First report of Xanthomonas fragariae in Iran
In Iran, characteristic symptoms of angular leaf spot were observed in May 2015 in a strawberry (Fragaria ananassa cv. Paros) field in the city of Sanandaj, Kurdistan province. In this field, strawberry plants were grown for fruit production and irrigated by overhead aspersion. Affected plants displayed angular and water-soaked lesions on leaves. Older, necrotic lesions were also present on leaves, leaf veins, and calyces. Films of dried exudate were observed on the abaxial side of the leaves. In the affected field, approximately 75% of the strawberry plants showed at least one of the above symptoms. The planting material had been purchased from a local nursery, which was then inspected but found free of angular leaf spot symptoms. In the affected field, symptomatic leaves were collected from 7 plants and tested. Results of the laboratory analysis (isolation, sequencing) confirmed the presence of Xanthomonas fragariae (EPPO A2 List) in diseased samples. At the end of spring 2015, the whole field was treated with copper. However, in spring 2016 the disease was observed again in the same field with a 70% incidence. Surveys did not detect the disease in other strawberry fields. Eradication measures were decided by the NPPO of Iran and all strawberry plants of the affected field were burned on-site. This is the first time that X. fragariae is reported from Iran.
The situation of Xanthomonas fragariae in Iran can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2015 in 1 strawberry field in the Kurdistan province, under eradication.
Sources
Kamangar SB, van Vaerenbergh J, Kamagar S, Maes M (2017) First report of angular leaf spot on strawberry caused by Xanthomonas fragariae in Iran. Plant Disease 101(6), 1031-1032.