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Abstract
Research, partly funded under the EU PHRAME (Plant Health Risk And Monitoring Evaluation) program has provided new information on the biology and ecology of pinewood nematode (PWN),
Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, in Portugal. Studies have been carried out by eight partner research teams in six countries (UK -coordinator, Austria, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain). Data gathered have improved our understanding of the interaction of PWN, its vectors and host trees in both a European and a global context. Specifically,
Monochamus galloprovincialis, has taken on the role of vector in Portugal and results have indicated that it has a single generation a year with a well-defined flight period. Collection of strains of
B. xylophilus and their mass culture has enabled biological and molecular studies to be carried out, suggesting that there are two strains of the nematode in Portugal. Detailed studies of early infestation of seedling trees in both Germany and Portugal have provided excellent information on rapid movement of nematodes in the tree, followed by onset of wilt symptoms. Data from all partners are being incorporated in a new risk model based on existing process-based models of tree growth developed in the UK. These are driven by the differences between actual and potential transpiration in host trees and the interactions with site, temperature, moisture regimes and presence of nematodes in the tree. Predictions from the new models are being tested using parameters from the known infested area of Portugal. This new approach should allow refined assessment of the likelihood of wilt expression both in Europe and internationally.
Parent Publication
Citation
Evans, Hugh F.; Evans, Sam; Ikegami, Makihiko. 2007. Development of a new risk assessment procedure for pinewood nematode in Europe. In: Gottschalk, Kurt W., ed. Proceedings, 17th U.S. Department of Agriculture interagency research forum on gypsy moth and other invasive species 2006; Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-10. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 35-38.
