First report of fireblight in Croatia
Fireblight (Erwinia amylovora, EPPO A2 quarantine pest) has been found for the first time in Croatia in 1995. However, it can be recalled that fireblight had previously been reported in former Yugoslavia along the borders with Bulgaria, Greece and Albania as well as two locations in central Yugoslavia (see EPPO RS 509/14, 1991). The disease has been found in five locations in the eastern part of Croatia on: apple (cv. Idared), pear (cv. Red Bartlett) and quince. Infection was observed on single trees at Nustar, Osijek, Drenje, Cepin, Petrijevci, Bizovac, Jarmina. In Drenje (near Ðakovo) a small apple orchard was also infected. An eradication programme is being carried out, infected plots have been destroyed and monitoring surveys including field inspections and laboratory testing are being conducted.
Sources
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Croatia, 1996-01.
University of Zagreb, 1996-01.