First report of Elsinoë fawcettii in the Azores (Portugal)
The NPPO of Portugal recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of Elsinoë fawcettii (EU Annexes) on its territory.
During an official survey, samples of citrus fruits (C. deliciosa, C. limon and C. reticulata) were collected in the island of São Miguel, Azores in July 2021. The presence of Elsinoë fawcettii causing citrus scab was confirmed in December 2021 from fruits collected in 3 small orchards (1260-5500 m2) in the counties of Lagoa, Ponta Delgada and São Vicente Ferreira. Further surveys are conducted to assess the presence of the fungus in the island, and the source of the outbreak. Eradication measures will be taken. The movement of citrus plants for planting, fruit and plant parts out of the infected orchard is forbidden. Awareness campaigns are being implemented to prevent movement of infected citrus out of the island.
The pest status of Elsinoë fawcettii in Portugal is officially declared as: Present, under eradication, only in some parts of the Member State concerned.
Sources
NPPO of Portugal (2021-12).