First report of Chalara fraxinea in Austria
Ash dieback was first observed in Austria in 2005 and by 2006-2007, this phenomenon was widespread and serious. Ash trees (Fraxinus excelsior) of all ages were affected but mortality was particularly common on saplings. Symptoms observed in Austria resembled those of ash dieback observed in other European countries, where the newly described fungus Chalara fraxinea (EPPO Alert List) is thought to be involved. However, the pathogenicity of C. fraxinea and its role in ash dieback still need to be determined. In June 2007, C. fraxinea was isolated for the first time from young symptomatic F. excelsior trees at 2 localities in Austria (Edt bei Lambach in Oberösterreich, Altaussee in Steiermark). From July 2007 to March 2008, C. fraxinea was also found at 11 localities (2 in Oberösterreich, 7 in Niederösterreich, 2 in Wien). It is recalled that C. fraxinea has been isolated in Poland (in 2006), then in Germany, Sweden, Lithuania and now in Austria.
Sources
Halmschlager E, Kirisits T (2008) First report of the ash dieback pathogen Chalara fraxinea on Fraxinus excelsior in Austria. New Disease Reports, Volume 17, February 2008 - July 2008. http://www.bspp.org.uk/ndr/july2008/2008-25.asp