Appearance of Erwinia amylovora in Cyprus
In May 1984, an infection by Erwinia amylovora was discovered on pears and apples in Cyprus, on a very small scale. In spring 1985, the weather conditions (mild temperatures, high humidity) have been very favourable to the disease which has now spread all over the country and caused severe damage on pears and apples in orchards (Pear : var "Superfine", Apple : var "Pera Pedi", "Jonathan", "Lord Lambourn", "Golden delicious") as well as in natural vegetation (Crataegus shrubs). An intensive information campaign has been undertaken amongst the growers on control measures (pruning and burning of the infected parts and protective spraying with copper fungicides. Import of resistant cultivars and rootstocks is under consideration.
Sources
Ministry of Agriculture