First record of Erwinia amylovora in Syria
In Syria, a survey of all major pome fruit growing regions was conducted during 2005 and 2006 to establish whether Erwinia amylovora (EPPO A2 List) was present. Samples were collected from quince (Cydonia oblonga), pear (Pyrus communis) and apple (Malus domestica) trees suspected of being infected with E. amylovora. Seventy-five isolates of E. amylovora were recovered, mainly from quince and some from pear but none from apple. The identity of the bacterium was confirmed by PCR using specific primers. Fireblight was found in the Al-Zabadani region (Governorate of Rif Damashq, near the Lebanese border), an area with a moderate temperature range (10–29°C) and high relative humidity (above 70%) during the blossom period. This is the first report of E. amylovora from Syria.
The situation of Erwinia amylovora can be described as follows: Present, first recorded in 2005/2006, isolated foci in the Governorate of Rif Damashq.
Sources
Ammouneh H, Arabi MIE, Al-Daoude A (2008) The first record and distribution of the fire blight pathogen Erwinia amylovora in Syria. Australasian Plant Pathology 37(2), 137-140 (abst.).