First report of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola in Kenya
In Kenya, during a survey conducted in the rice-growing area of Ahero (Kisumu county) in September 2016, leaf symptoms characteriezed by water-soaked translucent lesions and yellow-brown streaks were observed in three rice cultivars (Oryza sativa cvs. Pishori, BW96, and Komboka). In the affected fields, the disease incidence reached 30 to 50%. Six symptomatic rice leaf samples were collected and tested (molecular and pathogenicity tests). Results confirmed the presence of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (EPPO A1 List) in diseased samples. This is the first time that X. oryzae pv. oryzicola is reported from Kenya. It is noted that further investigations are needed to better understand the genotypic and geographic distribution of the bacterium in Kenya.
The situation of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola in Kenya can be described as follows: Present, only in some areas (first found in 2016 in Kisumu county).
Sources
Onaga G, Murori R, Habarugira G, Nyongesa O, Bigirimana J, Oliva R, Vera Cruz C, Onyango G, Andaku J, Ongom J (2018) First report of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola causing bacterial leaf streak of rice in Kenya. Plant Disease 102(5), p 1025.