First report of Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae in Australia
The NPPO of Australia has recently reported the occurrence of bacterial canker of kiwifruit, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (EPPO Alert List), on its territory. The bacterium has been detected on 2 properties in south-east Victoria during the surveillance activities which followed the first detections made in New Zealand at the end of 2010. The growers indicated that the disease symptoms had been present for a number of years, but were thought to be caused by Pseudomonas viridiflava which is endemic in Australia. For the moment, no economic losses have been observed. The results of specific PCR testing and DNA sequence analysis have confirmed the identity of the Australian isolates as P. syringae pv. actinidiae haplotype 2 (corresponding to the ‘Asian’ strain which is considered to be a ‘mild’ one). Recent studies have also confirmed that a stored sample from an ealier survey conducted in Western Australia in 1992 belonged to be the same strain (i.e. P. syringae pv. actinidiae haplotype 2). This is the first record of bacterial canker of kiwifruit in Australia.
The pest status of Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae in Australia is officially declared as: Present: only in some areas.
Sources
IPPC website. Pest Report from Australia (2011-07-12).