December

India - Infected crop shoots up onion prices
30 Dec 2008
The Times of India (TNN) [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, heavy rains adversely affected the onion crop in Nashik and other parts of the state. The rates will continue to be on the higher side for the next couple of months as over 30 percent of the crop has been affected by the fungal disease called 'Karpa'. Besides the Nashik, Ahmednagar and Pune districts, some parts of Satara district also grow onion.
The chairman of Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Market yard Commission Agents Association said, "In November [2008], many farmers released their stock because prices were high." The stock is about to be exhausted while there is a significant reduction in fresh crop. Even supply from some northern states has dipped, making the situation worse, he added. It is reported that at present, Pune consumes 200 tonnes of onion every day. The annual onion production in the country is 7.5 million tonnes. A commission agent at Pune agriculture produce market committee said, "There is onion shortage in the gap when harvest of fresh onion crop is awaited. Generally the situation lasts only for a short period, but this time we are facing a major shortage."

Cambodia - Disease claims Battambang oranges
22 Dec 2008
The Phnom Penh Post [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, farmers in Banan district in Battambang have been unable to grow oranges for 2 years due to a rare, highly infectious tree disease that causes their leaves to mould rapidly. Farmers have turned to other crops after a rare disease known as "silver leaf disease" started killing their orange trees 2 years ago after a season of particularly heavy flooding.
According to thedeputy of the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Department in Battambang, there is nothing to be done about the problem. "The land in Banan district is infected with silver leaf disease, and it causes mould in the orange trees and also infects the land. So when they grow new orange trees, they get infected," he said. "We do not have the solution to help the farmers, so they cannot grow oranges any more.”

United Kingdom - Carrot growers battle crop disease
21 Dec 2008
FreshInfo [edited] [Promed]
(subscription required)
According to this story, carrot growers in the UK are struggling with a difficult season, following another summer of low light levels and unseasonably heavy rainfall. Some Scottish growers report not just cavity spot problems, but sclerotinia. One trade observer estimated that some Scots growers will lose 50 percent of the crop to sclerotinia. It is reported that the fact that an increasing number of agri-chemicals are no longer available to growers in the fight against pests and disease is having an impact.

Ethiopia - Coffee output slides 58 percent in 2 main growing regions
19 Dec 2008
Bloomberg [edited] [Promed]
It is reported in this story that Ethiopian coffee output will fall 58 percent in 2 of the country's main growing regions this year because of disease and a lack of water, the government said.

Australia - Blackleg robbing yields in canola crops
18 Dec 2008
Rural Solutions, Government of South Australia [edited] [Promed]
In this story, it is explained that blackleg disease is a major problem in canola crops on Lower Eyre Peninsula, and so the Lower Eyre Agricultural Development Association (LEADA) program this year [2008] aimed to gather data about the incidence and severity of blackleg across the region. All varieties showed a wide range of internal infection levels. The majority of canola varieties sampled had high levels of blackleg disease resistance rating. Full survey results are still being collated.

Australia - Farmers fear millions in losses from pink mould
18 Dec 2008
The West Australian [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, farmers on the State's south coast could lose up to AUD 150 million [USD 106 million] if barley infected with a mystery pink mould is downgraded from malting quality to feedstock. It is reported that WA Government scientists had been unable to identify the fungus responsible for the mould outbreak in flood-hit barley crops. The story goes on by explaining that mould and excess rain had hit harvests along a stretch of coast from Albany to Ravensthorpe
and that scientists ruled out the toxic fusarium head blight fungus as the cause of the mould.

India - Paddy output in Haryana plummets
17 Dec 2008
The Hindu [edited] [iFSN]
According to this story, paddy output in Haryana fell almost 11 percent to 48 lakh [4.8 million] tonnes in the kharif season [autumn] 2008-09 as acreage increased this year to 11.79 lakh [1.179 million] hectares [2,913,372 acres] from 10.75 lakh [1.075 million] hectares [2,656,382 acres] in 2007-08. "Because of the attack of white backed planthopper insects and neck blast disease in the month of October this year, the paddy crop, mainly PUSA 1121 varieties, were adversely affected, resulting in overall fall in output," said a senior official of Haryana Agriculture Department. Insects caused extensive damage to the paddy crop in several growing areas such as Rohtak, Jhajjar, Karnal, Sonepat and Panipat.

Vietnam - Spice farmers peppered with disease, bad weather and prices
17 December 2008
Thanh Nien Daily [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, high rainfall and diseases have left pepper farmers from a rural commune in the central province of Quang Tri on the verge of bankruptcy after more than half of the plants died or contracted diseases. Quang Tri has been one of the leading provinces nationwide in producing black pepper with 1800 hectares [4448 acres] devoted to it.
The provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has reported that unpredictable weather and increasing occurrence of pests and diseases recently have destroyed many of the plants. Productivity has been 70 percent less than in previous years. Many farmers are unable to pay bank loans after pepper vines have died on a large scale. The head of the Plant Protection Agency in Cam Lo District says the pepper area at Cam Thanh Commune has suffered because of fungus infection and improper drainage.

Vietnam - New sugarcane disease found in Nghe An
17 Dec 2008
Saigon GP-Daily [edited] [Promed]
Around 4873 hectares [12 041 acres] of sugarcane in the central province of Nghe An have been hit by sugarcane grassy shoot, an unusual disease that stunts growth, the Plant Protection Department said. Reported in Viet Nam for the 1st time, the disease, however, has the ability to spread very widely. It is caused by a phytoplasma and leaves sugarcane with its leaves and neck twisted. Sugarcane varieties most susceptible to grassy shoot are MY 5514, ROC 10, F 156 and, especially, Vien Lam, a variety imported from China, which is 100 percent diseased. The department has ordered local authorities to destroy farms on which 20 percent of the cane has the disease.

Afghanistan - 'Charmak' disease still killing people, livestock in west
16 Dec 2008
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN) News [edited] [Promed]
Over 270 people have been diagnosed with a hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD), locally known as "camel belly" or 'charmak' disease, in the western province of Herat -- and at least 44 deaths have been confirmed -- since November 2007, provincial health officials told IRIN.
The disease -- which causes rapidly filling ascites an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity), severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and jaundice -- killed a 15-year-old boy on 8 Dec 2008, according to local health workers.
"VOD of the liver is a form of toxic liver damage caused by pyrrolizidine alkaloids," the UN World Health Organization (WHO) has said.
Laboratory tests at the National Institute for Public Health in the Netherlands in May [2008] confirmed the disease is caused by exposure to pyrrolizidine alkaloids found in 'charmak,' a poisonous weed believed to be growing mostly alongside cereals in Gulran District of Herat Province, and which often finds its way into locally produced wheat flour.
'Charmak' disease was first reported in Gulran District in November 2007, and the Health Ministry said "no new outbreak" had occurred since May 2008, largely owing to increased public awareness.
"Diagnosed cases have increased because patients who were infected 5 or 6 months ago are seeking treatment," said Abdullah Fahim, a spokesman for the Health Ministry.
But Aziz Noorzai, head of Gulran's 25-bed hospital, told IRIN at least 8 people had been recently infected. "We diagnosed 22 new cases of which 8 were infected... within the last month."
Despite the prevalence of the disease for a long time, there is still no effective medication available in Afghanistan to treat patients, health officials in Kabul and Herat said.
Animal husbandry and agriculture are the 2 main sources of income for people in Gulran District. Local people, however, say they now need emergency food aid because `charmak' has badly affected their grain harvest and livestock.
The outbreak of `charmak' disease and awareness messages by health workers have prompted local residents to stop consuming locally produced wheat flour, fearing it could be contaminated by the poisonous weed.
Livestock deaths have reportedly increased in the past several weeks causing fear among herders: The fatally toxic `charmak' weed is suspected to have killed 1,000 sheep, cows and goats over the past month. Thousands of livestock have perished since November 2007.
The head of Gulran District, Golam Farooq Majroh, warned that people would "abandon everything and move to other areas" if animal deaths were not curbed through the urgent provision of safe fodder.

India - Attacks of late blight disease on potato crop
12 Dec 2008
ZiBB, Asia Pulse Data Source/COMTEX report [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, late blight disease continues to haunt potato growers of the state as Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has found fresh instances of its attack on the crop in some areas and warned the farmers to control it before it acquires epidemic form. Late blight has been damaging the late varieties of potato crops for the last 2 years in the state and has severely damaged the crop. Punjab has brought 75,000 hectares (185,329 acres) of land under potato cultivation with total output of 1.6 million metric tonnes. Punjab mainly grows seed potato varieties, which are supplied to various parts of the country.

Australia - Panama disease detection worry
10 Dec 2008
North Queensland Register [edited][Promed]
According to this story, Panama disease, also known as fusarium wilt, has been detected in a commercial Ladyfinger banana plantation near Mareeba. The Biosecurity Queensland chef said that although this particular strain has been found in the region before, it was important that growers put in place appropriate biosecurity measures to protect their farms. The race 1 of Panama disease has previously been identified on the Atherton Tablelands at Mareeba and Tolga, and is endemic throughout most banana-growing regions of Queensland and northern NSW. It attacks the Ladyfinger and Ducasse varieties of banana, but not Cavendish.

Madagascar - Deadly, incurable vanilla fungus
10 Dec 2008
The Guardian, Associated Press (AP) report [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, Madagascar farming officials say a deadly and incurable crop disease has spread widely in the island's main vanilla-producing area. Assessment teams say in a report released on Monday [8 Dec 2008] that the world's main vanilla producer has to radically change farming methods to fight the fungus.
It is reported that the Malagasy agronomic research chief said the situation is "critical " and that the disease has hit 80 per cent of plantations around Sambava and Andapa, 2 of 3 main centers of vanilla production on the Indian Ocean Island's north east coast. Related stories
8 Dec 2008 – Vanilla disease
Associated Press (AP) [edited] [Promed]
Government scientists said the disease is carried by an underground fungus. It has hit 80 percent of plantations around Sambava and Andapa, but surveys in the more isolated Antalaha region so far reveal only a trace of the fungus. It is reported that the disease is known for the moment only by its local name, bekorontsana, which means "falls to the ground often,".

Indonesia - Mystery disease affecting banana plantations in Johor
10 Dec 2008
The Star Online [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, many banana farmers in the state are making losses after their plantations were struck by a mysterious disease. It is reported that the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Committee chairman said the disease had destroyed the banana trees and source of income for 1463 farmers since last year [2007]. He said that the department had also encouraged farmers to practise "planting cycles" by alternatively planting other crops such as bamboo and tapioca [cassava] at their banana plantation, which accounted for about 2315 ha [5720 acres] of land.

Madagascar - Deadly, incurable vanilla fungus
10 Dec 2008
The Guardian, Associated Press (AP) report [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, Madagascar farming officials say a deadly and incurable crop disease has spread widely in the island's main vanilla-producing area. Related stories
8 Dec 2008 – Vanilla disease
Associated Press (AP) [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, government scientists said the disease is carried by an underground fungus. It has hit 80 percent of plantations around Sambava and Andapa, but surveys in the more isolated Antalaha region so far reveal only a trace of the fungus

India – Undiagnosed disease in oranges (Manipur)
8 Dec 2008
KanglaOnline/The Imphal Free Press [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, the 5th State Level Orange Festival was held today [8 Dec 2008] at Tamenglong [Manipur]. It was revealed that the production of oranges in Tamenglong district fell sharply this year following the decaying of orange plants.

