First report of Phytophthora alni in Latvia
The NPPO of Latvia informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first record of Phytophthora alni (formerly EPPO Alert List) on its territory. In October 2015, P. alni was found on Alnus glutinosa trees in a private forest near the city of Riga. The forest owner had contacted the NPPO of Latvia because unusual symptoms characterized by black exudates at the basis of the trees were observed. The forest was inspected and it was found that 40% of the A. glutinosa trees showed these symptoms. Samples were taken, and the identity of the pathogen was confirmed in November 2015 by molecular tests (DNA sequencing). No official measures were taken.
The pest status of Phytophthora alni in Latvia is officially declared as: Present: only in some areas where host crop(s) are grown.
Sources
NPPO of Latvia (2018-03).