Plant health

The pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) is a microscopic worm that affects conifers, 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 quarantine bacterium that can infect more than 600 plant species, affecting major agricultural crops such as grapevines, citrus fruits, almonds and olives, as well as herbs and ornamental, forest and wild plants. There are currently no curative measures against this bacterium. To avoid the spread of the disease, therefore, contaminated plants must be grubbed up and destroyed, and the insect vectors controlled. Here is an update on the bacterium, and on what the ANSES Plant Health Laboratory (LSV) is doing to help combat this pest.