August

Australia- Stripe Rust, Wheat
13 Aug 2009
Weekly Times [edited][ProMed]
Grain growers are being urged to check wheat crops after reports of Victoria's 1st stripe rust outbreak this season [2009]. The Department of Primary Industries [DPI] senior plant pathologist said the outbreaks, in the Mallee [low rainfall area with small trees and shrub vegetation], were not unexpected, following reports of the disease in
Queensland and northern New South Wales.
Croppers need to begin checking their paddocks and be ready to spray if necessary. The disease is better managed by applying fungicides early in the epidemic rather than later.

United Kingdom- Concern at potato blight threat
03 Aug 2009
Irish Times [edited][FSNet]
A new strain of aggressive potato blight called Blue 13 which arrived here from Britain in 2007 is causing concern for growers and scientists. A special team of scientists from Teagasc in Oak Park, Co Carlow, and Queen’s University Belfast, are working to find ways to control the threat which arrived in Britain from the Continent in 2005.
While Blue 13 has now come to dominate blight in potato fields in England, Wales and Scotland, as yet samples from Irish crops have shown it makes up only 25 percent of blight in Irish crops.

India- Stem rust, wheat
August 2009
Plant Disease [edited][ProMed]
Stem (black) rust, caused by Puccinia graminis Pers. f. sp.tritici Eriks. & Henn., is one of the most destructive diseases of wheat. It could be controlled through introgression of race-specific resistance genes. However, such resistance is mostly short lived due to emergence of new virulences. For example, resistance genes Sr11, Sr24, Sr30, and Sr31 are no longer effective. Detection of new virulences has remained vital in the evaluation and identification of new sources of resistance. We report here the detection of virulence to Sr25, a gene from Thinopyrum elongatum, which had been effective or partially effective against stem rust worldwide, including race Ug99.A stem rust isolate collected in 2006 from Karnataka (southern India) produced susceptible reactions on the primary leaves of differential genotype 'Agatha' carrying Sr25 and susceptible check 'Agra Local'. To verify virulence to Sr25, single-pustule isolates from this sample were inoculated onto seedlings of 6 additional varieties which all carry Sr25. All these accessions were found susceptible to this isolate, except one, which expressed resistance, indicating the presence of additional gene(s). These genotypes are resistant to Sr25-avirulent pathotypes.The detection of Sr25 virulence is significant since Sr25 is an important gene to be targeted for breeding wheat cultivars resistant to Ug99. We should use either adult plant resistance and/or combining two or more genes for seedling resistance to enhance the field life of wheat cultivars.

July

Nepal- Rice blast decimates paddy fields
29 July 2009
eKantipur.com/The Kathmandu Post [edited][ProMed]
Chhumchaur Jiulo used to hold the distinction of being the highest place in the world where paddy was cultivated. Not anymore. Farmers of this place in Jumla district [Mid Western region] stopped growing paddy after their paddy fell prey to rice blast, a fungal disease. Until 2006, rice was the main crop in Chhumchaur Jiulo, 850 metres [2789 ft] above sea level. But, say farmers, the officials did not take initiative to stamp out the disease.

Philippines- Tungro disease, rice
23 Jul 2009
Business World [edited][ProMed]
The tungro virus has been found in ricefields in Ajuy, Barotac Viejo, Concepcion, Dingle, Pototan, San Enrique, Sara and Sta. Barbara towns in Iloilo; Cuartero, Dao, Jamindan and Mambusao in Capiz; and Malinao in Aklan.
Pests being monitored by the Department of Agriculture regional office include the rice tungro virus and the rice black bug, which could also emerge at this time. As of last week, about 25 hectares of rice plantations had been affected in Iloilo. Some 17 hectares in Capiz are also infested.
Continuous rains have created an environment conducive to the proliferation of pests, an official was quoted as saying.

Cyprus- Grape disease blights vines in Paphos
19 Jul 2009
Cyprus Mail/SundayMail [edited][ProMed]
Grapes in Paphos have been hit by an outbreak of a rapidly spreading type of mildew that has caused widespread damage to mainly white grapes in Laona [Plateau]. [The disease] is also known by the common name of downy mildew.

