Detection of Pantoea stewartii in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
In Italy, Pantoea stewartii (EPPO A2 List) was detected during official surveys carried out in maize (Zea mays) fields in Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. In June 2017, a total of 8-10 symptomatic leaves were sampled from 1-5 maize plants growing in the same field (sample size varied according to the plant size). In August 2017, the identity of the bacterium was confirmed in symptomatic leaf samples. Further surveys are being carried out to determine the distribution of the bacterium in Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. It is noted that in the infected area (7 ha) and its surroundings, maize is grown for forage only. The source of this outbreak is still unknown, but investigations are being carried out to clarify the origin of the seeds which have been used.
The pest status of Pantoea stewartii in Italy is officially declared as: Present.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2017-08).