Surveys on pine nematodes in Slovenia: absence of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
In Slovenia, during summers 2002–2004, approximately 100 ha of conifer forests were surveyed for the presence of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (EPPO A1 list). In total, 170 wood samples from dead and dying pines (Pinus sylvestris, P. nigra), spruces (Picea abies) and firs (Abies alba) were analysed. As in previous surveys (EPPO RS 2003/170), B. xylophilus was not found. These surveys showed that three different species of Bursaphelenchus were present: B mucronatus (East-Asian type found in 3 samples collected near Ljubljana airport), B. homanni and an unspecified Bursaphelenchus species.
The situation of B. xylophilus in Slovenia can be described as follows: Absent, confirmed by surveys.
Sources
Urek G, Širca S (2005) First report of the East-Asian type of Bursaphelenchus mucronatus in Pinus sylvestris in Slovenia.
Plant Disease 89(9), p 1015.