First report of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae in New Caledonia (FR)
In February 2004 in New Caledonia (FR), symptoms resembling those of bacterial blight were observed in a nursery (Mont Dore) on anthurium and dieffenbachia plants. A survey carried out across the island revealed that Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae (EPPO A2 List) was present in 41 out of the 89 nurseries inspected. Imports in New Caledonia of aroids from countries in which the bacterium occurs took place before 2004. It is felt that the widespread distribution of the disease is due to the movements of plant material within the island and that the pathogen was probably present before this first official record.
The situation of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae in New Caledonia can be described as follows: Present, widespread, first reported in 2007 but probably present earlier.
Sources
Jouen E, Laurent P, Robène-Soustrade I, Gagnevin L, Pruvost O, Hostachy B, Gateblé G, Amice R, Imber F (2007) First report in New Caledonia of bacterial blight of Anthurium caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. dieffenbachiae. Plant Disease 91(4), p 62.