Discovery of PWN in Portugal and in Europe

Abstract

Pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, was first reported for Portugal (and Europe) in 1999. The importance of this discovery and economic impact are discussed. Details on the ongoing research of the nematode and its vector, Monochamus galloprovincialis, are provided, and are mainly on the morphology and molecular biology of the nematode and the bioecology of the vector and its relationship with B. xylophilus. Pine products play an important role in the Portuguese economy. The total area of forest trees in Portugal is approximately 3 × 106 ha, of which Pinus species occupy roughly 1.25×106 ha. Pine products include lumber, resin, pulp and pine seed, all of which are very important economic products in our country. The Lousã mountain contains the largest area of maritime pine, Pinus pinaster, in Europe. On several occasions, Portuguese researchers have pointed to the dangers of the possible presence of the pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, an A1 quarantine pest, according to EPPO, in Portugal (Macara, 1994).