Peach rosette phytoplasma found in Italy
Peach rosette phytoplasma (EPPO A1 quarantine pest) has been observed in the province of Salerno in Italy, since 1988. Fruits of affected plants are small, deformed and fall early. The disease was found to be associated with phytoplasma-like organisms and was easily transmitted by grafting onto healthy peach. The authors pointed out that prevention and control of the disease relies on the use of healthy propagation material. Until now, peach rosette phytoplasma was only reported in USA. This is the first record of peach rosette phytoplasma in the EPPO region.
Sources
Marcone, C.; Ragozzino, A. (1994) [Peach rosette: a new disease associated with mycoplasma-like organisms (MLOs)].
Informatore Agrario, 50(41), 71-74.