Uganda - New coffee wilt threat
6 Dec 2008
The East African [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, Uganda's efforts to double its coffee output in 7 year's time are threatened by a likely resurgence of the debilitating coffee wilt disease -- due to the planting of non-resistant varieties. "Around half of the 80 million coffee trees planted since 2004 in the ongoing replanting programme are not resistant to the disease," the head of production and marketing at the National Union of Coffee Agribusinesses and Farm Enterprises (NUCAFE), said. It is reported that the trees in question could be attacked by the disease in the next 4 to 5 years, reversing the success that has been registered in the sector.

Tanzania - Kilimanjaro fails to meet production targets
4 Dec 2008
Daily News [edited]
It is reported that some 1.5 million tonnes of cash and food crops were harvested in Kilimanjaro region, of the projected 1.7 million tonnes last financial year. An agricultural expert at the regional secretariat, informed delegates of the Regional Consultative Committee (RCC) that during last rainy season, sunflower production was very poor as the crop continued to be attacked by "powdery mildew," a devastating powder-like fungus.

Russia – Cyst Nematodes in potatoes (Kamchatka)
3 Dec 2008
Regnum News Agency [in Russian, trans. & summ. Corr.BA & Mod.NR, edited] [Promed]
According to this story, quarantine measures are being taken to prevent golden potato nematodes. Ten lots with total area of 0.53 hectares [1.3 acres] have been found infected with golden potato nematode in the territories of Petropavlosk, Kamchatskiy, Vilyuchinsk, Elizovo cities, and Milkovo village. It is also reported that quarantine phytosanitary measures will be implemented by the regional Rosselkhoznadzor administration [Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance]. Strict control will be in place in airports, naval ports, and postal offices where all cargo and parcels will be inspected for potatoes, potato seed tubers, and seedlings.

India – Undiagnosed disease in peppers
2 Dec 2008
The Financial Express [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, the crop survey conducted by the directorate of cocoa, arecanut, and spices development (DASD) has forecast that the output of pepper during 2008-09 would fall by 10 percent over the previous year due to erratic weather conditions and disease. Output is expected to fall by 21 percent in Kerala over the previous year due to unusual early rains and a plant disease, he said. An attack of gall wasps devastated plantations in Wayanad district. An erratic monsoon also affected output in both Idukki and Wayanad districts.

United Kingdom - Disease threat increase for veg
2 Dec 2008
FreshInfo [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, with the continuing wet, warm and humid conditions, this season will be a particularly high pressure year for a number of diseases in brassicas. It is also reported that there are also concerns about controlling these diseases adequately, but without increasing resistance risk.

November

France - Melamine in Chinese soybeans fed to organic French poultry
28 Nov 2008
AFP [machine-trans., abridged, edited] [Promed]
According to this story, nearly 300 tonnes of soya meal imported from China and destined for organic poultry in Western France have been withdrawn from the market after the discovery of a melamine rate fifty times higher than the permitted standard, it was learned Friday [28 Nov 2008] from the importing cooperative. It is reported that soybean meal had been delivered, before the chemical analysis, mainly to 127 organic farmers in Pays de Loire through the Bio animal nutrition (BNA), which specializes in the manufacture of organic food. Meanwhile, the Ecocert agency, in charge of the organic certification of imported soybeans, said that the Chinese exporter had committed a "fraud" which its control procedures were unable to detect. The story goes on by explaining that there are many ECOCERT controls on the products themselves, but they "address mainly pesticides," a spokeman explained. Since that case, "we decided to increase the Ecocert surveillance upon imports of organic soya cake, whatever their origin," the spokeman said. It is also explaining that according to Terrena, the Chinese supplier in question is Hongliang, based in Dalian (Northern China). Its export authorization in France has been suspended by the Ministry of Agriculture, said Ecocert.

Philippines – Black cross leaf spot: an emerging threat to banana industry
26 Nov 2008
AgriBusinessWeek [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, for the past 5 years, occurrence of black cross leaf spot on cardaba bananas was observed in banana farms in Davao del Norte. It t reported that the prevalence of the disease poses a threat to the province's banana chips industry at a time when the demand for cardaba, the main material for banana chips production, continues to increase.

Africa - New cassava illness strikes in Mara
21 Nov 2008
Daily News [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, new cassava illness, the Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) has struck in Mara and is spreading at an alarming rate in almost all districts of Mara Region, thus threatening the major food crop that is widely grown in the lake zone, researchers from Ukiruguru Institute [for agricultural research for the Lake and Western Zone] have warned. It is reported that these researchers have now recommended alternative food crops to be grown without delay, warning that there will be no cassava plants in the area a year from now. The new cassava disease threatens food security in the region with a population over 1.6 million, according to the Regional Agricultural Advisor. Ukiruguru has conducted the study now in all districts of Mara region and the problem is big because they have not yet come up with alternative cassava seeds to meet the demand. The Mara regional commissioner (RC) banned transporting cassava seeds in a bid to contain the disease in the area. The Bunda district commissioner said all kind of cassava seeds available in the region are in danger of being affected by the disease.
Related stories
13 Nov 2008 – Congo – Mosaic disease in cassavas
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN) News [edited] [Promed]
Cassava is the staple food for most people in the Republic of Congo, but this main source of nourishment is being threatened by a disease that has spread to most areas of the country. The price of cassava has more than doubled in recent months. Specialists in Congo's agricultural ministry say the disease might lead to a drop of between 60 and 90 percent in harvests and could throw entire communities into a critical food situation. CMD [cassava mosaic disease] has been spreading throughout central Africa and arrived in the Republic of Congo in the mid-1990s. In October [2008], the International Committee of the Red Cross joined the Congolese Red Cross and the agriculture ministry to provide training on ways of fighting the disease.The departments of Pool and Plateaux [southeastern Congo], also badly hit by the epidemic, recently received more than 330,000 cuttings of six different CMD-resistant varieties of cassava developed by the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Another 175,000 cuttings from four new resistant strains are being distributed in four other departments.

India – Corm rot in saffron (Jammu and Kashmir)
13 Nov 2008
The Daily Rising Kashmir [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, the director of one of the prominent saffron exporters of Kashmir is facing a tough time presently. It is reported that there is shortfall in production, because of drought from past few years, which led to a disease of the crop -- the saffron corm gets damaged with a disease, which is highly telling on its production. At present, the demand for saffron is high but there is a shortfall in supply. The main problem of saffron in Kashmir is the diseases in seed [corms]. The problem got aggravated as we do not have alternate sources of irrigation, other than rainwater.

FAO - Urgent call for global fight against wheat killer
12 Nov 2008
UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Newsroom [edited]
Representatives of major wheat producing countries have called for urgent coordinated action to prevent and control wheat stem rust strain Ug99. The fungus is capable of causing heavy damage to wheat crops and is a major threat to food security. At the International Conference on Wheat Stem Rust Ug99 in New Delhi (6-8 Nov 2008), 31 countries pledged to strongly support prevention and control of wheat stem rust as a matter of national policy and international cooperation. Countries should develop contingency plans to prevent rust epidemics, share surveillance information and establish a global early warning system. Breeding research should be intensified to develop Ug99 resistant varieties. The new virulent strain Ug99 has spread from East Africa to Yemen, Sudan, and in late 2007 to Iran. Currently there is no evidence that it has spread to any other country. A recent field survey showed that Ug99 is not present in India, Pakistan, Egypt, and China. It is estimated that as much as 80 percent of all wheat varieties planted in Asia and Africa are susceptible to Ug99. FAO [United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation] has recently launched its Wheat Rust Disease Global Programme that supports 29 countries in East and North Africa, the Near East, and Central and South Asia, that are either affected or at risk of the disease and that account for 37 percent of global wheat production.

Australia - Caution urged for Queensland potato growers following Victoria outbreak
10 Nov 2008
North Queensland Register [edited] [Promed]
Queensland potato growers are being urged to look out for signs of disease in their potato crops after the devastating pest potato cyst nematode [PCN] was detected on a property near Thorpdale in Victoria's Gippsland region.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries [DPI&F] General Manager of Plant Biosecurity, Neil O'Brien said growers should contact the department if they spot anything unusual in their crops.
"The recent announcement of the Victorian Department of Primary Industries about the discovery of PCN has prompted us to urge Queensland potato growers to be vigilant," Mr. O'Brien said. "Currently, there is no evidence of PCN in Queensland. However, PCN has had a big impact on the Victorian and Western Australian potato industry and has the potential to spread to Queensland if we're not careful. PCN could have a devastating impact on not only our potato industry, but our nursery industry too. I urge all Queensland growers to ensure they are not bringing in contaminated seed potatoes," he said. "While entry restrictions play an important role in protecting Queensland, industry and local growers still need to remain vigilant and always check and double check the health and quality of the goods they are receiving."
Mr. O'Brien said it takes about 6 to 7 years from the time PCN is introduced into an area before the nematode reaches a detectable level. During this time the nematode can spread throughout the crop and to other properties. PCN can reduce yields by as much as 90 percent, proving to be a force to be

India - Grapes may turn sour for growers - Karnataka
8 Nov 2008
The Economic Times (ET) [edited] [Promed]
Grape output in northern Karnataka could fall by 25-30 per cent because of a destructive fungal disease brought on by cold night temperatures. Grapevines in the region have been afflicted by downy mildew as night temperatures fall below 20 deg C (68 deg F), leaving farmers hoping for warmer weather.

India - Mildew hits maize - Tamil Nadu
7 Nov 2008
Business Standard [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, maize production in Tamil Nadu (TN), which accounts for 83 per cent of the country's maize production, has been hit by the downy mildew disease.
The downy mildew group of fungi is seedborne. It affects plant development as infestation is at the early stage (30 days) of crop development.

Germany – Stolbur phytoplasma, potato
November 2008
European Plant Protection Organisation (EPPO) Reporting Service 11/2008/213 [edited] [Promed]
The NPPO [National Plant Protection Organization] of Germany recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the occurrence of Stolbur phytoplasma ('Candidatus Phytoplasma solani' - EPPO A2 List) on potatoes in Rheinlandpfalz. On 31 Jul 2008, typical symptoms of stolbur were detected in a potato field of a private grower. The phytoplasma could be isolated from tubers, leaves, and stem and was identified by PCR.
The infected tubers were used for processing. The grower was officially notified not to grow potatoes on the infected field in 2009. Further samples were collected in the vicinity of the infected field and tested. It is assumed that the infection was caused by natural spread (transmission by the insect vector Hyalesthes obsoletus from other infected plants), because the infected field was located close to a vineyard. It can be recalled that stolbur was reported for the first time on potato crops in Hessen in 2006, and similarly the incursion on potato crops was suspected to be linked to the presence of the phytoplasma in surrounding weeds.

