First report of Dothistroma septosporum in Sweden
Dothistroma septosporum (teleomorph: Mycosphaerella pini - EU Annexes) was first found in Sweden in 2007 in Pinus sylvestris and until recently, its geographical distribution was considered to be limited. According to a recent study carried out by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences entitled ‘Dothistroma needle blight on Pinus sylvestris and Pinus contorta under Nordic conditions using the method of DNA-sequencing’ (doctoral thesis by H. Millberg, 2015), D. septosporum is now widely spread in pine forests on P. sylvestris and P. contorta. The fungus has been detected at several sites ranging from Fredrika (Västerbotten county, Northern Sweden) to Vaggeryd (Jönköping county, Southern Sweden). However, there are no indications that the disease is causing severe outbreaks in Sweden, contrary to the situation reported from other parts of the world. It is supposed that the cold climate prevailing in Sweden does not favour the disease. As D. septosporum is already present in neighbouring countries and natural spread is considered to be the most important pathway, no phytosanitary measures have been applied.
The pest status of Dothistroma septosporum in Sweden is officially declared as: Present, in all parts of the area concerned.
Sources
NPPO of Sweden (2016-10).