Phytophthora ramorum found in Baden Württemberg and Niedersachsen, Germany
The NPPO of Germany recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the detection of Phytophthora ramorum (EPPO A2 List) in two areas in Germany.
- Baden Württemberg
P. ramorum has recently been found on a Rhododendron hillside in a botanical garden. At this location, the pathogen has been found intermittently in the last few years and samples have been collected annually from plants and soil. In October 2016, P. ramorum was detected again in plant and soil samples. Affected Rhododendron plants showed leaf and twig dieback. The NPPO of Germany considered that eradication was no longer possible at this location but official measures to contain the disease were taken. The movement of host plants from the botanical garden is prohibited and the botanical garden shop is not allowed to sell Rhododendron or any other susceptible host plants.
- Niedersachsen
In May 2016, P. ramorum was detected in a nursery on Gaultheria procumbens. This is the first time that the pathogen is found on this host in Germany. P. ramorum was detected in a symptomatic sample (leaves and twigs) using molecular tests (PCR, real-time PCR). Phytosanitary measures were implemented to eradicate P. ramorum and concerned in total 280 000 infested (symptomatic) and potentially infested (asymptomatic) plants. All symptomatic plants have been destroyed. On potentially infested plants, fungicides treatments and hygiene measures have been applied. Intensive inspection and testing will be performed to verify the health status of the remaining plants.
The pest status of Phytophthora ramorum in Germany is officially declared as: Present, few occurrences.
Sources
NPPO of Germany (2016-10).