First report of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in Armenia
The pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (EPPO A2 List) is first reported from Armenia. In the EPPO region, it has so far been recorded only in Spain and Portugal where it is under official control.
In 2022-2023, a survey was conducted in coniferous plantations in 5 regions of the Republic of Armenia (Kotayk, Gagharkunik, Tavush, Lori, Aragatsotn) where symptoms of pine wilt had been observed. Investigations were carried out in plantations of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Crimean pine (Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana). In total wood samples from 125 trees were collected in 14 locations and analyzed by morphological and molecular tests.
B. xylophilus was detected in samples collected in a pine forest near the village of Hankavan (Kotayk province) in 2022 and in 2023. Over the 2 years, six specimens were identified (3 males and 3 females) from Pinus sylvestris.
The authors note that the climate in this part of Armenia is dry continental, which could allow the survival of the pest, but is unlikely to lead to major outbreaks of pine wilt disease.
The only Monochamus species present in the country is Monochamus galloprovincialis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) which is considered as an invasive species only present in limited parts of the country, and not in the region of Hankavan. The authors note that other beetle species were recorded near Hankavan and could serve as vectors of the nematode (species in the genera Acanthocinus, Spondylis, Arhopalus, Asemum).
The authors recommend that phytosanitary measures are taken to avoid any further spread of the pest, and that further surveys are conducted to assess the distribution of B. xylophilus and its vectors in Armenia.
The situation of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in Armenia can be described as: Present, not widely distributed.
Sources
Arbuzova EN, Karagyan GH, Kozyreva NI, Shchukovskaya AG, Ghrejyan TL, Kalashian MY, Akopyan KV (2025) First finding of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in pine plantations of the Republic of Armenia. Journal of Nematology 57(1), 20250004.