Valsa ceratosperma found in Lombardia (IT)
The presence of a new canker disease of pear caused by Valsa ceratosperma (EPPO Alert List) was recently reported in Emilia-Romagna, Italy (see EPPO RS 2004/052). This pathogen is now reported in Lombardia, at Schivenoglia (province of Mantova). V. ceratosperma was observed in a pear orchard of approximately 2 ha in which 50 % of plants of cv. Abate Fetel were infected. Affected plants showed cankers on twigs, branches and trunks, leading to desiccation and death of distal parts.
Sources
Servizio Fitosanitario della Regione Lombardia, IT, 2004-10.