First report of Erwinia amylovora in China
Fire blight, caused by Erwinia amylovora (EPPO A2 List) occurs in China. It was first observed in 2016 in Yili, Xinjiang province. Since then, the disease has spread to most pear-producing areas in Xinjiang province and parts of Gansu province. It is noted that E. amylovora has caused severe damage to the Chinese apple and pear (Malus domestica, Pyrus spp.) production. In 2017, a severe outbreak in Korla (Xinjiang) caused yield losses of 30 to 50 % and the destruction of more than one million pear trees. Measures are being taken to limit the spread of the disease. The EPPO Secretariat previously had no information about the situation of E. amylovora in China.
The situation of Erwinia amylovora in China can be described as follows: Present, not widely distributed.
Sources
Sun W, Gong P, Zhao Y, Ming L, Zeng Q, Liu F (2023) Current situation of fire blight in China. Phytopathology (early view). https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-05-23-0170-RVW (abstract