First report of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni in Greece
In 2021, 2 samples of almond (Prunus dulcis) shoots with symptoms resembling those caused by Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (EPPO A2 List) were examined at the Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Greece. The first sample had been collected in June 2021 from a 0.4 ha orchard of 15-year-old trees (P. dulcis cv. Texas) with 40 % disease incidence and located in the Serres regional unit (Northern Greece). The second sample had been collected by a grower in September 2021 from a 3.7-ha orchard of 5-year-old trees (P. dulcis cv. Tuono) with 50% disease incidence and located in regional unit of Fthiotida (Central Greece). In both cases, laboratory analysis (molecular and pathogenicity tests) confirmed the presence of X. arboricola pv. pruni. This is the first time that X. arboricola pv. pruni is reported from Greece. As these two outbreaks occur in regions where almond is extensively grown, it is noted that measures for eradication have been advised.
The situation of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni in Greece can be described as follows: Present, not widely distributed.