Update on the situation of Elsinoë fawcettii in the Azores (Portugal)
Elsinoë fawcettii (EU Annexes) was first detected in the Azores in July 2021 in the island of São Miguel (EPPO RS 2020/021) in 3 small citrus orchards in the counties of Lagoa, Ponta Delgada and São Vicente Ferreira. Eradication measures were taken, and further surveys were conducted in the Azores. As a result of the official monitoring, new outbreaks were found in different islands.
- In São Miguel Island, the presence of E. fawcettii was detected and confirmed in 13 different locations (small orchards and private gardens) in 5 new parishes: Água de Pau, Caloura, Lomba da Fazenda, Furnas and Rabo de Peixe. In addition to the findings on Citrus deliciosa, C. reticulata, C. limon, the pathogen was also detected in C. aurantiifolia, C. x limonia, C. sinensis and Citrus x clementina, all in the island of São Miguel, Azores. Investigations are ongoing to gather additional information on the source of these outbreaks.
- In Faial Island, the presence of E. fawcettii was confirmed in March 2023 in 8 Citrus sp. plants (Citrus sp., C. limon and C. x limonia), in 8 parishes of the county Horta.
- In Santa Maria Island the presence of E. fawcettii was confirmed in October 2022 in one sample of C. limon collected in one small orchard in the county of Vila do Porto, parish of Almagreira. It was later also found on a C. aurantium tree in another small orchard in the parish Santo Espírito.
In all cases official phytosanitary measures have been taken to eradicate the pest, and restrictions on the movement of Citrus plants have been applied.
The pest status of Elsinoë fawcettii in Portugal is officially declared as: Present: only in some parts of the Member State concerned, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Portugal (2023-06).