China- Cylindrocladium black rot caused by Cylindrocladium parasiticum newly reported on peanuts in China(GUANGDONG)
July 2009
British Society for Plant Pathology, New Disease Reports [edited][ProMed]
In June and October 2008, disease symptoms on peanut (Arachis
hypogaea) were observed in several fields in Guangdong Province. The characteristic symptoms were black rot of the basal stems and the below-ground tissues including roots, pegs and pods, with reddish-orange fruiting bodies on the diseased parts. Entire vines eventually wilted and died. The disease incidence reached as much as 50 percent in some fields, causing severe yield losses.
Microscopic examination revealed that the reddish-orange fruiting bodies were perithecia. Isolation was made from basal stem tissues at the edge of disease lesions. Conidia and microsclerotia were observed after 3 to 4 days. Perithecia were formed after 20 days. The fungus was identified as Cylindrocladium parasiticum (teleomorph Calonectria ilicicola). Pathogenicity was confirmed by inoculation of 2-week-old seedlings in pots of cv. Bendizhongby drenching the soil near to the shoot with a mixed suspension of mycelia, conidia and microsclerotia. All inoculated plants showed black rot symptoms on stem bases and roots 2 weeks after inoculation, and C. parasiticum was reisolated from inoculated plants.

India- Government to prevent misuse of oxytocin in fruits and vegetables
15 Jul 2009
Fresh Plaza [edited][ProMed]
Media reports indicate that the hormone oxytocin is being used by farmers in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab on certain vegetables like cucurbits and pumpkin to increase the size and weight of vegetables.Indiscriminate use of oxytocin may cause health hazards if taken through vegetables over a period of time.To prevent misuse by farmers this drug has been notified as a Schedule-H drug and can be sold only against the prescription of the registered medical/veterinary practitioner. It has been made mandatory through Gazette notification to market oxytocin injection in single unit blister packs only. Instructions have also been issued to all State Drug Controllers to regulate and monitor manufacture and distribution of oxytocin.

June

Switzerland- New highly contagious strains of potato virus Y
29 June 2009
Proplanta [in German, trans. & summ. Mod.DHA, edited][ProMed]
The potato virus Y (PVY) is transmitted by several species of aphids and causes significant losses in yield and quality. Numerous new isolates of this virus have emerged in recent years in Swiss potato crops. Experiments at Agroscope Changins-Waedenswil (ACW) show that the epidemiology of the PVY strains and the sensitivity of potato varieties have changed completely.
The seed potatoes imported into Switzerland are from different regions of Europe. This exchange promotes the dissemination of various genotypes of PVY. The 1st symptoms of tuber necrosis were observed at the beginning of the 1990s and were caused by so-called NTN strains of the virus. One of the new strains was imported from Germany in planting material. The spread of the new isolates in Switzerland made the cultivation of certain very susceptible varieties difficult. At the beginning of the 2000s virologists discovered Wilga-types of the virus in Swiss crops. These strains can also cause significant damage.
Researchers investigated the spread of different PVY strains under field conditions. The experiment showed that the variety Lady Christl has surprisingly good resistance to different isolates of the virus. The new strains are spreading faster and more effectively than the older strains of PVY. This new situation calls for more consistency and attention from seed potato producers. In the future, the sensitivity to these new PVY strain should be taken into account when choosing varieties, and the most sensitive varieties should be avoided.

Uganda- Cassava disease hits Kibaale
28 Jun 2009
The New Vision [edited][ProMed]
Over 100 acres (40 ha) of cassava have been destroyed by disease in more than 5 sub-counties in Kibaale district [Western Region]. The officer in charge of disease control said he suspected the disease to be brown streak disease, for which he had no immediate remedy. When it occurs in a garden, it can damage over 95 percent of the crops, he explained. He said the outbreak was the first of its kind in Kibaale district and was spreading fast.
[A farmer] said the disease had been spreading for 5 months but farmers had not recognised it, thinking that a change in weather had caused the blackening of the cassava leaves and stems.
Experts asked farmers planning to plant cassava next season to search for disease-resistant varieties. He said some improved cassava varieties had not been attacked by the disease.

