‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri’ found for the first time in Schleswig-Holstein (DE)
In Germany, pear decline (associated with ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri’ – EPPO A2 List) occurs only in some parts of the country. Surveys carried out in all länder from 2000 to 2005 showed that it occurred in some areas of Rheinland-Pfalz and Baden-Württemberg, and that a few incursions had been recorded in Bayern, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Niedersachsen and Sachsen. In 2008, three cases of pear decline were found for the first time in Schleswig-Holstein on Pyrus communis and P. callyriana. On P. communis, shoots of affected trees showed reddish discoloration. On P. calleyriana, leaves at the top of the affected trees showed necrotic spots. The phytoplasma was identified by PCR. All infected trees were destroyed. It is assumed that the disease was introduced with infected plant material.
The pest status of pear decline in Germany is officially declared as: Present in some areas, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Germany, 2009-01.