Situation of several regulated pests in Latvia
The NPPO of Latvia recently provided the EPPO Secretariat with an updated official pest status (indicated in bold) for the following regulated pests:
Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis* (EPPO A2 List)
In 2004, C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis was found for the first time in protected cultivation. Since then, regular surveys have been conducted by the NPPO. Surveillance results confirmed that the bacterium was detected for the last time in 2010.
Present, only in protected cultivation.
Diaporthe vaccinii* (EPPO A2 List)
In Latvia, D. vaccinii was first found in 2009, and detected again during the following years. In 2012, the identity of the fungus was confirmed by using molecular methods.
Present, only in some areas where host crops are grown.
Ditylenchus dipsaci (EPPO A2 List)
Since the first finding of D. dipsaci in 2010, surveys have been carried out by the NPPO. They have shown that the nematode has a restricted distribution.
Present, only in some areas.
Erwinia amylovora (EPPO A2 List)
E. amylovora was first found in 2007 and since then, specific surveys have been conducted across the whole territory of Latvia. In 2013, 8 outbreaks of E. amylovora were detected. Phytosanitary measures have been taken to eradicate the disease (by destroying infected plants and their surrounding host plants).
Present, only in some areas, under eradication.
Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae – formerly A2 EPPO List)
In 2003, several imago specimens of G. molesta were caught in pheromone traps (see EPPO RS 2003/119). Since that time, no stages of the pest have ever been detected during inspections. There is no evidence that G. molesta has been able to overwinter and establish in Latvia.
Absent, confirmed by survey.
Heracleum sosnowskyi (Apiaceae – EPPO A2 List)
Since 2007, surveys for H. sosnowskyi have been conducted in Latvia. From 2007 to 2013, the NPPO has estimated that 10 460 ha were invaded by this plant. H. sosnowskyi was found in 101 of the 119 administrative divisions in Latvia.
Present, in all parts of the area.
Phialophora cinerescens (EPPO A2 List)
P. cinerea was found in the past in glasshouse carnations (EPPO RS 93/128). It was recorded for the last time in 2004, and since then general surveillance has confirmed that this fungus no longer occurs in Latvia.
Absent, pest no longer present.
Phytophthora ramorum (EPPO A2 List)
In Latvia, P. ramorum was intercepted for the first time in 2007 on imports of potted plants of rhododendron. Since 2010, no further interceptions have been made. Official surveillance programmes have confirmed that P. ramorum is not established in Latvia.
Absent, intercepted only.
Plum pox virus (Potyvirus, PPV – EPPO A2 List)
PPV was first found in Latvia in 2008, and since then regular surveys have been carried out by the NPPO. The last findings were notified in 2010. Phytosanitary measures were taken to eradicate PPV (all infected plants and the surrounding host plants were destroyed).
Present, only in some areas, under eradication.
Ralstonia solanacearum (EPPO A2 List)
Old records of R. solanacearum race 3 in Latvia have never been confirmed (EPPO RS 96/002) and should be considered as unreliable. The absence of the bacterium has been confirmed by surveys conducted from 1998 to 2013.
Absent, confirmed by survey.
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* New record according to PQR.
Sources
NPPO of Latvia (2013-10).