First report of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus on Pinus sylvestris in Spain

Aim of the study: To determine if the decline of a Pinus sylvestris L. stand is due to pine wilt disease. Area of study: This research was conducted in the Agricultural and Phytopathological Laboratory of Galicia, LAFIGA (AGACAL, Xunta de Galicia). Material and methods: Six decaying P. sylvestris trees were sampled for Bursaphelenchus xylophilus detection. Morphological and molecular tools were applied for nematode identification according to the EPPO protocols. Main results: The nematode B. xylophilus was detected for the first time in P. sylvestris trees under natural conditions in Spain. Research highlights: It is confirmed the serious threat posed by pine wilt disease to P. sylvestris stands.