Results of the 1998 survey on Erwinia amylovora in Slovakia
In Slovakia, detection surveys have been regularly conducted since 1997 on Erwinia amylovora (EPPO A2 quarantine pest). In 1997, E. amylovora was not found. The results of the 1998 survey are presented below. Many host plants of fireblight were inspected. If suspicious symptoms were found, samples were taken and tested in the laboratory according to the EPPO Quarantine Procedure no. 40 for E. amylovora. Apple trees are the most widely grown host species. Commercial orchards, private gardens and trees planted along the roads were inspected (corresponding to 4,761.2 ha). Pears which are less important crops were also inspected (46.2 ha). Quince (Cydonia spp.) are essentially grown in eastern Slovakia and inspections were done on 0.3 ha. For ornamental host plants, inspection were most frequently done in public and private gardens, as well as in nurseries. The main plants concerned were Cotoneaster (6 ha inspected), Sorbus (0.02 ha), Pyracantha (1.06 ha) and Chaenomeles (0.007 ha). Wild hosts like hawthorns (Crataegus spp.) were also inspected (286.7 ha). During the 1998 survey, Erwinia amylovora was not found in Slovakia.
Sources
NPPO of Slovakia, 1999-08.