Situation of several regulated pests in Lithuania in 2019
The NPPO of Lithuania has recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the results of national surveys conducted in 2019 on several regulated pests. The EPPO Secretariat has extracted below data provided on pests which were declared to be present in Lithuania (pest status officially declared by the NPPO is indicated in bold). For pests which were declared as absent, pest statuses have been transferred directly into the EPPO Global Database.
- Bacteria
Clavibacter sepedonicus (EPPO A2 List): in 2019, 17 outbreaks of potato ring rot were detected. Most were found on ware potatoes grown in small farms of less than 0.5 ha which produced potatoes for their own consumption. Most infected potatoes had been grown from farm-saved seed potatoes. All infected potatoes have been destroyed and phytosanitary measures have been applied. These measures will be implemented during the next 4 years.
Present: only in some areas where host crop(s) are grown.
Erwinia amylovora (EPPO A2 List): in 2019, 4 new outbreaks were detected in Lithuania on Pyrus spp. and Crataegus spp. Eradication measures have been applied: all infected trees and potential hosts located within a radius of 10 or 20 m around them were destroyed (uprooted and burned). Restrictions on the movement of host plants were applied in demarcated areas (outbreak, safety zone and buffer zone).
Present: under eradication.
- Nematode
Globodera rostochiensis (EPPO A2 List): in 2019, 15 outbreaks were detected. The nematode was detected in soil samples collected from several ware potato farms. Most infestations were found in small farms. Official phytosanitary measures have been applied in accordance with EU Directive 2007/33/EC. In the infested fields, the cultivation of potatoes and other host plants is prohibited for the next 6 years.
Present: only in some areas where host crop(s) are grown.
- Fungi
Dothistroma septosporum (EU Annexes): in 2019, the fungus was identified in 6 nurseries on Pinus spp. trees (P. mugo, P. ponderosa). Phytosanitary measures were taken to eradicate the disease: all infected plants were destroyed by incineration. Movement of host plants out of the demarcated areas is prohibited for one year.
Present: under eradication.
Lecanosticta acicola (EPPO A2 List): in 2019, the fungus was identified in 4 sites on Pinus mugo trees. Phytosanitary measures were taken to eradicate the disease: all infected plants were destroyed by incineration. Movement of host plants out of the demarcated areas is prohibited for one year.
Present: under eradication.
Phytophthora ramorum (EPPO A2 List): in 2019, P. ramorum was found on imported Rhododendron plants (see EPPO RS 2019/241). Infested plants were destroyed as well as other host plants within 2 m radius. A demarcated area was established. Inspections on susceptible plants will be carried out for the next 3 years.
Absent: intercepted only.
- Viruses
Plum pox virus (Potyvirus, PPV - EPPO A2 List): in 2019, the presence of PPV was detected on plum trees (Prunus domestica) in the region of Utena (in an orchard) and of Alytus (in a nursery) as a result of official surveys. No symptoms of plum pox virus were observed. All infected plum trees have been uprooted and destroyed by incineration. Phytosanitary measures will be implemented in the infected area for the next 3 years.
Present: under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Lithuania (2020-02).