ORPRAMed project
Awareness campaign on the potential risks due to the introduction of the pathogen agent Citrus Bacterial Cancer (Xanthomonas citri subsp. Citri), a pathogenic quarantine bacterium, nonexistent in the Mediterranean basin, through the introduction of plants or parts of plants by passengers.
What is CBC?
Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, is a quarantine organism. The pathogen not known to occur in the European community and entire Mediterranean region, is the causal agent of Citrus Bacterial Canker (CBC) a devastating disease that severely affects citrus plants and fruits, causing a copious and premature leaf and fruit drop. The affected fruits lose quality drastically and can be hardly intended for fresh fruit market.
What is the problem?
Not much information is currently available about the stages of the bacterial life cycle especially in asymptomatic and resistant plant species. It is known that the bacterium may also survive on plant and fruit surfaces without causing the disease.
Some ornamental species could represent a pathway to the entry of this pathogen in the Mediterranean Basin, in fact the pathogen could enter associated to asymptomatic plants or atypical symptoms.
The accidental introduction of the bacterium is therefore possible with the consequence of dramatic impact in terms of economic losses, causing high costs including those for disease control.
Where is it found?
CBC is present in all the citrus-producing regions of the world except all citrus-growing areas within the European Union and Australia.
How to recognize CBC?
On the leaves the symptoms lie in small spots often surrounded by a yellow halo on the lower page of the leaves it is observed the presence of lesions erupting from the epidermis. Frequently, the pustules become suberose and crateriform. On the sticks and fruits the bacterium induces lesions similar to the foliar ones.
Can you help us?
Because little information is available concerning the survival of the pathogen on non-citrus species both in those susceptible symptomatic or asymptomatic plants that could represent a serious risk of introduction of the bacterium.
THEREFORE, DO NOT BRING HOME ANY CITRUS AND EVEN NON-CITRUS RUTACEOUS PLANTS!
If you see some symptoms similar to those described
For further information or to send any reports www.crea.gov.it.