First record of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in Galicia (Spain)
The NPPO of Spain recently informed the EPPO Secretariat about the first report of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (EPPO A2 List) in Galicia. Because of the presence of the pinewood nematode in Portugal since 1999, intensive surveys and phytosanitary checks are being carried out in Spain. In November 2008, B. xylophilus was detected for the first time in Spain (EPPO RS 2010/051) in a single tree of Pinus pinaster, located in Villanueva de la Sierra, in the province of Cáceres (Extremadura). Phytosanitary measures were taken in accordance with the EU Commission Decision 2006/133/CE and a set of actions aimed to eradicate B. xylophilus were carried out with successful results. Since 2008, a National Contingency Plan and a National Action Plan for pinewood nematode control have been implemented in Spain.
In November 2010, the presence of B. xylophilus was confirmed in 7 trees (Pinus pinaster) in a forest area located in the municipality of ‘As Neves’ (province of Pontevedra), in Galicia. According to the legal requirements in force, an intensive survey is being carried out in order to demarcate the affected area around the initial outbreak. At the same time, a specific Action Plan is also being implemented to eradicate B. xylophilus from Galicia.
The situation of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in Spain can be described as follows: Transient, 1 Pinus pinaster found infected near Cáceres (Extremadura) in 2008, 7 P. pinaster found infected in ‘As Neves’ (Galicia) in 2010, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Spain (2010-11).
Commission Decision 2006/133/EC of 13 February 2006 requiring Member States temporarily to take additional measures against the dissemination of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner et Buhrer) Nickle et al. (the pine wood nematode) as regards areas in Portugal, other than those in which it is known not to occur. http://www.eppo.org/ABOUT_EPPO/EPPO_MEMBERS/phytoreg/eu_texts/2006-133-EC-e.pdf