First report of Raffaelea lauricola in Myanmar
Raffaelea lauricola (EPPO Alert List) is reported for the first time from Myanmar. During a survey for pests and diseases of avocado (Persea americana) conducted in October 2014, a wilt disease was observed in the Tuanggyi district on avocado orchards and in the Ywangan district on avocado trees used as shade plants in coffee (Coffea arabica) plantations. In both districts, symptoms were observed on P. americana and not on any other tree species. Affected trees showed sapwood discoloration, leaf necrosis and defoliation, and usually died within a month or two following the onset of symptoms. Laboratory analysis conducted in the USA under quarantine facilities (PCR, pathogenicity tests) confirmed the identity of the fungus. The insect vector, Xyleborus glabratus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), is known to occur in Myanmar.
The situation of Raffaelea lauricola in Myanmar can be described as follows: Present: only in some areas (Tuanggyi and Ywangan districts) on avocado.
Sources
Ploetz RC, Thant YY, Hughes MA, Dreaden TJ, Konkol JL, Kyaw AT, Smith JA, Harmon CL (2016) Laurel wilt, caused by Raffaelea lauricola, is detected for the first time outside the Southeastern United States. Plant Disease 100(10), 2166-2167.