First report of Neonectria neomacrospora in Belgium
In June 2017, symptoms of shoot dieback were detected on Abies grandis saplings in Southern Belgium (Luxembourg province). Affected saplings (5 to 10 years old) were growing in the understorey of an A. grandis stand which had been planted in the early 1970s. Symptoms were observed on about 20% of the saplings which showed shoot tip necrosis on both lateral and terminal shoots. Affected shoots displayed purple to reddish necrotic lesions on the bark and their diameter was occasionally reduced. Necrotic lesions were also associated with a browning and shedding of needles. Laboratory tests (morphological and molecular), as well as pathogenicity tests confirmed the presence of Neonectria neomacrospora (EPPO Alert List) in symptomatic saplings. This is the first time that this fungus is reported from Belgium. The potential economic importance of N. neomacrospora remains to be studied, in particular for the Belgian Christmas tree sector.
The situation of Neonectria neomacrospora in Belgium can be described as follows: Present, only in some areas (in 1 stand of Abies grandis in Luxembourg province).
Sources
Schmitz S, Charlier A, Chandelier A, 2017. First report of Neonectria neomacrospora on Abies grandis in Belgium. New Disease Reports 36(17). http://dx.doi.org/10.5197/j.2044-0588.2017.036.017