Situation of several pests of quarantine importance in Italy in 1998
Yearly reports on the phytosanitary situation of Italian regions are published in 'Informatore Fitopatologico'. The EPPO Secretariat has extracted the following information on several pests of quarantine importance for the year 1998.
Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (EPPO A2 quarantine pest): 1 outbreak was found in Lombardia on tomato.
Erwinia amylovora (EPPO A2 quarantine pest): In Emilia-Romagna, serious and unexpected outbreaks occurred in 1997. The 1998 situation was similar, but conditions were less favourable to fireblight. Strict phytosanitary measures are being applied to contain the disease. In Lombardia, 15 foci are reported in 1998 (11 in 1997). The new foci were found in the Provinces of Mantova and in Bergamo, essentially on pear. Infected plants are being destroyed. Surveys will be intensified in nurseries and orchards. In Veneto, fireblight was found for the first time in 1997, and was still present in 1998 in the south of the region (Rovigo, Bassa Padovanna, Basso Veronese) on pear (Pyrus communis cvs. Passe Crassane and Abate).
Grapevine flavescence dorée (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) and bois noir phytoplasmas: These phytoplasmas were found in Veneto and in Friuli-Venezia-Giulia. Foci of grapevine flavescence dorée are limited. Action is taken to prevent any further spread.
Plum pox potyvirus (EPPO A2 quarantine pest): In Emilia Romagna, 74 foci were found in 1998. In Lombardia, systematic surveys detected 14 foci. The most serious were found near Brescia on Prunus domestica cv. Elegant Lady.
Rhagoletis completa: Severe damage was reported in Piemonte and Valle d'Aosta regions. The pest now occurs in all walnut-growing areas in this region.
Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (EPPO A2 quarantine pest): The disease occurs in Abruzzi on apricot, peach and plum. It is spreading in Lazio. A limited infection was found in Veneto.
Sources
Bilancio Fitosanitario dell'anno 1998.
Informatore Fitopatologico, no. 3, 5-34.
Informatore Fitopatologico, no. 4, 3-39.