Situation of Erwinia amylovora in Morocco
Fireblight (Erwinia amylovora – EPPO A2 List) was first detected in Morocco in 2006 in the region of Meknes (see EPPO RS 2007/021, 2007/108). During surveys carried out by the NPPO, new infections have recently been detected in the region of El Hajeb, 30 km south of Meknes. The disease appeared in pear (Pyrus communis) orchards in the following 8 communes: Ait Harzallah, Ait Yaazem, Laqsir, Ait Naâman, Tamchachat, Ait Bourazouine, Sbaae Ayoune and Ait Boubidane. The following phytosanitary measures were taken: 1) destruction of severely affected trees, 2) pruning of affected shoots, at least 60 cm away from the infection point and burning of pruned shoots, 3) disinfection of pruning tools, 4) local wound treatment after pruning, 5) restriction on the movement of bee hives and of staff between orchards. In addition, information about the disease has been circulated to the growers. Surveillance has been intensified in the nearby regions of Ifrane, Fes and Khénifra. Finally, it can be recalled that in the region of Meknes since May 2006, 56 ha (corresponding to 5 orchards) have now been destroyed and that 52 ha have been sanitized (by pruning of affected shoots). Eradication measures will continue to be applied in Morocco.
The pest status of Erwinia amylovora in Morocco is officially declared as follows: Present, outbreaks in the regions of Meknes and El Hajeb, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Morocco, 2008-05.