First report of Chalara fraxinea in Finland
The NPPO of Finland recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first detection of Chalara fraxinea (EPPO Alert List) on its territory. The outbreak of the disease was detected on ash trees (Fraxinus excelsior) in the commune of Tuusula from samples collected in 2007. The identity of the fungus was confirmed by DNA analysis in spring 2008. Symptomatic ash trees have been found on the southern coast of Finland in an area extending from Ahvenanmaa (Åland Islands) to Tuusula. In addition, diseased ash trees have been found in several other communes (e.g. Kustavi, Hyvinkää and Rajamäki). The analysis of the samples collected from these communes is still ongoing. The magnitude of the outbreak is such that eradication of the disease is considered impossible, and therefore no eradication measures were taken. The situation of the disease in Finnish forests will be surveyed on a yearly basis.
The situation of Chalara fraxinea in Finland can be described as follows: Present, first detected in 2008, along the southern coast.
Sources
NPPO of Finland (2008-10).