‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri’ found in Portugal
The NPPO of Portugal recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first record of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri’ (associated with pear decline – EPPO A2 List) on its territory (see also RS 2013/033). In June 2013, the pathogen was detected in an abandoned pear orchard (0.23 ha) located in Sobrena (Cadaval county) in the region of Lisboa e Vale do Tejo (Central Portugal). This finding was made during a Msc study entitled ‘Research on phytoplasmas from pome and stone fruit in Portugal’. ‘Ca. P. pyri’ was detected by molecular tests (specific nested- and real-time PCRs) in asymptomatic plant samples and in the psyllid vector, Cacopsylla pyri. The owner of the orchard was ordered by the NPPO to destroy all infected trees, and additional phytosanitary measures were taken to eradicate the disease.
The pest status of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri’ in Portugal is officially declared as: Under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Portugal (2013-08).