First report of Neonectria neomacrospora in Germany
The NPPO of Germany recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first record of Neonectria neomacrospora (EPPO Alert List) on its territory. The disease was probably first observed by scientists in autumn 2013, but at that time the identity of the fungus was not confirmed. In 2013, disease symptoms (resin flow, needle loss, crown dieback, tree mortality) were observed on Abies concolor in two forest stands (covering approximately 3 ha) in Seddiner See, near Potsdam (Brandenburg). In autumn 2016, similar symptoms were seen on A. concolor near Welzow (Brandenburg), on an area of approximately 1500 m². In 2018, samples were collected and tested (PCR, sequencing) by the NPPO, and the results confirmed the identity of the fungus. No official phytosanitary measures will be taken but it is planned to carry out surveys to better understand the distribution of N. neomacrospora in Germany.
The pest status of Neonectria neomacrospora in Germany is officially declared as: Present, only in some parts of the Member State concerned.
Sources
NPPO of Germany (2018-11).
Heydeck P, Merkel R, Dahms C, Hielscher K (2018) [New damages on Abies concolor in the northeastern German lowlands]. Julius-Kühn-Archiv, 461 115-116 (in German).