October

Europe – Colombian Datara Virus in multicrops
October 2008
European Plant Protection Organisation (EPPO) Reporting Service 10/2008/206 [edited] [Promed]
An emerging virus, Colombian datura virus (CDV; genus Potyvirus), might present a risk to solanaceous crops. CDV was first isolated and described in 1968 from Datura species imported from Colombia to the USA. It is transmitted by aphids (including Myzus persicae) in a non-persistent manner, as well as by mechanical inoculation and grafting. Symptoms of CDV can include reduction in leaf size, vein banding, chlorotic flecking followed by mottling, reduction of plant size and occasionally flower discoloration. CDV infections may remain symptomless, but when plants are stressed, leaf mottling and mosaic patterns may appear.

Australia – Wheat Stem Rust Strain UG 99
October 2008
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) Bulletin Sept/Oct 2008, p.7 [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, in NSW, a recent consignment of wheat seed from Ethiopia was found to have fungal spores growing on it. These were identified as teliospore of Puccinia graminis var tritici stem rust of wheat. It is reported that this [strain of] stem rust is exotic to Australia and of high quarantine risk. It is slowly spreading from Africa to the Middle East and is causing great concern among wheat breeders, as there are currently no genes available for resistance to its spread. The entire consignment of wheat seed was destroyed with full agreement from the importers.

Nepal – Knot disease in olives
October 2008
British Society for Plant Pathology, New Disease Reports (NDR) vol. 18 (August 2008-January 2009) [edited] [Promed]
[Ref: GM Balestra et al: First report of olive knot caused by Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi in Nepal. BSPP New Disease eports, vol. 18]
During 2006-2008, a phytobacteriological investigation on olive plants ( Olea europea ) was carried out in Nepal. In commercial olive orchards in Makwanpur district [in the central region of Nepal], nots (0.5-3 cm [0.2-1.2 in] in diameter) resembling those caused by Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi on olive trees, were observed on twigs and branches of 12-year-old olive plants. From the knots, bacterial cells were isolated and subjected to diagnostic tests. In greenhouse studies, 10 potted olive plants, two years old, were inoculated during the spring with bacterial suspension. Characteristic knot symptoms were observed on all inoculated plants within six months. Bacterial cultures with identical characteristics to the original strain used for inoculations were reisolated from all olive knots that developed. This is the first record of olive knot disease on olive trees in Nepal.

Syria – Citrus Tristeza virus
October 2008
The American Phytopathological Society, Plant Disease 2008; 92(10): 1468 [edited] [Promed] [Ref: R Abou Kubaa et al: First Report from Syria of Citrus tristeza virus in Citrus spp. Plant Dis 2008; 92(10): 1468; DOI:10.1094/PDIS-92-10-1468C]
During the spring of 2006, the main Syrian citrus-growing areas of Lattakia and Tartous were surveyed to assess the presence of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV). Of 2653 samples tested, 89 (4 percent) CTV-infected plants were detected. 5 citrus varieties were found to be infected and Meyer lemon (Citrus limon 'Meyer') had the highest incidence at 16 percent. Numerous sweet orange varieties ( Citrus sinensis L .) were found to be highly infected in the field, but only the Washington navel sweet orange was found to be infected in the nurseries. No clear CTV symptoms were observed during the survey.
The viral inoculum is widely and randomly distributed in commercial groves, especially in the southern Tartous area and in some nurseries. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CTV in Syria. However, CTV was reported from the neighboring citrus-growing countries of Lebanon, Turkey, and Jordan, and the severe seedling yellows strain is present in this area, which poses a potential threat to Syrian citriculture.

Sri-Lanka - Fungal disease hits coconut cultivation
26 Oct 2008
Sunday Observer [edited] [Promed]
The Coconut Development Board (CDB) on Friday [24 October 2008] ordered cultivators in the Southern Province to destroy over 750 coconut plants following a major fungal disease which affected a large extent of coconut lands. The disease has been reported from Hambantota, Galle, Matara, Akmeemana, Habaraduwa, Tangalle, and Beliatta areas. The plantation minister told the Sunday Observer that the government has taken all possible measures to prevent the disease from spreading to other areas.

Ireland – Brown rot in potatoes
26 Oct 2008
IrishFarming [edited] [Promed]
It is reported that as part of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food's ongoing testing survey for potato brown rot disease, the Department has recently detected brown rot in water samples taken at 2 potato merchants' premises. The brown rot annual water survey involves the taking of samples of wastewater at merchants' premises and this has resulted in 2 positive findings recently being reported. According to this story, all samples taken from potato stocks on the premises involved have been tested and proved negative. This would indicate that infected material had passed through the premises in the recent past. The premises themselves have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected as required by the Department and upgrading of their water treatment systems is being put in place.

Papua New Guinea – Late blight in potatoes
23 October 2008
Radio Australia [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, a fresh food supplier in Papua New Guinea (PNG) says more than 300 000 potato farmers have been affected by a potato disease that swept the country 5 years ago.

Ghana – Swollen shoot in cocoa
22 October 2008
Reuters Africa [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, a serious outbreak of swollen shoot disease in western Ghana threatens to prevent the world's No. 2 cocoa grower from achieving its goal of a 1 million tonne harvest by 2010, a senior industry official said on Wednesday [22 Oct 2008]. It is reported that at least 20 000 hectares (49 421 acres) of cocoa in the top-yielding western region alone had been infected by the disease. The western region produced nearly 30 percent of Ghana's 2007/08 main crop. His CSSVD control unit had declared the Esam district, a high yielding western region zone, a "mass infection area." The Enchi area, also in the western region, had also been badly hit.

Australia - Smut in sugarcane now in all growing areas
17 Oct 2008
North Queensland Register [edited] [Promed]
It is reported that sugarcane smut has now been confirmed in all regions in Queensland, following its detection in the Burdekin yesterday [16 Oct 2008]. And grower group Canegrowers says it is now only a matter of time before smut is found on NSW [New South Wales] plants after spores were identified in northern NSW earlier in the year.

Australia- Potato cyst nematode found in Gippsland (Victoria)
17 Oct 2008
Weekly Times [edited] [Promed]
A 20km (12.4mi) quarantine zone in Thorpdale's potato region has been declared following the discovery of potato cyst nematode (PCN). The discovery, made during routine crop surveys required to meet standards for seed potato certification, could have a devastating effect on the industry. Department of Primary Industries (DPI) scientists identified PCN in soil samples taken from the affected property this week.

United Kingdom - Bacterial canker in tomatoes
17 Oct 2008
Horticulture Week [edited] [Promed]
Bacterial canker has been found in 2 tomato nurseries in the UK for the 1st time in 10 years. The ADAS [Agricultural Development and Advisory Service] plant pathologist said the disease, which can be carried either on the seed coat or in the seed embryo, is particularly infectious and difficult to control due to a shortage of effective chemicals.

Costa Rica - Plant-health emergency issued due to dangerous crop pests
14 Oct 2008
The Guanacaste Journal, Infocom report [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, the Agriculture Minister announced that the Costa Rican government has issued a national and local phytosanitary emergency in order to deal with 2 dangerous pests that are currently affecting crops in various parts of the country and threatening to spread even further.It is reported that a first local emergency decree was issued for the Southern Zone cantons of Perez Zeledon and Buenos Aires, and for the Northern Zone cantons of San Carlos and Los Chiles, due to the presence of orange rot or sugar cane rot, a fungus that attacks sugarcane plantations. It is also reported that the second emergency is national in scope and will be in effect for the next 2 years, as a result of the appearance of an insect pest known as melon thrips ( Thrips palmi Karny), which was detected by officials with the State Plant Health Service (SFE) in a green bean sample from the community of Canas Gordas, district of Agua Buena, in the Southern Zone canton of Coto Brus (near the border with Panama).

Vietnam - Pests threaten rice fields across the country
13 Oct 2008
Viet Nam News (VNS) [edited] [Promed]
More than 10 600 ha (26 193 acres) of rice in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta have been affected by ragged stunt rice disease and yellow stunt rice disease, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The diseases have also spread to 6200 ha (15 321 acres) of rice in the southeastern provinces of Tay Ninh and Binh Duong. Southern provinces have destroyed more than 600 ha (1483 acres) of infected rice. Northern provinces in the Hong (Red) Delta, including Bac Giang, Bac Ninh, and Nam Dinh, have 13 600 ha (33 606 acres) of rice affected by rice leaf blight..

Pakistan - Bacterial leaf blight - Punjab
11 Oct 2008
The News International [edited] [Promed]
The Pest Warning Wing of the Agriculture Department, Punjab has warned growers of late-[planted] rice varieties to keep a vigil on their crop, as an attack of Bacterial Leaf Blight (BLB) might occur in some areas.

Bangladesh - Leaf & sheath blights, undiagnosed rot
9 Oct 2008
The Daily Star [edited] [Promed]
The prospects of aman [a group of lowland rice varieties] paddy seem bleak in Kurigram and Lalmonirhat districts, as paddy plants on vast areas of land are affected by disease. Farmers and rice dealers in the 2 districts are anxious about a possible shortfall in aman production due to diseases and have expressed apprehension that the yield of aman paddy will decrease by almost half compared to last year [2007]. However, Agriculture Extension Department (AED) officials said the problem is not so grave and that only 5 percent of aman plants in the district were attacked by sheet blight and rot blight.

Australia - Ascochyta outbreak in highlands chickpeas
7 Oct 2008
Queensland Country Life [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, there is another confirmed outbreak of ascochyta blight (AB) in a Central Queensland chickpea crop located south of Emerald on the Central Highlands.

United Kingdom – Sclerotinia in multicrops
2 Oct 2008
Farming UK [edited] [Promed]
With the continuing wet, warm, and humid conditions, a specialist agronomist considers this year [2008] to be a particularly high-pressure year for a number of diseases. Advising growers in the North West, he says that he has seen more sclerotinia this year than ever before. These high levels can be put down to this year's terrible weather and high rainfall, which have encouraged sclerotinia as well as other wet weather diseases including ring spot ( Mycosphaerella brassicola ), white blister ( Albugo candida ) and Botrytis ," the specialist said.

New Zealand - Citrus leaf blotch virus
October 2008
The American Phytopathological Society, Plant Disease 2008; 92(10): 1470 [edited] [Promed] [Ref: SJ Harper et al: First Report of Citrus leaf blotch virus in New Zealand. Plant Dis 2008; 92(10): 1470; DOI:10.1094/PDIS-92-10-1470C]
Despite a high incidence of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) in citrus in New Zealand, viral diseases have had only a minor impact on the New Zealand citrus industry, largely because largely because of the use of Poncirus trifoliata and hybrid rootstocks derived from this.

September

Bangladesh - Pest attack makes aman paddy rice prospect bleak
30 Sep 2008
The Daily Star [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, aman paddy [rice] fields in 5 northern districts have been affected by passive pest attack. Agriculture officials apprehend that the production may fall short of the target by around 5 lakh [500 000]tonnes in the 5 northern districts. Fields have been attacked by leaf blight disease and pests including brown plant hopper. It is reported that the disease and pest attack, which started about 2 weeks ago, have by now affected about 192 240 hectares [475 035 acres] in the districts of Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Joypurhat, Thakurgaon, and Panchagarh. Vast areas of aman (lowland rice) fields have been attacked by pest and diseases also in Gaibandha. By now, fields in 17 unions in Gobindaganj Upazila have been affected. Agriculture Officers said the pest attack increased this year [2008] due to 'untimely rain'.

