First report of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri’ in Israel
The NPPO of Israel recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first report of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri’ (EPPO A2 List) on its territory. During 2020-2021, symptomatic trees of almond (Prunus dulcis), peach and nectarine (Prunus persica) and pear (Pyrus communis) were observed in Northern Israel (Golan Heights and Upper Galilee). Symptomatic leaf samples were collected and tested in the laboratory using molecular techniques (nested-PCR and sequencing of PCR products). Results confirmed the presence of ‘Ca. Phytoplasma pyri’ subgroup 16SrX-C in commercial orchards of nectarine and pear in some areas in the Golan Heights and the Upper Galilee. The origin of the disease in Israel is unknown.
Surveys are ongoing in nurseries cultivating potential host plants of ‘Ca. Phytoplasma pyri’ subgroup 16SrX-C within the areas that have been found to be infected. Potential vector species, namely Cacopsylla spp., are being surveyed and tested for their acquisition and transmission of the phytoplasma. Initial results have shown that C. bidens, which is present in Israel, can acquire the phytoplasma, however transmission by this species in Israel has not been proven yet. Awareness raising meetings have been carried out with growers and nursery workers who have been instructed to report any symptoms, and to avoid any movement of propagation material from the infested area in order to prevent unnecessary spread of the disease.
The pest status of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri’ in Israel is officially declared as: Present: limited distribution and under official control. Efforts are made to maintain propagation material that is free from the pest and to prevent further economic damage.
Sources
NPPO of Israel (2022-01).