First report of Thekopsora minima in the Netherlands
The NPPO of the Netherlands recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of Thekopsora minima (EPPO Alert List) on its territory. During an official survey, the rust was found on Vaccinium corymbosum (wild and invasive plants) near Venlo in a natural green area covering approximately 1400 ha. No typical symptoms were observed on V. corymbosum plants but rust spores were found on leaves by the laboratory of the National Reference Centre. The identity of the fungus was confirmed in the laboratory (morphology, sequencing). The source of this infestation is unknown. The NPPO considered that the fungus is probably widespread in the area concerned because of the high density of blueberry bushes, and the fact that the leaves which were left on these bushes (T. minima causes leaf drop) were heavily infected. As the fungus can spread via airborne spores and is already present in several European countries, eradication measures were not considered feasible.
The pest status of Thekopsora minima in the Netherlands is officially declared as: Present, only in some parts of the Member State concerned.
Sources
NPPO of the Netherlands (2017-02).