China - Tomato powdery mildew - Henan
September 2008
The American Phytopathological Society, Plant Disease 2008; 92(9): 1370 [edited] [Promed]
[Ref: CW Li et al: First report of powdery mildew caused by Oidium neolycopersici on tomato in China. Plant Dis 2008; 92(9): 1370; DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-92-9-1370C]
Tomato powdery mildew can cause remarkable reduction in fruit size and quality. In March of 2008, powdery mildew appeared in greenhouses in Shangqiu, Henan Province, China. In Asia, the spread of this pathogen has been recently reported in Japan. To our knowledge, this is the 1st report of tomato powdery mildew in China.
Related stories
January 2008 - A powdery mildew in Tomatoes in Changchun
British Society for Plant Pathology, New Disease Reports (NDR) vol. 16 [edited] [Promed] [Ref: SY Liu et al: Powdery mildew on tomato caused by Oidium neolycopersici in Changchun in China. BSPP New Disease Reports vol. 16]
A powdery mildew was observed on tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum , formerly Lycopersicon esculentum ) in greenhouses in Changchun in September 2006.

India - False smut in rice
25 Sep 2008
The Hindu [edited][Promed]
According to this story, false smut of rice, once considered a minor disease, has now become a serious disease in Tamil Nadu and other rice growing states of India. For the past 3 years, the disease has been reported in many places in an alarming proportion. The disease is caused by a fungus and also known as Lakshmi disease of rice. Yield loss is not only due to the occurrence of the smut balls but also due to increased sterility of kernels adjacent to the smut balls.

United Kingdom - Phoma, light leaf spot, sclerotinia - oilseed rape
25 Sep 2008
Farmers Weekly Interactive [edited] [Promed]
According to late drilling, small plants, unsprayed rape stubbles with lots of volunteers [self-sown plants], and perfect conditions for spore spread: It all adds up to a high-risk season for phoma in oilseed rape. And light leaf spot is also likely to be a problem. Phoma infections have already been found in emerged crops in Norfolk.

United Kingdom - Take-all - wheat
24 Sep 2008
Farmers Guardian [edited] [Promed]
Root evaluations at HGCA [Home Grown Cereals Association] Recommended List second cereal trial sites across the country have highlighted a major build-up of take-all infections for the 2nd year in a row. Averaging 61 on a 1-100 scale, the take-all index this summer [2008] was the highest since routine assessments began in 2005. Severe infections (indexing more than 60) were recorded on 63 percent of the sites compared to 40 percent in last year's [2007] high take-all season. "These results confirm that take-all has built up substantially over the past season from the high levels of infection recorded in our 2007 monitoring," said Monsanto agronomist, Rob Plaice who co-coordinated the monitoring.

India - Rains bring disease threat to Punjab cotton, rice crops
19 Sep 2008
Reuters India [edited] [Promed]
It is reported that unseasonably heavy rains in northwestern India have damaged the cotton crop in some areas and exposed paddy to plant diseases. According to this story, bacterial blight, a disease that dries up a plant's leaves, has been reported in parts of Punjab and the problem could worsen if water is not quickly drained, they said. Punjab accounts for 11 percent of India's rice output.

India – Blast disease in rice (Jammu and Kashmir)
19 Sep 2008
Kashmir Observer [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, as the reaping season of paddy is reaching its zenith farmers in many parts of the valley are worried. They say that the crop has been hit by a disease known as paddy blast. Officials of the agriculture department say that the fungal disease is seen in parts of Kulgam, Pulwama, and Kupwara. Officials say that the disease has affected the overall produce.

France – Esca disease in grapevines
18 Sep 2008
Wine Spectator [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, a fatal fungal disease known as Esca is ravaging vineyards from Cognac to Bordeaux, with no cure in sight. On 11 Sep [2008], close to 500 disgruntled winegrowers took to the streets in Gascony, to draw attention to a fungal disease. It is reported that a vine disease that has long been a concern in France and elsewhere, is on the rise. The problem has grown since 2001, when sodium arsenite, the only product that keeps the sickness in check, was banned as a carcinogen. The story goes on by explaining that with no alternative treatment, the disease is on the increase, notably throughout southwest France, particularly Cognac and Armagnac, but also in Bordeaux.

United Kingdom - Ringspot capture signals high risk looming
18 Sep 2008
FarmingUK [edited] [Promed]
Disease pressure is building on brassica crops, with significantly high levels of ringspot spores being picked up in monitoring traps across east Lincolnshire, reports the Allium and Brassica Centre.

Switzerland – Meloidogyne enterolobii Nematode in vegetable crops
September 2008
The American Phytopathological Society, Plant Disease 2008; 92(9): 1370 [edited] [Promed]
[Ref: S Kiewnick et al: First report of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii on tomato and cucumber in Switzerland. Plant Dis 2008; 92(9): 1370; DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-92-9-1370A]
Severe stunting and extensive root galling were observed on tomato rootstock ( Solanum lycopersicum ) resistant to Meloidogyne incognita , M. javanica , and M. arenaria , and cucumber ( Cucumis sativus ) from 2 commercial greenhouses in the cantons Aargau and Lucerne in northern Switzerland. Examination of the roots of infected plants revealed the presence of root-knot nematodes in large numbers. To our knowledge, this is the 1st report of
M. enterolobii in Switzerland

Spain – Fireblight in pome fruit (Castile and Leon)
10 Sep 2008
Leonoticias.com [in Spanish, trans. & summ. Mod.MPP, edited] [Promed]
The Official Bulletin of Castile and Leon [BOCyL] officially declared the presence of Erwinia amylovora [fireblight] in the localities of Cacabelos, Sancedo, and Congosto. They are the first three foci announced during the summer [2008], the period with greater presence of this disease, which results in a drying of fruit trees. With these 3 municipalities there are now more than 10 municipalities affected.

Australia – Stripe rust outbreak –Victoria
8 Sep 2008
Country News [edited] [Promed]
DPI [Department of Primary Industries] said an outbreak of stripe rust on grain crops in northeastern Victoria had the potential to heavily impact the volume of yields. Initial reports of the disease date back to July [2008] in the region, with crops in Cobram the most severely affected.

Brazil - Alert against orange rust infection
2 Sep 2008
China View, Xinhua News Agency report [edited] [Promed]
The Brazilian government issued Monday [1 Sep 2008] an alert against Puccinia kuehnii , a plant pathogen that causes the most dangerous disease of orange rust in sugarcane. According to a statement issued by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, a kind of sugarcane known as RB72454 has been proved susceptible to orange rust.

Tanzania - Coconut industry threatened by lethal yellowing
2 Sep 2008
IPPMedia, Guardian report [edited] [Promed]
According to this report, during a visit of Tanga Region recently President Jakaya Kikwete urged experts to carry out research on how to deal with coconut lethal yellowing disease that affects palms in coastal areas. It is reported that the President told councillors of Pangani District Council that many coconut palms have been destroyed in Tanga, Coast, and Lindi Regions. The President then explained that the disease was spreading fast and that the area between Lushoto and Mkinga districts was a vivid example of how lethal yellowing was adversely affecting coconut production.

Philippines - Tungro virus hits South Cotabato
1 Sep 2008
Sun Star [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, agriculture experts in South Cotabato province have warned farmers in the area to refrain from planting 2 varieties of palay [unhusked rice] at this time because of the onslaught of the tungro virus. The provincial agriculture chief, said palay varieties RC 64 and RC 118 have been ravaged by tungro. It is reported that he blamed the resurgence of tungro in the province on the continuous palay planting in the area, which was prompted by the high prices of rice back then. To help farmers from being hit by the tungro virus, Legaste dangled government-subsidized certified seeds.

August

Angola – Banana bunchy top virus
August 2008
British Society for Plant Pathology, New Disease Reports, (NDR) vol. 18 (August 2008-January 2009) [edited] [Promed]
[Ref: P. Lava Kumar et al: First report of Banana bunchy top virus in banana and plantain (Musa spp.) in Angola. BSPP New Disease Reports vol. 18]
In April 2008 in the northern provinces of Angola, banana (AAA genome) and plantain (AAB genome) plants (Musa spp.) with severe stunting and moderate to severe leaf symptoms typical of banana bunchy top disease were observed to be widespread in farmers' fields in Kirimadhola village in the Ndalatando region in Cuanza Norte Province, and Tokosiala, Buku li Tsiela, and Conde villages in the Landana region of Cabinda Province. This is the first report of BBTV occurrence in Angola. Together with previous reports of BBTV in southern and central African countries, this report provides evidence for the widespread occurrence of BBTV in the region. The presence of both the virus and its aphid vector, Pentalonia nigronervosa, in Africa has the potential to cause widespread damage to banana, especially on the highly susceptible Cavendish types.

China – Rice Stripe virus (Zhejiang)
August 2008
The American Phytopathological Society, Plant Disease 2008; 92(8): 1190-6 [edited] [Promed]
[Ref: HD Wang et al: Recent Rice stripe virus epidemics in Zhejiang Province, China, and experiments on sowing date, disease-yield loss relationships, and seedling susceptibility. Plant Dis 2008; 92(8): 1190-6; DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-92-8-1190]
Rice stripe virus, transmitted by the small brown planthopper Laodelphax striatellus , has recently reemerged as a major disease in Zhejiang province, eastern China. Intensive surveys during 2003 to 2006 demonstrated how the disease has spread rapidly from the northern to central and eastern regions with increasing incidence each year. Recent epidemics appear to have resulted from large populations of viruliferous vectors colonizing rice seedlings at the most susceptible stage. This is probably because of changes in cropping practice, recent warmer winters in Zhejiang province, and the development of resistance or tolerance to the insecticides widely used (triazophos, synthetic pyrethroids, and imidacloprid).

Serbia - Iris yellow spot virus in onions
August 2008
The American Phytopathological Society , Plant Disease 2008; 92(8): 1247 [edited]
[Ref: A Bulajic et al: First report of Iris yellow spot virus on onion ( Allium cepa ) in Serbia. Plant Dis 2008; 92(8): 1247; DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-92-8-1247A]
Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV; genus Tospovirus , family Bunyaviridae ) is established in several European countries (France, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, and the UK) and its distribution in the EU region has increased since 2002. In July 2007, symptoms resembling those of IYSV were observed in an onion ( Allium cepa ) seed crop in the Sirig locality in Serbia. Onion plants exhibited characteristic symptoms of chlorotic or necrotic spindle and diamond-shaped lesions on the leaves and scapes. Symptomatic plants were found throughout the field and disease incidence was estimated at 80 percent.

