National eradication programme for the pinewood nematode

Abstract

The pinewood nematode (PWN),1 Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is listed as a harmful organism to plants or plant products by the European Union (EU) (Annex II, Council Directive 2000/29/EC of 8 May 2000). Its introduction into and spread within all Member States must be banned. This organism, the causal agent of pine wilt disease (PWD), is a serious pest and pathogen of forest tree species, in particular among the genus Pinus; its presence in the territory of a member state obliges the country to notify the partners and to adopt immediate safeguard measures. The subjects of contamination are plants of the genus Abies, Cedrus, Larix, Picea, Pinus, Pseudotsuga, and Tsuga, with the exception of their fruits and seeds, and wood of conifers (Coniferales), originating from non-European countries. © 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.