Results after ten years of phytosanitary measures applied in Italy against Aphelenchoides besseyi
In Italy, the production of rice (Oryza sativa) covers approximately 230;000 ha, including 12;000;ha of seed crops. Every year, approximately 1000 lots of certified seeds are produced. In 1996, the presence of Aphelenchoides besseyi (EPPO A2 List) was recorded in Italy (see EPPO RS 96/076) and phytosanitary measures were implemented by the regional plant protection services to contain and eradicate the nematode. Visual inspections of rice crops were carried out initially but they were not found to be efficient because of the low infestation levels. Subsequent measures were based on the laboratory testing of all lots of rice seeds and on the elimination of infested lots. After 10 years, the number of infested seed lots has been reduced from 17% in 1996 to 2 % in 2006 and the nematode has been eliminated from many rice varieties undergoing the certification procedure. It is concluded that the infestation level is now below the economic damage threshold, and that efforts should continue to eradicate A. besseyi.
Sources
Bergamo P, Buccoli S, Cotroneo A, Curto G, Moretti F, Santi R, Visigalli T (2007) [Aphelenchoides besseyi in rice seeds in Italy: course of the infestation in the decade 1997-2006.] Informatore Fitopatologico no. 12, 57-60 (in Italian).