Xanthomonas campestris pv. dieffenbachiae found in the Netherlands
Recently, Xanthomonas campestris pv. dieffenbachiae (EPPO A1 quarantine pest) has been found on Anthurium andreanum plants, in a company producing propagation material and cut flowers. The infestation on propagation material was eradicated. A survey was carried out in all enterprises producing cut flowers of Anthurium, and infected plants were found in ten of them. Eradication measures combining the elimination of infested plants, disinfection of tools and materials have been applied. On four of the cut flower-producing firms, the disease has been eradicated, and the eradication programme continues on the six other firms. In addition, it is noted that there is no indication that the disease occurs in other members of the Araceae family in the Netherlands.
Sources
Plant Protection Service of the Netherlands, 1997-10.
Cevat, H.N. (1997) Xanthomonas in Anthurium.
Nieuwsbrief, 4(6), Wageningen (NL), p 2.