Update on the situation of Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii in Italy
In Italy, the bacterial wilt of maize caused by Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii (EPPO A2 List) had been found in several regions but was subsequently eradicated (EPPO RS 2020/130, RS 2021/201, RS 2022/065). During the period 2022-2024, the pathogen has been found during annual surveys of maize (Zea mays) grown for seed in Emilia-Romagna region in several fields in the province of Bologna, Ferrara, and Ravenna and subsequently eradicated. In June 2025 the pathogen was detected in the province of Bologna, and eradication measures are applied.
The pest status of Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii in Italy is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2025-06).