Details on the situation of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni and Xanthomonas vesicatoria in Slovenia
The NPPO of Slovenia recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the present situation of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni and Xanthomonas vesicatoria (both EPPO A2 quarantine pests) in Slovenia.
- Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni
Around 1996, severe symptoms of bacterial spot appeared on plums in the coastal Mediterranean region of Slovenia. Recently, a new outbreak was noticed in peach orchards in the same region. X. arboricola pv. pruni was identified by laboratory methods (isolation on growing medium, immunofluorescence, fatty acid profiles). Phytosanitary measures have been taken to eradicate the disease and prevent any further spread. Treatments with copper fungicides in autumn, early spring and later during the growing season were ordered in all infected orchards. Growers were also recommended to use certified planting material and to plant tolerant or less susceptible cultivars. The situation of X. arboricola pv. pruni in Slovenia can be described as follows: Present: found only in the coastal Mediterranean region.
- Xanthomonas vesicatoria
Bacterial spot of tomato and pepper occurs from time to time in Slovenia in warmer and more humid regions. During the last growing-season, samples were collected from capsicum plants showing symptoms at 3 production sites, in different regions. Xanthomonas vesicatoria was isolated from samples from 2 production sites: one near Nova Gorica (west coastal region) and the other from Kostanjevica (southern region). The presence of the bacterium was confirmed by immunofluorescence and comparison of fatty acid profiles. Phytosanitary measures were taken to prevent any further spread. Tomato and pepper cultivation was prohibited for the next 3 years on plots where positive samples had been taken. It was also recommended to tomato and pepper growers of the 2 regions concerned to use sterilized or heat-treated seeds and resistant cultivars. The situation of X. vesicatoria in Slovenia can be described as follows: Present: sporadic (in 2000, near Nova Gorica and Kostanjevica).
Sources
NPPO of Slovenia, 2001-05