Cuba – Huanglongbing in citrus
August 2008
British Society for Plant Pathology, New Disease Reports (NDR) vol 18 (Aug 2008-Jan 2009) [edited] [Promed]
[ref: Y Martinez, et al. First report of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus associated with huanglongbing in Cuba. BSPP New Disease Reports, vol 18]
Citrus greening, also known as huanglongbing (HLB) has been observed in citrus production areas throughout Cuba.

Australia – Stem rust in wheat (Western Australia)
28 Aug 2008
Farm Weekly [edited] [Promed]
WA [Western Australia] grain growers are being warned that stem rust has been observed in a 700-hectare (1730 acres) wheat crop at Warralakin in the eastern wheatbelt and are being asked to be vigilant checking their own crops.

Australia - Outbreak in Central Queensland
26 Aug 2008
Queensland Country Life [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, Central Queensland's status as the only ascochyta blight-free chickpea cropping area in Australia is under threat following a confirmed outbreak of this fungal disease in a few Dawson-Callide crops.

Kenya - Wheat (Rift Valley)
24 Aug 2008
Daily Nation [edited] [Promed]
It is reported that wheat farmers in the north Rift region risk incurring losses running into millions of shillings due to attacks of the crop by ants and an outbreak of bacterial disease. The farmers said several hectares of the crop under cultivation are likely to go to waste due to attack by rust from the ongoing heavy rains pounding the area. The downpour, they said, has made it impossible for machinery to move on the farms and to spray the crop against attacks by diseases and pests.

Cyprus - Aflatoxin in animal feed
23 Aug 2008
Famagusta Gazette Online [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, authorities in Cyprus are again conducting urgent checks in order to establish at which level aflatoxin M1 developed in animal feed in a brand new outbreak. Three cases of aflatoxin have been discovered at separate farms in Cyprus over the past 24 hours. It is reported that an investigation published last month [July 2008] into the first aflatoxin outbreak in Cyprus pointed the finger of blame at the process of introducing infected animal feed to farmers.

India – Scab disease in apples (Himachal Pradesh)
22 Aug 2008
Business Standard [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, there are also reports of a fungal disease called scab emerging after many years from some pockets of the apple belt. Director (of horticulture) Gurdev Singh said 37 tonnes of additional fungicides have been procured and dispatched to the affected areas to contain both marssonina and scab diseases.

Ivory Coast - Black pod disease in cocoa
21 August 2008
FlexNews, Reuters report [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, cocoa farmers in the east of world No. 1 producer Ivory Coast [Cote d'Ivoire] still hope the forthcoming crop will be at least as big as this year's [2007-2008], but fear disease could lower bean quality. The new cocoa season begins on 1 Oct [2008] and even if tonnages are good, quality will be low, farmers said.
Related stories
11 Aug 2008 – Black pod disease
Reuters Africa [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, some farmers in the southwest of the leading cocoa producer [Cote d'Ivoire] said they were seeing increased incidence of black pod disease. Black pod is caused by a fungus that thrives in wet conditions and tends not to like sunlight.

India - Dieback disease hits coffee crops
20 Aug 2008
Deccan Herald [edited] [Promed]
Dieback disease has hit the lush green coffee plantations in Chikmagalur district [Karnataka] due to which the plants have now lost the leaves and the branches have started to dry, break, and fall, destroying large quantity of coffee crops. The experts and the growers say that the untimely rainfall that lashed over the district in February [2008] has caused this situation.

Yemen - Maize smut
13 Aug 2008
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN) News [edited] [Promed]
The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MAI) has warned farmers about a fungus known as "maize smut" and asked them to use seeds that do not contain the fungus. The warning comes as the maize cultivation season gets under way. The director-general of the MAI's agricultural information department, said maize smut appeared in Yemen many years ago due to farmers not selecting clean seeds. The fungus only attacks maize. Al-Aqel said if farmers do not select improved and clean spikes, the losses caused by maize smut could be big.

Kenya - Coconut palm - (Coast)
11 Aug 2008
Business Daily [edited] [Promed]
The spate of farmers abandoning cash crops suffering from poor prices has spread to the coconut sector at the Coast province where frustrations over lack of markets has led growers to cut down the trees. Presently, they are also grappling with diseases affecting the trees in Kwale and Kaloleni districts.

India – Late blight in potatoes (Karnataka)
10 Aug 2008
The Hindu [edited] [iFSN]
According to this story, the former Congress Minister has appealed to the Union Government to set up a Potato Research Centre in Hassan [state of Karnataka] on the lines of the one in Shimla. Addressing the press, he said that potato crop on over 37,000 hectares (91,400 acres) of land in Hassan district had withered owing to blight disease. Poor quality of seed potatoes supplied by traders had to be blamed for the situation, he said. If the centre was set up in Hassan, awareness could be created among farmers on prevention of such diseases and they could be supplied with quality seed potatoes.

India - Himachal Pradesh's apple crop infected by fungus
8 Aug 2008
Thaindian News, ANI News report [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, apple farmers in Himachal Pradesh are worried about their crop being affected by the leaf drop disease this year [2008]. The "Marssonina" disease is bound to have an adverse affect on apple production in rural Shimla. The dropping of the leaves is because of an infection caused by a fungus. About 20 percent of the crop has already been damaged in the middle and the higher belts.

Russia – Brown rot in potatoes (Irkutsk)
8 Aug 2008
Rosselkhoznadzor (Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance) [edited] [Promed]
In the course of laboratory research of a shipment of food potato (9.14 tonnes) supplied from China to the wholesale market in Irkutsk through Zabaikalsk Settlement in the Chita Region, the Irkutsk Department of FGU "VNIIKR" [All-Russian Plant Quarantine Center] detected the quarantine disease agent -- bacterial brown potato rot. According to the information of the Regional Office of Rosselkhoznadzor for the Irkutsk Region and Ust-Ordynski Buryat Autonomous District, the contaminated potato has been used for food purposes.

Guyana - Blast disease reported in some rice areas
7 Aug 2008
Stabroek News [edited] [Promed]
Farmers in regions 2 and 3 have reported a moderate incidence of blast disease in their fields, a press release from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) said yesterday [6 Aug 2008]. The GRDB said farmers, particularly those cultivating the rustic line, have found evidence of the disease on their farms. The GRDB said too high nitrogen (urea) application rates, high relative humidity, high plant density, prolonged overcast conditions along with frequent drizzles or dew are all factors that contribute to the onset and severity of the disease.

Bhutan - Late blight affects potato production in Yusipang
7 Aug 2008
Bhutan Broadcasting Service [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, the outbreak of late blight, a potato plant disease, is affecting potato production in the farms of Yusipang in Thimphu. The disease occurs during monsoon [rainy] season. The research officer in the horticulture sector at Yusipang said farmers are being advised to use chemical spray containing fungicide to prevent the outbreak of late blight. But he said farmers do not use the chemical spray in time.

Arab Gulf region - Bayoud disease
4 Aug 2008
Arabian Business [edited] [Promed]
An expert has warned that growing demand for Moroccan date palms could expose the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council -- Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates] to a disease that can decimate date palm populations. It is reported that trends to import species of palms from Morocco were increasing the likelihood of the fusarium fungus disease coming into the region. The fungus triggers bayoud disease, which causes the leaves on one side of the palm to dry, followed by the death of the tree. First discovered around 100 years ago in Morocco, there is no known treatment for the disease.

July

Uganda – Coffee wilt
29 Jul 2008
The Guardian, Reuters report [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, coffee wilt disease could cut Uganda's coffee output by 35 percent in 2008/09 and slash earnings by USD 150 million.

Uganda - Teso leaders call for help over hunger
28 Jul 2008
AllAfrica, The Monitor (Kampala) report [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, a poor harvest in Teso has the region worried that famine will soon strike. Almost all crops have failed due to delayed rains, authorities say. While cassava has been the only hope for Teso every time famine has struck, the Kumi District Agricultural Officer says the situation has been worsened following an outbreak of cassava brown streak, a disease that affects tubers. Whereas the cassava plantations appear to be doing well, it is reported that the tubers are not bearing fruit and that up to 5000 households were likely to starve if the government doesn't intervene.

Germany – Fireblight in Pome fruit (Hesse)
25 Jul 2008
PR-inside [in German, trans. & summ. Mod.DHA, edited] [Promed]
According to this story, fruit growers are worried because fireblight has been rife in south Hesse for the past several weeks. The disease has been spreading from the Odenwald region to the areas of Darmstadt-Dieburg and Gross-Gerau. Officials fear that a major fireblight epidemic may be imminent in 2008. Hail has acerbated the situation by causing damage to the trees because the wounds serve as entry points for the causal bacterium _Erwinia amylovora_.

Nigeria cocoa belt affected by black pod disease
25 Jul 2008
Bloomberg [edited] [Promed]
According to the spokesman for the Cocoa Association of Nigeria, which groups farmers, processors, and traders, most cases of the fungal disease are in the southeast region, where the tropical rains are heavier than in the southwest. In the southwest Ondo state, some cases have also been reported and with the wet season at its peak and rain falling incessantly in most of the southern cocoa-growing region, industry officials are concerned the disease may spread.

New Zealand - Mystery bacteria found in NZ linked to potato disease in US
24 Jul 2008
3 News New Zealand [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, a plant disease scare in tomatoes, which triggered biosecurity bans on New Zealand potatoes, tomatoes, and capsicums, has now been linked to a disease in American potato crops. And the potato disease, known as "zebra chip," has now been discovered in an Auckland spud crop, NZPA (New Zealand Press Association) has been told. It is reported that the disease-causing bacterium disrupted New Zealand exports last month [June 2008] when agriculture authorities revealed its discovery in three Auckland commercial hothouses in January [2008]. The announcement by NZ scientists that it was a previously unrecorded species of Candidatus Liberibacter spooked some key export customers, as it is related to huanglongbing disease -- also known as citrus greening.

Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama - Orange rust spreads through Central America
23 Jul 2008
Source: Bureau of Sugar Experimental Stations Australia (BSES) [edited] [Promed]
The sugarcane disease, orange rust, has been found in the Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama sugarcane regions of Central America.

Thailand – Sugarcane yellow leaf virus
17 Jul 2008
Australasian Plant Disease Notes 2008; 3(1): 89-92 [edited] [Promed]
[ref: AT Lehrer, et al. High incidence of Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV) in sugar plantations and germplasm collections in Thailand. Australasian Plant Disease Notes 2008; 3(1): 89-92; DOI:10.1071/DN08036]
This report shows that SCYLV is widespread in Thai plantations and germplasm collections. Plantation management based on resistant cultivars or virus-free seed cane is proposed. Whether SCYLV is spreading further in Thailand needs to be determined.

Australia – Stripe rust in wheat (Queensland and New South Wales)
15 Jul 2008
Stock & Land [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, Queensland and northern New South Wales growers need to be vigilant for stripe rust detection in grain crops following July's cool, wet climatic conditions. Queensland Department of Primary Industries (DPI&F) officers are issuing the alert after stripe rust infestations have been reported from central and southern NSW, and more recently at northern centres of Moree and Walgett.

