First report of Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus (anamorph Chalara fraxinea) in Belgium
Since 2009, a survey of ash dieback caused by Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus (anamorph Chalara fraxinea - EPPO Alert List) was conducted in Wallonie, Belgium. Samples were collected from ash stands, taking also into account the potential points of entry of the pathogen (nurseries, sawmills, rivers, roads). In 2009, ash dieback was not detected in Belgium. However in June 2010, naturally regenerated trees displaying typical symptoms of ash dieback were found in Silly, a village in the province of Hainaut. Symptomatic trees were located along a road in front of a large ash stand. Laboratory analysis (PCR, sequencing, pathogenicity tests) confirmed the presence of H. pseudoalbidus. Sequence analysis of the Belgian isolate showed 100% sequence homology with sequences of a H. pseudoalbidus from Switzerland. This is the first report of ash dieback caused by H. pseudoalbidus in Belgium.
Sources
Chandelier A, Delhaye N, Helson M (2011) First report of the ash dieback pathogen (anamorph Chalara fraxinea) on Fraxinus excelsior in Belgium. Plant Disease 95(2), p 220.