First report of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’ in Canada
Apple proliferation (associated with ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’ – EPPO A2 List) has recently been discovered in an apple orchard (Malus domestica cv. ‘Pacific Gala’) near Kentville in Nova Scotia, Canada. This is the first time that apple proliferation is found in Canada and North America. The affected orchard has been placed under quarantine. The trees originated in the USA and were shipped to Canada in 2008. Both in the USA and Canada ‘Ca. Phytoplasma mali’ is considered to be a quarantine pest. Therefore, USDA has been informed and an investigation is ongoing to determine the source of this infestation.
The situation of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’ in Canada can be described as follows: Present, first detected in 2013 in 1 orchard in Nova Scotia, under official control.
Sources
USDA-APHIS (2013-04-02) Stakeholder Announcement: Apple proliferation phytoplasma detected in Nova Scotia.