Gibberella circinata detected again in France
The NPPO of France recently informed the EPPO Secretariat that Fusarium circinatum (anamorph of Gibberella circinata – EPPO A1 List) has been again detected on its territory (see also EPPO RS 2006/104, 2008/103 and 2009/093). The fungus was detected in July 2009 on samples of Pinus radiata collected from 1 nursery in Vendée department (Pays-de-la-Loire region). Eradication measures (including destruction of infected plants and increased surveillance) were immediately put into place, and information was provided to all customers of the nursery. Studies were initiated to identify the possible source of this infection and it was found that infected plants had been grown from a lot of imported seeds. These tracing-back studies showed that 8 French nurseries and 1 forest stand had received young plants grown from this suspect seed lot. In September 2009, the presence of F. circinatum was confirmed in 1 of these nurseries in Côtes d’Armor department (Bretagne region), and eradication measures were also implemented. Although it has not been possible for the moment to retrieve and test seeds from the suspect lot, this second finding strongly suggests that the origin of the two infestations is the import of an infected seed lot. The country of origin of the P. radiata seeds, as well as other countries which may have imported plants grown from this suspect seed lot have been informed by the French NPPO. Intensive surveillance programmes are being implemented by the NPPO.
The situation of Gibberella circinata in France can be described as follows: Present, found again in 2009 in 2 nurseries in Western France (Côtes d’Armor, Vendée) in connection with the import of a suspect Pinus radiata seed lot; under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of France, 2009-12.