First report of Xanthomonas fragariae in Mexico
In Mexico, the state of Michoacán is the most important strawberry-producing area. In January 2007, field-grown strawberry plants (Fragaria ananassa cv. ‘Aromas’) showing vein necrosis were observed in Zamora county. In these fields (3 ha), the average disease incidence was 80%. Infected plants showed water-soaked lesions limited by veins on the lower leaf surface, which enlarged to form angular spots. The most affected plants also showed severe necrosis in the main veins and reddish to necrotic lesions on the upper leaf surface. Gram-negative bacteria were consistently isolated from symptomatic leaves. Laboratory analysis (isolation on selective growing media, ELISA, PCR, pathogenicity tests) confirmed the presence of Xanthomonas fragariae (EPPO A2 List) in diseased plants. This is the first time that X. fragariae is reported from Mexico.
The situation of Xanthomonas fragariae in Mexico can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2007 in a few strawberry fields (Michoacán state).
Sources
Fernández-Pavía S, Rodríguez-Alvarado G, Garay-Serrano, Cárdenas-Navarro R (2014) First report of Xanthomonas fragariae causing angular leaf spot on strawberry plants in México. Plant Disease 98(5), 682-683.