First report of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' in Paraguay
In Paraguay, the presence of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae - EPPO A1 List), the psyllid vector of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (associated with citrus huanglongbing, EPPO A1 List) was found in 2008 on Murraya paniculata, and in 2009 on mandarin (Citrus reticulata) crops. Recent surveys have shown that D. citri occurred in the following departments: Alto Paraná, Caazapá, Central, Cordillera, Itapúa, Paraguarí and Presidente Hayes. In January 2013, the presence of ‘Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus’ was reported for the first time from Paraguay. The laboratory of SENAVE (Servicio Nacional de Calidad y Sanidad Vegetal y de Semillas) has confirmed the detection of the bacterium in 14 samples (out of 28) showing symptoms of huanglongbing. These samples were collected from the following departments: Amambay, Alto Paraná, Canindeyú, Cordillera, Itapua, and correspond to 6 outbreak sites. According to the huanglongbing contingency plan, phytosanitary measures were immediately implemented to contain the disease and included: destruction of infected plants, intensive surveys, restrictions on the movement of plants of Citrus spp. and Murraya paniculata, control of D. citri, and informing all stakeholders.
The situation of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' in Paraguay can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2013 (6 outbreak sites), under official control.
Sources
INTERNET (via EPICA)
SENAVE (2013-01)
- Emergencia Fitosanitaria Huanglongbing (HLB). http://www.senave.gov.py/index.php/component/content/article?layout=edit;id=111
- Resolución No. 80. Servicio Nacional de Calidad y Sanidad Vegetal y de Semillas (SENAVE). http://www.senave.gov.py/docs/resoluciones/senave/Res80-13.pdf