First report of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina in Montenegro
In Montenegro, hazelnut (Corylus avellana) is a minor but rapidly increasing commercially grown species. In June 2021, a severe disease affecting more than 80% of the trees was observed on 6-year-old hazelnut plants (cv. Hall’s Giant) in a 0.3-ha plantation near Cetinje, Central Montenegro. Affected trees showed numerous, small (2-3 mm diameter) necrotic spots on their leaves. As the disease progressed, lesions coalesced to form large necrotic areas, and necrotic leaves remained attached to twigs. Longitudinal brown lesions developed on twigs and branches, and necrotic buds were also noticed. No fruits were observed in the affected orchard. Symptomatic samples (leaf, bud and twig bark tissues) were collected. Laboratory analysis (biochemical, molecular and pathogenicity tests) confirmed the presence of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina (EPPO A2 List) in the tested samples. This is the first time that this bacterium is detected in Montenegro. It is noted that phytosanitary measures will have to be implemented to prevent any further spread of the disease.
The situation of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina in Montenegro can be described as: Present, not widely distributed.
Sources
Popović T, Adamović J, Ivanović M, Prokić A, Obradoviċ A (2023) First report of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina causing bacterial blight on hazelnut tree (Corylus avellana) in Montenegro. Plant Disease 107(9), 2836. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-01-23-0138-PDN