EPPO Global Database

EPPO Reporting Service no. 04 - 2025 Num. article: 2025/103

Phytophthora cinnamomi identified on avocado in Crete (GR)


In September 2023, Phytophthora cinnamomi (EU RNQP) was found to cause wilting and leaf chlorosis on avocado (Persea americana) on the island of Crete, Greece. In severe cases defoliation, extensive dieback and root rot were observed. P. cinnamomi is a known damaging pest of avocado in other countries worldwide. The authors observed this is the first reported occurrence of P. cinnamomi on the island of Crete and the first occurrence on avocado in Greece.


Sources

Kavroulakis N, Tziros GT, Mikalef L, Malandrakis AA (2024) First report of Phytophthora cinnamomi causing root rot of avocado trees in Greece. Plant Disease 108(10), 3185. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-05-24-0939-PDN