The pine wood nematode as a threat to conifer forests in Russia

The following article is a short review of biology, harmfulness, control measures and possible pathways of the pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, one of the most harmful pathogens of conifer forests. The species is included to the list of quarantine pests in many countries, including the Russian Federation. The pathogen has been introduced from the North America to Asia and is currently widespread in Japan, China, and South Korea. In 1999 the nematode was detected in Portugal having been introduced by means of wood packaging material from China. The life cycle of the species is closely connected to the sawyers of Monochamus spp., native vector of conifer forests, who transmit the nematodes from infected to healthy trees. When a tree is infected by nematodes, transmitted by a vector, the tree dies back eventually by the end of summer in a favorable environment. The PRA showed that the territory of the Russian Federation is favorable for the adaptation of the pine wood nematode. In case of pest introduction and spread in the Russian Federation, the estimated annual damage may amount from 47 to 112 billion rubles.