First report of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi’ in Poland
In Poland, ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi’ (EPPO A1 List*) was first found April 2018 in the municipality of Racibórz, Śląskie voivodeship (Silesia). The phytoplasma was detected during official surveys on 10 symptomless elm (Ulmus minor) trees. Its identity was confirmed by molecular tests (PCRs, RFLP). Official phytosanitary measures will be taken to eradicate ‘Ca. P. ulmi’.
The pest status of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi’ in Poland is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
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* Note: Although phytoplasma diseases observed in elms in North America (elm phloem necrosis) and in several European countries (elm yellows) have different symptomatologies, the phytoplasmas associated with them are very closely related if not belonging to the same species ‘Ca. Phytoplasma ulmi’. Therefore, the inclusion of this pathogen on the A1 List (absent from the EPPO region) might need to be reconsidered
Sources
NPPO of Poland (2018-04).