First outbreak of Erwinia amylovora in Morocco
The NPPO of Morocco recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first report of fireblight (Erwinia amylovora – EPPO A2 List) on its territory. In May 2006, symptoms resembling those of fireblight were observed on pear (Pyrus communis), apple (Malus domestica) and quince (Cydonia oblonga) trees in one orchard located in the region of Meknes. Samples were tested at the laboratory and the presence of Erwinia amylovora was confirmed. Surveys were carried out in fruit tree orchards in the region of Meknes but no fireblight symptoms were observed. In order to eradicate the disease and prevent any further spread, the following phytosanitary measures were taken: all infected trees (43 ha of orchard) were destroyed and burned, the infected orchard was placed under strict quarantine, information and extension campaigns for technicians, growers, nurserymen are being organized, and surveys will continue, in particular during the flowering period in fruit tree-producing areas. The NPPO of Morocco considers that with the destruction of the infected orchard and the absence of symptoms in other orchards, the outbreak is likely to have been eradicated.
The pest status of Erwinia amylovora in Morocco is officially declared as follows: Transient, one outbreak under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Morocco, 2007-02.