Situation of several quarantine pests in Lithuania in 2004: first report of rhizomania
The NPPO of Lithuania has informed the EPPO Secretariat of the results of national surveys conducted in 2004 on several quarantine pests. Results of earlier surveys were presented in EPPO RS 2004/078.
Beet necrotic yellow vein benyvirus (rhizomania - EPPO A2 list)
In October 2004, the presence of rhizomania was identified in the district of Šakiai. A sugarbeet field of 84 ha was found infected. The EPPO Secretariat had previously no data on the occurrence of rhizomania in Lithuania. After harvest, the agricultural machinery used on the infected field was thoroughly cleaned. Sugarbeets were processed only at the end of the factory work. The factory installations were then also disinfected. Plant wastes were buried and used waters treated. Washed soil will not be used for agricultural purposes. For 2005, the grower concerned was advised to grow resistant sugarbeet cultivars, to choose fields isolated as much as possible from the infected field, and not to use the infected field for any root vegetable. Present, first found in 2004 in the district of Šakiai (1 field), under official control.
Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus (EPPO A2 list)
In 2004, 31 samples of ware potatoes (corresponding to 525.80 tons and 15 farms) were found infected by C. michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus. Out of these 15 farms, 5 had been found infected previously. Infected potatoes were used for animal feed or processing. Potato cultivation was prohibited for at least 3 years in infected fields. Present, found in a few areas (15 farms), under official control.
Ditylenchus destructor (EU Annexes)
The nematode was detected in 33 samples of seed potatoes (corresponding to 942.4 tons and 8 farms) and in 48 samples of ware potatoes (894.5 tons, 26 farms). Part of the infected potatoes was used for animal feed or processing, and the other part was destroyed. A crop rotation will be made. Present, found in a few areas (34 farms), under official control.
Globodera rostochiensis (EPPO A2 list)
101 farms were found infested by G. rostochiensis, covering an area of approximately 261 ha. 168 ha were intended for ware potatoes (corresponding to 25 farms), 54 ha for seed potatoes (3 farms), and 39 ha for fruit tree orchards and ornamental nurseries (73 farms). Cultivation of potatoes and other plants for planting was prohibited in all infested plots. Present, found in a few areas (101 outbreaks), under official control.
Plum pox potyvirus (PPV - EPPO A2 list)
In August/September 2004, 3 outbreaks of PPV were detected in the districts of Kaunas and Telsiai. 1 was found in a breeding station and 2 in orchards. All infected trees will be destroyed. Present, found in a few areas (3 outbreaks), under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Lithuania, 2005-03.