Australia- Biosecurity Queensland urges caution on yellow sigatoka
25 Jun 2009
North Queensland Register [edited][ProMed]
Biosecurity Queensland (BQ) has issued a request for growers and backyard gardeners to check plants following an increased level of yellow sigatoka especially in the Innisfail area.
BQ senior inspector said recent wet conditions were ideal for the spread of yellow sigatoka and other plant diseases such as speckle disease.
He said it was illegal within the Northern Pest Quarantine Area, which includes Innisfail, Babinda, and Cairns, to have more than 5 percent of a banana leaf covered in leaf spot disease.

Fungus threatens wheat around globe
25 June 2009
Ottawa Citizen [edited] [FSNet]
Scientists in Canada and around the world are racing to find a way to stop a destructive fungus that threatens to wipe out 80 percent of the world's wheat crop, causing widespread famine and pushing the cost of such staples as bread and pasta through the roof.
Canadian officials say the airborne fungus, which is known as Ug99, has so far proved unstoppable, making its way out of eastern Africa and into the Middle East and Central Asia.
The fungus is now threatening areas that account for more than one-third of the world's wheat production, and scientists in North America say it's only a matter of time before the pest hits the breadbasket regions of North America, Russia and China.

India- Fungal attacks blight hopes of capsicum, tomato growers (Himachal Pradesh)
19 Jun 2009
The Indian Express [edited] [ProMed]
Tomato and capsicum crops grown in the mid-hills of the state are increasingly being lost to collar rot and leaf blight diseases; 30 to 40 percent of the crops are said to have already been destroyed.
An expert said tomato crops in Junaji, Shilli, Deothi Patta (Mehlog) have so far been found infected with the collar rot disease.
Tomato, which is largely credited to have transformed the economy of the farming community of this hilly state, is grown as a major
off-season cash crop in Solan, Sirmour, Bilaspur, Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, and Mandi districts over 18 000 hectares [approx. 44,500 acres] of land. Its annual production is around 500,000 metric tons.

India- Disease stalks Jammu's strawberry crop, farmers worried (Jammu & Kashmir)
19 Jun 2009
The Indian Express [edited][ProMed]
The strawberry crop grown over hundreds of acres in Jammu is threatened by widespread fungal attacks. In many areas, the plants have in fact prematurely wilted following a fungal blight attack. According to cultivators in Bishnah, Samba, and Hiranagar – major strawberry producing areas -- many plants have been affected with Mycosphaerella, a plant disease, resulting in wilting of leaves and stems of the plant.
Jammu and Kashmir produces nearly 100,000 kg [approx. 221,000 lb] of strawberries annually, which not only cater to the local demand but are also sent to other states of the country. There are about 14 different varieties of the fruit and in addition of being consumed fresh, it is also used in dairy products.

Australia- Rhizoctonia alert for growers
15 Jun 2009
Stock & Land [edited][ProMed]
Rhizoctonia bare patch could be the main soil borne disease risk to cereal crops -- particularly those sown late -- this season according to the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

India, from China- Infected garlic from China stirs up trouble
18 Jun 2009
Fresh Plaza, The Statesman report [edited][ProMed]
The customs department in Malda [West Bengal] today [18 Jun 2009] dropped the process of destroying infected garlic that was being imported to India from China illegally. Though the district administration had provided a burning ghat, hundreds of locals protested and did not allow the customs department to quarantine the fungus-infected garlic.
Following the directives of the Central government, the assistant commissioner of customs in Malda had informed the district administration, seeking barren land to quarantine the seized garlic. While the land and land reforms department selected land, it had been decided that on [16 Jun 2009] the infected garlic would be burnt and buried properly at the burning ghat.
At present, the administrative and customs officials are in search of barren land on which to quarantine the garlic.

East Africa- Banana blight puts livelihoods at risk
17 Jun 2009
IRIN Africa [edited] [FSNet]
The bacterial banana Xanthomonas wilt (BXW) disease will endanger the livelihoods of millions of East African farmers if left uncontrolled, according to specialists. First reported about 40 years ago in Ethiopia, BXW is endemic in most of Uganda, and has been reported in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya and Rwanda.

