First report of blueberry leaf mottle virus in France
The NPPO of France recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of blueberry leaf mottle virus (Nepovirus myrtilli, BLMoV, EPPO A1 List) in France. During a research project, BLMoV was detected in March 2025 on two grapevine accessions (Vitis vinifera) in an insect-proof greenhouse in a heritage grapevine conservatory in Gard department (Occitanie region). The plants had been imported from Portugal in 2016. The identity of the pest was confirmed by molecular testing. All of the other grapevine accessions in the greenhouse tested negative for the presence of BLMoV. Eradication measures were taken in accordance with EU Regulation 2016/2031, including destruction of the two plants that tested positive for BLMoV and all plants grown from those accessions (10 in total).
The pest status of blueberry leaf mottle virus in France is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of France (2025-06).