Outbreak of Lecanosticta acicola in Salzburg, Austria
In Austria, Lecanosticta acicola (teleomorph Mycosphaerella dearnessii– EPPO A2 List) was first found in 1996 (EPPO RS 99/135). The disease was then reported in other localities in the länder of Niederösterreich, Oberösterreich, Steiemark, Vorarlberg, Tyrol and Salzburg on several pine species (Pinus mugo subsp. mugo, P. mugo subsp. uncinata, P. sylvestris and P. nigra – EPPO RS 2012/241, 2015/192). In July 2016, a new outbreak was detected in Salzburg on P. mugo subsp. mugo and P. mugo subsp. uncinata. The infected area (approximately 0.4 km²) is located in a bog between the lakes of Grabensee and Mattsee and is also a protected nature reserve. The origin of this outbreak is unknown but it may be associated with the natural spread of spores from infected trees growing in urban sites nearby or with touristic activities (i.e. visitors carrying infectious spores on their shoes and clothes). Phytosanitary measures have been taken to prevent any further spread of the disease, such as: felling and incineration of infected trees, prohibition to transport plant material and wood of host species, use of less susceptible tree species in future reforestation programmes, raising public awareness to avoid spreading fungal spores with shoes and clothes.
The situation of Lecanosticta acicola in Austria can be described as follows: Present in some parts of the area where host species are grown; under surveillance.
Sources
NPPO of Austria (2016-08).