms.
The pest status of Mycosphaerella pini in Belgium is officially declared as: Present, in forests in the provinces Antwerpen and Limburg.
Sources
NPPO of Belgium, 2008-03.