United-Kingdom - Wilt worries for oilseed rape
11 Jul 2008
Farmers Weekly Interactive [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, verticillium wilt, confirmed in UK oilseed rape last year [2007] for the 1st time, is adding to the problems of premature ripening caused by sclerotinia in this season's [2008] stands, warns ADAS [Agricultural Development and Advisory Service].Growers are advised to check crops now for the symptoms. The wilt disease is becoming more widely recognised as awareness of the symptoms has grown, according to the service's Crop Action notes.

Russia – Cyst Nematodes in potatoes
11 Jul 2008
WEB Miass.ru [in Russian, trans. & summ. Corr.BA, edited] [Promed]
Miass city district in the Chelyabinsk region was placed under quarantine on 1 Jul 2008 due to potato nematodes. The dangerous potato pest Globodera was reported by villagers in Syrostan and Naily. Potato nematodes were detected in soil samples from the affected areas. This is not the 1st time for this region -- a similar situation occurred in Miass in the 1980s and 1990s.

Switzerland - Fireblight in Pome fruit
10 Jul 2008
Radio DRS [in German, trans. & summ. Mod.DHA, edited] [Promed] <http://www.drs.ch/www/de/drs/sendungen/regionaljournal-ostschweiz/59392.feuerbrand-weiter-auf-dem-vormarsch.html>
Since last year [2007] fireblight has been spreading rapidly in Switzerland and continues to do so. In 2007, for example, 100 ha (247 acres) of fruit orchards and around 10 000 trees had to be destroyed. For 2008, the antibiotic streptomycin has been officially approved to fight fireblight, with some restrictions. This has caused opposition from environmental groups and Bio Suisse.

Uganda –Kenya – Mosaic Viruses in cassavas
July 2008
Journal of General Virology 2008; 89(7): 1759-1769 [edited] [Promed]
[Ref: WS Sserubombwe et al: Diversity of begomoviruses associated with mosaic disease of cultivated cassava ( Manihot esculenta Crantz) and its wild relative ( Manihot glaziovii Muell. Arg.) in Uganda. J Gen Virol 2008; 89(7): 1759-1769; DOI:10.1099/vir.0.83637-0]
To date, 7 begomovirus species have been identified in association with CMD [cassava mosaic disease], namely African cassava mosaic virus.

Australia - Net blotch, barley (South Australia)
3 Jul 2008
ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) Rural News [edited] [Promed]
South Australian (SA) grain growers fear a wipeout from a fungal disease that takes hold of barley crops. The South Australian Research and Development Institute says the disease, called net blotch, could cut crops yields by a third.

India – Bacterial Black spot in tea (Assam)
2 Jul 2008
The Telegraph (Kolkata) [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, a tea bug, Helopeltis , is causing havoc in the tea gardens of Upper Assam, with the industry looking at not less than 20 percent loss in produce this season. A senior scientist at Tocklai Experimental Station in Jorhat said the bug migrated from the West Bengal Dooars and Nagrakata regions in the late 90s but because of congenial weather conditions, it multiplied several folds this season [2008] proving fatal for the tea crop. It is also reported that high temperature and heavy rainfall are ideal conditions for the bug to multiply ant that it was not only the Helopeltis but also the bacterial black spot, a disease of the tea plant, which has become a cause of concern.

India – Disease affects crops in Nellai district
1 Jul 2008
The New Indian Express (Newindpress.com)/Express News Service [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, farmers in and around Tirunelveli and Palayamkottai [Tirunelveli district -- nicknamed Nellai -- Tamil Nadu province] are in shock over a mysterious disease, which caused heavy damage to the crops. It is reported that they bought seeds from private companies and recently noticed a white liquid secreting from the stem of cotton. Immediately they sprayed pesticides, but they found no improvement as the disease started to spread rapidly and damaged all the crops. The vegetables and sunflower crops also faced a similar problem. The farmers even tried to control the disease by spraying kerosene, but that too did not yield any result.

United Kingdom - Septoria in wheat
1 Jul 2008
Farmers Weekly Interactive [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, Septoria tritici has proved extremely challenging this year [2008] with many crops carrying higher levels of the disease than might have been expected given the level of [fungicide] input applied. The trend emerging is that early-drilled crops with a septoria rating of 5 or less are a lot dirtier [carrying more disease] than the same varieties drilled later or varieties with a better resistance score drilled at the same time.

New Zealand - Strawberry mottle virus
July 2008
British Society for Plant Pathology, New Disease Reports (NDR) vol. 17 (February-July 2008) [edited] [Promed]
[Ref: LI Ward et al: Strawberry mottle virus detected on strawberry in New Zealand. BSPP New Disease Reports, vol. 17]
Strawberry mottle virus (SMoV) is a serious pathogen of strawberries ( Fragaria x ananassa ) and is transmitted by aphids in a semi-persistent manner. Severe strains of SMoV may reduce yield by up to 30 percent and losses can be up to 80 percent in mixed infections with other viruses. SMoV occurs in many areas where strawberries are grown; this is the first report of the virus in New Zealand. The SMoV-infected indicator plants have been grown in New Zealand for at least 10 years. Despite the indicators in Christchurch being held in an open-shade house, and the presence of at least 2 aphid species that can vector the virus in New Zealand ( Aphis gossypii and Chaetosiphon fragaefolii ), the virus does not appear to have become widely distributed within commercial strawberry cultivars. However, it has been decided not to impose regulatory controls to eradicate or manage the disease and therefore the disease is likely to spread in the future.

June

Poland – Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus
June 2008
The American Phytopathological Society, Plant Disease 2008; 92(6): 981 [edited] [Promed]
[Ref: K Trzmiel, M Jezewska: Identification of Maize dwarf mosaic virus in Maize in Poland. Plant Dis 2008; 92(6): 981; DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-92-6-0981A]
From 2005 to 2007 in Southern Wielkopolska, Lower Silesia, and Malopolska regions, maize (Zea mays) plants showing leaf mosaic and stunting symptoms were found. ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) tests using commercial polyclonal antisera against Maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV) gave positive results in 71 samples. However, the ELISA response for symptomatic plants, in most cases, was low. Therefore, only 8 plants with relatively high virus concentration were chosen for further identification assays. The significance of MDMV detection is noteworthy because maize has become an important crop in Poland in recent years and acreage is increasing systematically.

Mali – Citrus canker - 1st report
June 2008
The American Phytopathological Society, Plant Disease 2008; 92(6): 977 [edited] [Promed]
[Ref: YN Traore et al: First report of Xanthomonas citri pv. citri causing citrus canker in Mali. Plant Dis 2008; 92(6): 977; DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-92-6-0977B]
Citrus canker, caused by Xanthomonas citri pv. citri , is a bacterial disease of economic importance in tropical and subtropical citrus-producing areas. X. c. pv. citri can cause severe infection in a wide range of citrus species and induces erumpent, callus-like lesions with water-soaked margins leading to premature fruit drop and twig dieback. It has consequently been subjected to eradication efforts and international regulations. Citrus canker occurs in Asia, South America, the United States, parts of Oceania, and some islands off the African continent (Comoros, Mauritius, Reunion, and Seychelles islands). It was described on the African continent, but in some cases, diagnosis errors might have occurred. The only well-documented outbreak occurred in South Africa where it was eradicated at the beginning of the 20th century. In 2004, citrus canker symptoms on limes, sweet oranges, tangerines, and sour oranges were reported from different orchards around Bamako and in the Koulikoro Province of Mali. As of this report, citrus canker has spread to new citrus orchards and this might be due to the propagation and dissemination of infected material from small nurseries. To our knowledge, this represents the 1st outbreak of citrus canker in West Africa. Spread of the pathogen in Mali and neighboring countries should be monitored and a drastic surveillance of citrus nurseries in the region should be performed.

Somalia – Citus canker - 1st report
June 2008
The American Phytopathological Society, Plant Disease 2008; 92(6): 981 [edited] [Promed]
[Ref: GM Balestra et al: First report of citrus canker caused by Xanthomonas citri in Somalia. Plant Dis 2008; 92(6): 981; DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-92-6-0981C]
Xanthomonas citri (synonym Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri ) has been reported in several countries in Africa but not Somalia. During 2006 and 2007, hyperplasia-type lesions, often surrounded by a water-soaked margin and yellow halo, typical of citrus canker caused by X. citri were found on 8- to 10-year-old lime ( Citrus limetta ) and grapefruit ( Citrus x paradisi Macfed .) trees in northern and southern Somalia, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report of X. citri on citrus plants in Somalia.

Hungary – Tomato Torrado virus (CSONGRAD)
June 2008
European Plant Protection Organisation (EPPO) Reporting Service 6/2008/129 [edited] [Promed]
Incursion of Tomato torrado virus in Hungary
In early October 2007, a tomato plant (_Lycopersicon esculentum_) showing unusual symptoms was observed in a commercial glasshouse in the county of Csongrad, south eastern Hungary. Symptoms were initially characterized by yellow blotches at the base of the leaflets, which later developed into necrotic spots, giving a burnt-like appearance to the plant. These symptoms resembled those that have recently been described in association with Tomato torrado virus (ToTV), a newly described virus detected in Spain and Poland.
Laboratory analysis (DAS-ELISA [double antibody sandwich-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay], RT-PCR [reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction], dot-blot hybridization) of one leaf sample confirmed the presence of ToTV. Other tomato viruses such as _Potato virus Y_, _Tomato mosaic virus_, _Tomato spotted wilt virus_, and _Pepino mosaic virus_ were not detected. The identification of ToTV was confirmed by another laboratory in Spain (Instituto Agroforestal Mediterraneo, Universidad Politecnica de Valencia).
The source of this infection was unknown. Tomato seeds originated from the Netherlands but the possible role of seeds in disease transmission has not been clarified. It is suspected that the disease is mainly transmitted by _Trialeurodes vaporariorum_. In Hungary, no official measures were taken as the ToTV infection was detected at the end of the growing season and all tomato plants were destroyed as part of routine practice. Since this outbreak, no new infection has been observed at this place of production, and biological control has been applied to maintain whitefly population density at a low level. A national survey will be conducted to determine the current status of ToTV in Hungary.

Taiwan – First report of the A2 mating type of Phytophthora infestans on tomato crops in Taiwan, Republic of China
June 2008
Plant Disease 92(6), 978 [edited] [Promed]
In a study of the Phytophthora infestans population in Taiwan, samples with symptoms typical of late blight were collected from field crops in an important potato ( Solanum tuberosum ) and tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum ) production area in the central highlands region.

Australia – Disease of wheat a threat to harvest (New South Wales)
23 Jun 2008
Daily Liberal [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, disease has joined drought in threatening the chances of central west NSW farmers in 2008.
Leaf rust has been found in a wheat sample from Dunedoo, prompting the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) to call for action.

Indonesia – Fungal disease spreads in Indonesia's cocoa farms
19 Jun 2008
FlexNews Food Industry News, Reuters report [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, industry officials said on Thursday that more than 60 percent of cocoa plantations in Indonesia's main growing island of Sulawesi have been infected with a deadly fungal disease, which threatens output and affects quality,]. It is reported that vascular streak dieback (VSD) was spreading rapidly in the provinces of South, Central, and Southeast Sulawesi which account for 75 percent of Indonesia's cocoa output.

