Situation of pear decline phytoplasma in Spain
Symptoms of pear decline phytoplasma (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) have been observed in Spain in the Valle del Ebro since the 1960s. Studies were carried out around Lleida (Catalunya) in 1986 but gave negative results. More recently, with new detection techniques it was possible to identify pear decline phytoplasma in samples coming from the Lleida region and also in samples submitted by different regional plant health bodies from Aragon, Extramadura and Valencia regions. In addition, the pathogen was detected in Cacopsylla pyri. Although it has not been fully demonstrated that this insect is a vector of the disease, it provides an indication of possible transmission. The authors stressed that further studies are necessary for a better understanding of the situation of this pathogen in Spain.
Sources
Avinent, L.; Llacer, G. (1996) El decaimiento del peral.
Phytoma-España, no. 79, 21-26.