First report of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni on Prunus laurocerasus in the United Kingdom
The NPPO of the United Kingdom recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first record of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (EPPO A2 List) on its territory. The infection was confirmed on young plants of Prunus laurocerasus at 3 sites (nurseries) in October 2013, August 2014 and September 2014 in the central area of the country. Typical shot hole symptoms were noticed during routine surveillance by plant health inspectors. Samples were collected and the identity of the bacterium was confirmed by sequencing. The infected plants from the first finding in 2013 originated in the Netherlands (where the disease has been recorded on P. laurocerasus, see EPPO RS 2009/178). The infected plants from the 2 outbreaks in 2014 appear to be of UK origin but this has not been confirmed. Phytosanitary measures have been taken to eradicate the disease. Where it has been possible to identify that the infection was related to a specific lot, all plants in that lot have been destroyed. Where identification of an infected lot has not been possible, the infected plants and those located within a radius of 2 m have been destroyed.
The pest status of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni in the United Kingdom is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of the United Kingdom (2014-09).