First report of Aphelenchoides besseyi in Portugal
In January 2021, during routine phytosanitary inspections of imported rice seeds (Oryza sativa) in Portugal, the nematode Aphelenchoides besseyi (EPPO A2 List) was detected in seeds imported from Italy. Following the interception, national phytosanitary measures were implemented including enhanced surveillance. In subsequent surveys, A. besseyi was found in January 2022 in three rice grain samples from a paddy field in Alcácer do Sal, in the rice growing region of the Sado basin (Alentejo region). During surveys in January 2024, A. besseyi was also detected in the rice growing region of the Mondego basin (Coimbra district, Centro region). In April 2024, A. besseyi was detected in five rice samples in Salvaterra de Magos in the rice producing area of Tagus basin (Alentejo region). This is the first time that A. besseyi is reported from Portugal.
The situation of Aphelenchoides besseyi in Portugal can be described as: Present, not widely distributed.
Sources
Inacio ML, Mora Rusinque LC, Nóbrega F, Varela R (2025) Detection of Aphelenchoides besseyi in major rice-growing regions of Portugal: tracing a possible introduction pathway through seed trade. Plant Disease (early view)