Survey results for several regulated pests in Finland
National surveys were carried out in Finland for the presence of several regulated pests. The results for 2012 are presented below.
Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (EPPO A2 List)
In total, 493 wood samples were analysed for the presence of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. 49% (230) of the inspections were made in areas at risk and 51 % (237) in forest areas. B. xylophilus was not found in any of the samples.
Gibberella circinata (EPPO A2 List)
Visual inspections of host plants were carried out in forest pine nurseries and ornamental plant nurseries. In total, 21 nurseries producing forest propagation material and 60 nurseries producing ornamental plants were inspected. The fungus was not found in any of the inspected sites.
Pepino mosaic virus (Potexvirus, PepMV - EPPO A2 List)
Inspections were carried out in 21 premises producing tomato plants for planting and 51 premises producing tomato fruit. In total, 83 asymptomatic samples were collected from plants for planting and 2 symptomatic samples were collected from plants grown for fruit production. These samples were tested by ELISA and all gave negative results.
Phytophthora ramorum (EPPO Alert List)
Inspections were carried out in garden centres, nurseries and parks. Sites producing Rhododendron spp. or Viburnum spp. were inspected twice during the growing season. Forestry sites were not monitored because rhododendrons are not present in Finnish forests. Phytophthora ramorum was detected in 1 nursery. In this nursery, P. ramorum had already been detected in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. Eradication measures were taken in accordance with the EU Commission Decision 2007/201/EC.
Sources
NPPO of Finland (2012-11, 2012-12).