First report of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. fragariae in Turkey
During summer 2004, symptomless propagation material of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa cv. ‘Camarosa’) produced in the Mediterranean region of Turkey was tested for the presence of Xanthomonas fragariae (EPPO A2 List, and regulated in Turkey) before being allowed to be planted in the Aegean region (Manisa province). Propagation material was placed in a growth chamber to see whether symptoms of angular leaf spot caused by X. fragariae appeared. After 1 week, symptoms resembling those of bacterial leaf blight developed instead of those initially expected. Laboratory tests (biochemical, physiological, serological, PCR tests) were carried out and confirmed the presence of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. fragariae (formerly on the EPPO Alert List but subsequently removed because of its uncertain economic importance). This is the first report of X. arboricola pv. fragariae in Turkey. It is also the first time that the bacterium is detected in symptomless strawberry plants.
Sources
Ustun N, Tjou-Tam-Sin NNA, Janse JD (2007) First report of bacterial leaf blight of strawberry caused by Xanthomonas arboricola pv. fragariae Janse et al. in Turkey. Journal of Plant Pathology 89(1), 109-112.