First report of Pantoea stewartii in Slovenia
The NPPO of Slovenia recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first report of Pantoea stewartii (EPPO A2 List) on its territory. During a specific and official survey, the presence of the bacterium was confirmed in 2 maize (Zea mays) fields near Nova Gorica. Samples had been taken from plants showing decline and long chlorotic streaks on the leaves. In the affected fields, only a few plants showed symptoms. In the infested area (5 ha), maize was cultivated for animal feed (grain and silage) and will be used only for this purpose. The NPPO stressed that in this Western part of Slovenia, maize is not grown for seed production. The origin of this outbreak is unknown, but it is suspected that the import of infected maize seeds was the pathway of introduction. Official phytosanitary measures have been taken to eradicate the disease.
The pest status of Pantoea stewartii in Slovenia is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under surveillance, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Slovenia (2018-11).