Update on the situation of Xylella fastidiosa in Corsica (FR)
In France, Xylella fastidiosa (EPPO A1 List) was first found in the municipality of Propriano (Corse-du-Sud department) on Polygala myrtifolia in July 2015 (EPPO RS 2015/144). Since this initial record, new information has been published on the Internet by the official authorities and INRA. Eradication measures and intensive surveys are continuing in Corsica.
* Subspecies of X. fastidiosa found in Corsica (FR) and Puglia (IT) are different
It has now been confirmed that the subspecies of X. fastidiosa which occurs in Corsica on Polygala myrtifolia differs from the one found on olive (Olea europaea) in Puglia. In Corsica, X. fastidiosa subsp. multiplex has been identified, whereas in Puglia it is X. fastidiosa subsp. pauca. A map on the INRA website summarizes the world distribution of the different X. fastidiosa subspecies that are currently known: http://www.inra.fr/Grand-public/Sante-des-plantes/Tous-les-dossiers/Xylella-fastidiosa-identifiee-en-Corse/Fiche-d-identite
* X. fastidiosa has been found in other locations in Corsica (FR)
As a result of intensive surveys carried out in Corsica, new foci of X. fastidiosa have been detected, mainly in Corse-du-Sud, but also in Haute-Corse. As of 2015-09-24, more than 90 foci have been detected. A map showing demarcated areas (infected areas and buffer zones) can be viewed on the official website of the Préfecture of Corse-du-Sud: http://www.corse-du-sud.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/Cartographie_94foyers_Xylella_Corse_24septembre2015.pdf
In almost all cases, X. fastidiosa was detected in Polygala myrtifolia. However, the bacterium has been found in 5 Spartium junceum plants near Ajaccio.
Sources
INTERNET
Chauvel G, Cruaud A, Legendre B, Germain JF, Rasplus JY (2015) Mission d’expertise sur Xylella fastidiosa en Corse. Rapport définitif (2015-08-31), 139 pp. http://agriculture.gouv.fr/sites/minagri/files/20150908_rapport_mission_corse_xylella_31082015b.pdf
INRA. Xylella fastidiosa, la recherche mobilisée. http://www.inra.fr/Grand-public/Sante-des-plantes/Tous-les-dossiers/Xylella-fastidiosa-identifiee-en-Corse
Les services de l’Etat en Corse du Sud. http://www.corse-du-sud.gouv.fr/xylella-fastidiosa-une-menace-qui-demande-une-a1409.html