Finland – New tomato pathogen found in Finland
9 Jun 2008
Flex News [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, the Finnish Food Safety Authority, Evira, has found a new tomato pathogen in Finland -- Tomato apical stunt viroid (TASVd) – on Solanum jasminoides plants grown as summer flowers. It is reported that if it spread to tomato the viroid could cause considerable crop losses. Evira warns tomato growers for the viroid's spreading with the ornamental plants of the Solanaceae family. TASVd was found in a Finnish greenhouse on S. jasminoides plants imported from Holland, which did not exhibit any symptoms. TASVd was found in a sample taken for a survey of Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd), but PSTVd has not been found in Finland. The contaminated consignments were destroyed.

Kenya - Banana bacterial wilt confirmed , (Teso, Busia)
9 Jun 2008
New Vision [edited] [Promed]
The banana wilt disease has been reported in Teso and Busia districts in Kenya. A Teso district agricultural officer said the disease had attacked Malaba, Chakol, and Busia, where people easily cross from Uganda into Kenya. He said the banana wilt disease was reported in Uganda some years back and the government had tried to curb it. He also revealed that a quarantine had been imposed on a farm in Busia district.
Related stories
10 Jun 2008 - Banana bacterial wilt - Uganda: spread
AfricaNews [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, the volume of banana taken to markets has, over the years, continued to decrease. This is partly attributed to attack by the deadly banana bacterial wilt disease, also known as Xanthomonas . In the last 8 months, the disease has been reported in close to 10 districts in the country, with district Agricultural Officers calling for immediate intervention to combat the disease. In Ntungamo district, parts of 3 sub-counties have been badly hit, and some affected plantations have been destroyed, while technical and political sensitization on the disease is going on in a move to eradicate it. It is reported that in Rukungiri district, the dreaded banana bacterial wilt ravaged banana plantations in 7 out of 11 sub counties. In Kasese district, banana bacterial wilt disease [BBWD] destroyed close to 100 acres of crops in the past 8 months. In Kanungu district, the disease was detected in plantations in 3 sub-counties as well as in Kanungu Town Council some few months ago.The Ugandan government says banana bacterial wilt disease is the number one plant disease problem in Uganda.

New Zealand - New bacterium affects fresh tomatoes and capsicums
4 Jun 2008
NZ Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) media centre [edited] [Promed]
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) has today [4 Jun 2008] withdrawn phytosanitary certification for New Zealand fresh tomato and capsicum export produce until further notice, following the confirmation of a new disease-causing bacterium in 3 commercial hothouse operations in the North Island. MAFBNZ Director of Border Standards, Tim Knox, says the withdrawal of phytosanitary certification is a precautionary measure until more information about the bacterium is available. Mr Knox says little is known about if or how the bacterium may have entered New Zealand, or its transmission, effect, and distribution.

May

Central America – Porroca disease in coconut palm
May 2008
The American Phytopathological Society, Plant Disease 2008; 92(5): 826-30 [edited] [Promed]
[Ref: G Gilbert & I Parker: Porroca: an emerging disease of coconut in Central America. Plant Dis 2008; 92(5): 826-830; DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-92-5-0826]
Porroca is a lethal disease of coconut ( Cocos nucifera ) emerging in Central America. Previously known only from Colombia, it has spread rapidly across the Isthmus of Panama in the last decade. Porroca is characterized by the production of stiff, dwarfed leaves, usually followed by the death of the palms within 2 years. We describe the long-distance spread of the disease as determined from regular censuses of more than 200 000 coconut palms in the indigenous Comarca of Kuna Yala [autonomous territory in Panama, formerly San Blas, near El Porvenir] and the Republic of Panama. Spread is temporally and spatially variable, with the disease moving across the landscape as much as 40 km (25 mi) per year. Porroca may represent a significant new threat to coconut production in the Caribbean Region.

Cuba - Chlorosis virus in tomatoes
May 2008
The American Phytopathological Society, Plant Disease 2008; 92(5), 836 [edited] [ Promed]
[Ref: Y Martinez-Zubiaur et al: First report of Tomato chlorosis virus infecting tomato in single and mixed infections with Tomato yellow leaf curl virus in Cuba. Plant Dis 2008; 92(5), 836; DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-92-5-0836C]
Whitefly-transmitted viruses have caused severe losses in tomato crops in Cuba. In 2006 and 2007, tomato greenhouses across eastern Cuba exhibited high levels of Bemisia tabaci (B biotype) infestation. Some plants showed interveinal chlorosis and a severe yellow mosaic, combined with leaf brittleness.

India – Disease devastates pomegranate crop
24 May 2008
Business Standard [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, pomegranate cultivation is fast disappearing in Karnataka following the rampant attack of bacterial blight disease (BBD) in all the growing areas of the state. As a result of the spread of devastating BBD, the state has witnessed almost 90 percent drop in the production over the last few years. It is reported that farmers have uprooted trees in about 30 percent of the cultivated area due to continuous loss of crop over the last 4 years. The disease has also started affecting other crops like lemon in some areas.

India - Farmers face heavy losses due to crop damage in Kapurthala
20 May 2008
Topnews India, Asian News International (ANI) report [edited] [Promed]
It is reported in this story, that farmers in Punjab's Kapurthala District are facing heavy losses as outbreak of viral disease has lead to large-scale damage of muskmelon crop. Kapurthala is one of the largest producers of muskmelons in the state. The viral disease has led not only to stunted growth of the muskmelons, but also rotting them on the field itself. According to this story, the farmers are now ploughing their fields to root out the infested crops and prepare the field for a new crop other than muskmelons.

South Africa – Survey of vines affected by aster yellows under way
15 May 2008
Grape News [edited] [Promed]
There is concern in the wine industry that the occurrence of the dreaded aster yellows disease in grapevines is being under-stated and that unless the scale of the problem is urgently gauged and remedial measures instituted, it may have wider production consequences

China - Tomato zonate spot virus (TZSV; proposed): a significant new tospovirus of vegetable crops in Yunnan
13 May 2008
North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO), Phytosanitary Alert System [edited][Promed]
In 2005, a devastating virus-like disease was observed on field-grown tomatoes and chili peppers in Yunnan Province, China. Diseased plants exhibited concentric zoned ringspots on ripe fruits and necrotic lesions on leaves. Based on particle morphology, host range, and serological properties, the causal agent of this disease was determined to be a new species of Tospovirus , tentatively named Tomato zonate spot virus (TZSV).

India – Plant diseases
2 May 2008
Hindustan Times [edited]
According to the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, the proliferation of viruses in agriculture and horticulture has been alarming over past years. In 1939, there were 89 known viruses; in 1991, they were estimated at 700, and in 2005, at 1200.

West Africa – Cucumber Mosaic virus in yams
May 2008
The American Phytopathological Society, Plant Disease 2008; 92(5): 833 [edited]
[Reference: Eni AO et al: 1st report of Cucumber mosaic virus in yams ( Dioscorea spp.) in Ghana, Togo, and Republic of Benin in West Africa. Plant Dis 2008; 92(5): 833; DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-92-5-0833B]
This is the 1st report of CMV infection in yams ( D. alata and D. rotundata ) in Ghana, Togo, and the Republic of Benin. Together with a previous documentation of CMV in D. alata and D. trifida in Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria, this report adds to existing knowledge on distribution of CMV in yams with implications for yam production and germplasm distribution in the West Africa region.

April

Mauritius – Brown Rot - Potato
April 2008
European Plant Protection Organisation (EPPO) Reporting Service
4/2008/072 [edited]
Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 found in Mauritius.

Costa Rica - X. fastidiosa , avocado
April 2008
European Plant Protection Organisation (EPPO) Reporting Service 4/2008/073 [edited] [Promed]
Since the late 1990s, chlorotic mottling, marginal scorch, deformation of leaves, defoliation, shortening of internodes, and branch dieback have been observed in avocado trees ( Persea americana ) in Costa Rica. The symptoms were not uniformly distributed in the trees (only some branches were symptomatic) and resembled those of leaf scorch diseases caused by Xylella fastidiosa (EPPO A1 List). In Costa Rica, X. fastidiosa occurs on coffee and citrus trees. From 2000 to 2004, 227 avocado trees were tested for the presence of X. fastidiosa (DAS-ELISA) and 188 were found positive. This is the first report of X. fastidiosa in avocado trees.

United Kingdom - Warning over virulent strain of blight
29 Apr 2008
The Scotsman [edited]
According to this story, potato blight which is caused by the fungus Phytophthora infestans, has mutated over the years and the current strain is especially virulent.

United Kingdom – Ireland – Fungal Diseases in cereal crops
24 Apr 2008
Farmers Weekly Interactive [edited]
According to this story, the cool and showery conditions seen in Lincolnshire during April [2008] have encouraged the development of Septoria tritici in all wheat varieties. Development of this disease will have been checked to some extent by the cool temperatures.Few other diseases have featured so far [in wheat crops]. Disease levels in winter barley and winter oats remain low. There is some physiological spotting present in winter barley, most noticeably in the variety Flagon.
Related stories
22 Apr 2008 - The Irish Independent
22 Apr 2008 - Farmers Weekly Interactive
25 Apr 2008 - Farmers Guardian, ADAS report

Australia - Cane smut crosses Queensland border
17 Apr 2008
The Daily Examiner

India - Downy mildew disease hits muskmelon crop in Punjab
10 Apr 2008
Webindia123 [edited]
Downy mildew disease, which is a limiting factor for successful growing of various cucurbit crops, has now affected the muskmelon crop in Punjab. According to Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) plant pathologist Dr Chander Mohan, the disease has attacked almost all the varieties of muskmelon grown in the state and severely affected its yields.Stating the reason behind the spread of the disease, he said that farmers in the districts of Amritsar, Kapurthala, and Nawanshahar cucumber crop under low plastic tunnels. The temperature and humidity in plastic tunnels is favourable for the growth of the downy mildew pathogen and the disease first appeared in cucumber fields and then spread to the muskmelon fields.

Sudan – Faba bean – Tobacco Streak Virus
8 Apr 2008
British Society for Plant Pathology, New Disease Reports (NDR) vol. 17 [edited]
During the period December 2005 to January 2006, unusual leaf symptoms suggestive of a virus infection were observed in faba bean ( Vicia faba ) in fields in the Gezira area and Northern parts of Sudan. Symptoms in beans were coincident with a high level of crop infestation by Aphis craccivora that might play a role in the transmission of the virus. Chlorotic mottling and/or mosaic symptoms were accompanied by black streaks on stems and leaf petioles. In some bean varieties, severe leaf chlorosis subsequently developed into browning and blackening of the entire leaves, resulting in plant death.
[Ref: MA Ali, et al: _Tobacco streak virus_ infecting faba bean ( Vicia faba ) reported for the 1st time. BSPP New Disease Reports 2008; 17]

New Zealand - Rush on to beat grape rot
8 Apr 2008
The Marlborough Express [edited]
Winegrowers are rushing to harvest the region's premium grapes before they perish on the vine. Heavy rain over the past 3 days has spelt an abrupt end to what was shaping up to be a dream harvest.
Marlborough Wine Research Centre science leader Mike Trought said more than 50 percent of the local crops had been harvested. Rain is producing botrytis, a fungus that attacks grape skins, in Marlborough's bumper crop this year [2008]. Botrytis causes a concentration as the grape naturally dehydrates. Rain can also cause diseases such as vine rot and slip skin, all of which can be detrimental to a crop.

