Situation of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae in Réunion
Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae (EPPO A1 quarantine pest) was first observed in Réunion in October 1997 in one glasshouse producing Anthurium, and the identity of the bacterium was confirmed in November 1997 (see EPPO RS 2001/040). Investigations showed that the source of infection was the import of contaminated plants from the Netherlands. All infected plants were destroyed. However, despite prophylactic measures taken on the production site concerned, at the end of 1998, the bacterium had spread to the whole site (3 ha of glasshouses). Today, production has not started again on this site. During 1997/1998, 3 other outbreaks were discovered, whose origin was again the import of contaminated lots from the Netherlands. As this clearly showed that the disease was threatening all growers on the island, strict measures were taken. Only imports of in vitro plants from nurseries found free from the disease by appropriate testing are now allowed. Importers must be registered, as well as the sites where plants are kept in quarantine for 18 months (until first flowering). Eradication is carried out in all production sites found infected: plants are destroyed (burning and burial in quicklime). Finally, information is provided to growers. In 2001, all infested plants were destroyed and on these previously infected sites no host plants were grown. Most recent surveys done on the main production sites showed that there are still 2 outbreaks which are now under eradication. In addition, the bacterium was detected in a few private gardens. Research is being carried out in Réunion to collect and characterize isolates of the bacterium from the island and other countries, and to develop a specific PCR method. The situation of X. axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae in Réunion can be described as follows: Present, found at 2 production sites and in a few private gardens, under eradication.
Sources
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Jeuffrault, E.; Soustrade, I.; Laurent, P.; Gagnevin, L.; Henry, G. (2002) Dépérissement de l’anthurium dû à Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae. Bilan de trois ans de lutte à la Réunion;: vigilance;!
Phytoma – La Défense des Végétaux n° 551, 46-48.
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