First report of Meloidogyne mali in France
The NPPO of France recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first record of Meloidogyne mali (EPPO Alert List) on its territory. Following the detection of M. mali in the Netherlands and Italy (EPPO RS 2014/102), investigations have been carried out in France. In September 2016, M. mali was detected on Ulmus chenmoui trees planted in an experimental plot located in Ile-de-France region. The nematode was found also in Rubus fructicosus plants growing in their immediate vicinity. The pest was identified by morphological and molecular methods. The origin of this infestation is unknown but it is hypothesized that M. mali entered Europe with plant material imported from Asia to the Netherlands in the framework of research for resistance to Dutch elm disease. Phytosanitary measures are being implemented to delimit the extent of the infestation and eradicate the pest.
The pest status of Meloidogyne mali in France is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of France (2016-11).