China gears up to battle wheat, rape diseases
8 Apr 2008
China View [edited]
China is enhancing its efforts to battle plant diseases spreading in the country's wheat and rape plantations.
As of 1 Apr [2008], 9.52 million mu (634 667 hectares) of the country's wheat has developed stripe rust, a serious disease caused by a soil-borne fungus, according to Ministry of Agriculture statistics released on Monday [7 Apr 2008]. Meanwhile, 17.33 million mu of [oilseed] rape have been affected by a devastating disease called sclerotinia. The situation might get worse as the April-June period is a season prone for plant diseases and insect pests with warm weather and frequent rainfalls expected.
According to a ministry forecast, the current disease reports would only account for 24 and 39 percent of the total areas of wheat and rape plantings, respectively, that could develop such diseases this year. However, the ministry did not say the proportion of the disease-affected area in the sown area. The ministry has told local governments to beef up their control of the spread of such diseases and intensify monitoring. Local governments were required to quickly report new infections to higher-level authorities.

India – Bacterial Black Sport (Andhra Pradesh)
3 Apr 2008
The New Indian Express (Newindpress.com) [edited]
The mango season has begun on a sour note this year [2008] as the untimely rain has damaged the crop in Krishna district. Farmers, who expected a good crop yield this season, are in despair now.
Horticultural officials put the total mango crop acreage in Krishna district at 62 000 hectares (153 205 acres). Banginapalli, Thotapuri, and Nuzvid Chinnarasalu varieties of mango raised in the region have good demand in the market. Banginapalli has been afflicted with 'mangu' [bacterial black spot] disease due to the unseasonal rain. Mangu causes black spots on the fruit.

United Kingdom - Light leaf spot
1 Apr 2008
Crop Monitor UK [edited]
The spring survey of commercially grown winter oilseed rape is currently underway, and most of the crops have now been assessed for disease. Provisional results show that light leaf spot levels and severity are higher than in recent years. 65 per cent of crops assessed were affected. The highest incidence has been found in samples from the north and the south west.
See the light leaf spot forecast for details of risk in different regions at < http://www3.rothamsted.bbsrc.ac.uk/leafspot/forecast/Default2.htm >.

March

Kenya – Blast disease in rice (Central Province)
31 March 2008
Business Daily (Nairobi) [edited]
Rice farmers in Mwea, Kirinyaga District [Central Province], are counting their losses after their crop was attacked by the rice blast disease. The farmers have been complaining about the disease, which has wiped out almost half of their crop. "It started last year [2007] and since then it has been spreading very fast," said Mr Francis Gichovi, a rice farmer in Mwea. The disease is now threatening to drastically reduce harvests this season. An acre of land under rice usually produces on average 25 bags of rice, but this may reduce to 10 bags, Mr Gichovi said.
Many rice scientists consider it to be the most devastating rice disease worldwide. It has been detected in 85 countries. Besides attacking the leaves, the fungus may also attack the stem at the nodes, causing the neck to rot, or at the panicle, causing panicle blast. When this occurs, yield losses may be large because few seeds in the panicle develop. "The rice plants have turned white and there is no seed in them," explains Gichovi.
According to the district agricultural office in Mwea, the disease has been spurred by the rains, which have been unusually high this season. The disease thrives in long periods of moisture, high humidity, little or no night wind and night temperatures of around 20 degrees Celsius [68 degrees Fahrenheit]. Poor crop rotation practices have also allowed the disease to spread.
Related stories
18 Apr 2008 -Blast Disease in Rice (Central Province)
Reuters UK [edited]
According to this story, a fungus [rice blast] has destroyed 5600 hectares (13 840 acres) of rice in Central Province, which produces the bulk of Kenya's rice. OCHA [UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs] was reported as saying that this is equivalent to 10 to 20 percent of annual output and means Kenya will have to increase imports.

India - Leaf scald, sugarcane – spread
25 Mar 2008
Coimbatore Live [edited]
Xanthomonas albilineans , a gram-negative bacterium that causes sugarcane leaf scald disease, has in recent times spread to regions that have not reported the disease previously and re-occurred in countries in which the disease is endemic, Dorsamy (Gansen) Pillay, Director, Research Management and Development, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, said on Monday [24 Mar 2008] at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University [TNAU].
"The disease occurs in every major sugar-producing region across the world. Severe losses were reported in the early years of the [20th] century. However, the disease has subsequently been effectively controlled by cultivation of sufficiently resistant varieties. But, seeing from the continued spread, the disease still poses a threat to the sugarcane industry," Mr. Pillay said. He said that his laboratory had been engaged in characterisation of the bacterium at the morphological, bio-chemical, immunological and molecular levels to understand it in order to aid in its early detection.

China - SED outbreak threatens 4.83 million hectares of wheat
24 Mar 2008
Resource Investor, Interfax-China report [edited]
An outbreak of sharp eyespot disease (SED), which affects cereals, is threatening 72.46 million mu (4.83 million hectares) of wheat in China's major producing regions, according to local agricultural authorities. SED might erode the wheat output by 10 to 20 percent, while a more serious epidemic could cut output by as much as 50 percent, officials from the Henan Oil and Grain Product Quality Inspection Center told Interfax. "As it is still the early growth stage for wheat, the impact on output might be reduced, although wheat quality may be downgraded," an official from the center said. Huang Junfei, a senior commodity analyst with Changjiang Futures, believes SED may well erode wheat output by around 5 percent on the 4.8 million affected hectares. As there are still a few months before the harvest, good farm work may be able to make up the losses. The outbreak is being blamed on remnants of the disease from last year [2007], coupled with favourable conditions, including plentiful water supplies in some regions and weakened resistance caused by a cold snap earlier this year [2008]. Agricultural authorities caution that the peak season for SED normally lasts from mid and late March until mid April. SED outbreaks in major wheat producing regions by 10 Mar [2008] include [in decreasing order of affected area] Henan, Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui, Hubei, and Shanxi provinces. China's wheat cultivation in 2008 is expected to stay flat at around 23 million hectares with output expected to top 100 million tonnes.

Nigeria – Anthracnose, Yam (Anambra, Enugu)
23 Mar 2008
The Guardian Nigeria [edited]
An outbreak of a yam disease that is likely to cause food insecurity has been reported in Anambra and Enugu states. The outbreak of disease, which is assessed to be capable of drastically crippling the yam industry with the likelihood of extending to other crops, was announced at the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) by the South East zonal coordinator of its Research Extension Farmer Input Linkage System (REFILS), Dr. Anselm Udealor. This led to on-the-spot investigation by a team of NRCRI plant protection scientists, who later confirmed the disease. Investigation reports on the soil and yam samples concluded that the yam disease was anthracnose of white yam, a fungal disease usually referred to as yam dieback, with the causative organism described as the fungus Glomerella cingulata.

Uganda - Virus lowers potato yields in Kabale
11 March 2008
The New Vision [edited]
A rampant potato disease reported in Kabale district [Western Region] poses a danger to people's livelihood. Dr Andrew Kiggundu, a research officer at the National Agricultural Research Institute, Kawanda [KARI], says the virus affects the quality and quantity of the crop and research shows that almost all the potatoes grown in the area have the virus. The current average potato production in Uganda stands at about 7 tonnes per hectare, compared with a possible yield of 30 to 40 tonnes per hectare, if well-managed. "Poor farmers have been planting virus infested potatoes, rapidly increasing the virus' multiplication," Kiggundu says. The crop is mainly grown in the districts of Kabale, Kisoro, Kanungu, Mbale, Sironko, and Kapchorwa.
The virus is spread by insect vectors and through human contact from plant to plant. The virus can also be transmitted from tuber plants from one season to another. Symptoms of the disease include curling of leaves, mosaic, retarded growth, and poor yields.

Viet Nam rice troubles could affect region
20 Mar 2008
Agence France-Presse [edited]
Viet Nam's farm sector is reeling from outbreaks of pests and disease that could threaten its neighbours including China, according to one of the world's leading rice experts. Hanoi and the world scientific community have yet to find a way to prevent another crop failure following a virus attack on rice crops, said Robert Zeigler, head of the International Rice Research Institute [IRRI; Philippines]. Viet Nam is the 5th-largest rice producer and number 3 exporter in the world, and the troubles hit some of the best rice-growing areas, Zeigler said. "They got taken by surprise and had some significant yield losses that they were just not expecting. Of course we are concerned about Viet Nam. But some of these pests can migrate up into China, and who knows if they could cause some serious problems?" He noted that, while China is not a key player in the international rice trade, the country is by far the world's largest producer and consumer of the grain. Viet Nam also lies close to Thailand, the world's top rice exporter, and rich rice-growing areas in Myanmar and Cambodia. The severe winter in China and other climatic troubles have helped lead to spiralling prices, with many nations relying on Vietnamese exports. Prices have soared to more than 700 dollars a ton, more than 3 times the rate of 5 years ago. Along with other disasters, the Vietnamese problems -- a viral disease called tungro and infestations of the brown planthopper insect -- have also led to global supplies being drained. Zeigler said it was still not clear why the pest and virus attacks had swept across the southern and central regions of Viet Nam. "(Farmers) did shift varieties and the way they managed them, and so we're still trying to sort out whether it was some change in the [viral] strain or it was the change in the management practices, or both," he said. Zeigler said nations in the region and across the world needed to invest more in agricultural research, now that the vast yield gains seen since the 1960s have begun to flatten out.
Related sources 28 Feb 2008 - Vietnam News

Angola - Plague destroys five hectares of plant cultures
18 March 2008
Angola Press Agency [edited]
Five hectares of maize and bean cultures were destroyed in Bocoio district, central Benguela province, by a plague still unknown to technicians of the Agrarian Development Institute (IDA), thereby affecting the 2nd season of the 2008 agricultural campaign.
Speaking to ANGOP, the chairperson of the Association of Farmers and Cattle-Raising Cooperatives (UNACE) in Bocoio, Henrique Handa, said that the situation is of great concern, because the plague that began in the 1st fortnight of the current month [March 2008] has already affected the district headquarters and Sibol village.
According to the source, the district's population might soon face a food crisis, due to the destruction of the cultures, 1st by the drought and now by the pestilence.

February

India – Undiagnosed disease – Pomegranate
14 Feb 2008
FreshPlaza [edited]
On the European markets, pomegranates from India are very expensive at the moment. The prices are much higher than last year [2007], because there is a shortage on the market. It is suggested that lots of pomegranates are infected with an unknown disease and that because of this only 50 percent of the total pomegranate production in India is suitable for export. There are fewer pomegranates coming to Europe, and not all pomegranates exported to Europe are allowed on the European market, because they don't match the European standards about pesticides. The increasing knowledge of the consumer about the health benefits of pomegranates has caused a serious increase in the demand for pomegranates and because of this the prices are skyrocketing.

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