First report of Lecanosticta acicola in Finland
Lecanosticta acicola (EPPO A2 List), the causal agent of brown spot needle blight, is reported for the first time in Finland. In October 2025, researchers observed a single non-native ornamental Pinus mugo tree with needles showing brown circumferential lesions with yellow halos in the city of Salo, south-west Finland. Morphological and molecular testing confirmed the identity of the pest. Terhonen et al. (2026) suggest that this finding poses a risk to native Scots pine trees (Pinus sylvestris) as spread from non-native hosts to native hosts is likely, climatic conditions are suitable and eradication is difficult once the pest is established. Lecanosticta acicola is a regulated non-quarantine pest within the EU.
The situation of Lecanosticta acicola in Finland can be described as: Present, few occurrences (one urban tree in Salo, southwest Finland).
Sources
Terhonen E, Trifković M, Poimala A (2026) First record of brown spot needle blight (BSNB) caused by Lecanosticta acicola on Pinus mugo in Finland. Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection 133(3), 97 https://doi.org/10.1007/s41348-026-01293-4