First report of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri’ in Chile
At the beginning of autumn 2014, symptoms of pear decline were observed for the first time in Chile in one pear orchard located in Biobío region (Central zone of Chile). In this orchard which had been planted in 2012, 26 out of 1 120 trees (Pyrus communis cv. Williams grafted on quince BA29 rootstock) showed a significant decline with reddening of leaves and branch phloem necrosis. Samples were collected from 8 symptomatic plants and from 2 asymptomatic plants. Laboratory analysis (nested PCR, RFLP) confirmed the presence of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri’ (EPPO A2 List) in symptomatic samples. This first report from Chile is also a first record for South America. A survey is being carried out in other commercial pear orchards and nurseries to study the distribution of ‘Ca. P. pyri’ in Chile and determine its possible origin. Epidemiological studies are also under way to identify the possible presence of insect vectors, considering that Cacopsylla pyri and C. pyricola have never been found in Chile.
The situation of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri’ in Chile can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2014 in one pear orchard (Biobío region).
Sources
Facundo R, Quiroga N, Méndez P, Zamorano A, Fiore N (2017) First report of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri’ on Pear in Chile. Plant Disease 101(5), p 830.