The pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) is a microscopic worm that affects trees of the conifer family, especially maritime pine. It is a particularly destructive parasite responsible for severe dieback in pine forests. Transmitted by an insect vector, its spread is mainly due to the transport of wood or plants. If this parasite were introduced into France, the Landes area would be at risk due to the widespread presence of maritime pine. As the National and European Reference Laboratory for identification of the pinewood nematode, ANSES has conducted several expert appraisals to assess the risks of introduction and establishment of the organism in France and to recommend management measures for pine wood and bark.

Xylella fastidiosa is a phytopathogenic bacterium that can affect plants in key agricultural sectors: grapes, citrus, Prunus, olives, alfalfa, oak, maple, horticulture, forestry, etc. There are no curative measures against this bacterium, except for grubbing up and destroying the contaminated plants and controlling the insect vectors. X. fastidiosa was first detected in Europe in 2013 in Italy, and was detected in Corsica in July 2015. More recently, isolated outbreaks have been reported in a greenhouse in Germany and also in Spain (Balearic Islands and the Alicante region). Here is an update on the role of the ANSES Plant Health Laboratory in combating this bacterium.