Ghana- Black pod disease attacks cocoa farms in Tafo
14 Jun 2009
Modern Ghana, Ghana News Agency (GNA) report [edited][ProMed]
The district Manager of a produce buying Company has called on the government to step up the mass spraying of cocoa farms in the area, to help eradicate the outbreak of the black pod disease.
He said a number of the affected farmers were agitating for proactive measures to check the spread of the disease. Mr Amoafo made the call at a meeting with marketing clerks of the company at Tafo. He commended the farmers for adopting good post-harvest practices like the fermenting and drying of cocoa beans, which had led to the drastic reduction of the disease.

A "time bomb" for world wheat crop
14 June 2009
Los Angeles Times [edited] [FSNet]
The spores arrived from Kenya on dried, infected leaves ensconced in layers of envelopes.
Working inside a bio-secure greenhouse outfitted with motion detectors and surveillance cameras, government scientists suspended the fungal spores in a light mineral oil and sprayed them onto thousands of healthy wheat plants. After two weeks, the stalks were covered with deadly reddish blisters characteristic of the scourge known as Ug99.
Nearly all the plants were goners.
Crop scientists fear the Ug99 fungus could wipe out more than 80% of worldwide wheat crops as it spreads from eastern Africa. It has already jumped the Red Sea and traveled as far as Iran. Experts say it is poised to enter the breadbasket of northern India and Pakistan, and the wind will inevitably carry it to Russia, China and even North America -- if it doesn't hitch a ride with people first.
Though most people have never heard of it, Ug99 -- a type of fungus called stem rust because it produces reddish-brown flakes on plant stalks -- is the No. 1 threat to the world's most widely grown crop.
The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center in Mexico estimates that 19% of the world's wheat, which provides food for 1 billion people in Asia and Africa, is in imminent danger.


Malaysia- Dragon fruit farms blighted, dorthiorella blight
09 Jun 2009
New Straits Times [edited][ProMed]
A fungus that is hard to get rid of has been plaguing dragon fruit farms in the country, forcing many farmers to switch to other crops.
However, the Dothiorella fungus, which manifests itself in withered branches and brown rashes on fruits, only attacks red dragon fruit plants as the white variety are basically more disease-resistant. This explains why Viet Nam, which has 90 percent of its dragon fruit farms planted with the white variety, is spared of the fungus.
Malaysia Agriculture Research and Development Institute (MARDI) officer said many dragon fruit farmers had incurred huge losses as their farms were plagued by the fungus. Though edible, she said all the fungus-infected dragon fruits could not be sold as fresh fruit because of their ugly look.
Some farmers have destroyed the crop and replaced them with other fruit trees or vegetables. Most fungus-infected dragon fruits are used to make jam, wine, and enzyme. Another farmer said he decided to abandon his orchard as almost half the plants were affected by the fungus.
An official advised farmers to sanitize their orchards and dip all stalks in a copper-based fungicide before commencing cultivation.

Indonesia- Bacterial Leaf Blight, Rice
09 Jun 2009
The Jakarta Post [edited][ProMed]
Pests and diseases have attacked at least 1600 hectares of rice fields in 4 regencies in southern Central Java [Jawa Tengah], causing major losses to local farmers.
The laboratory also recorded a sharp increase in cases of bacterial blight disease, caused by high humidity during the dry season, which created perfect conditions for the bacteria to grow.

May

Australia- Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (Queensland)
29 May 2009
Australian Broadcasting Corporation Rural News [edited][ProMed]
Tomato yellow leaf curl virus has spread through the AUD 70 million[USD 56 million] tomato industry in Bundaberg, costing growers thousands of dollars, and leaving more than 80 percent of some crops infected; 3 years ago [2006] the virus, which stunts tomato growth and is spread by the silverleaf whitefly, was discovered in southeast Queensland, but couldn't be contained.

China- Pests, diseases strike up to half of NW China wheat crop (Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region)
26 May 2009
Xinhua News Agency [edited]
Pests and diseases have infected 30 to 50 per cent of the wheat crop, or 187,000 hectares [462,000 acres], in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the regional agriculture department revealed. The acreage affected by pests, mainly aphids, and diseases like powdery mildew accounted for 87.5 percent of the wheat cultivation area, an expert was quoted as saying.
An expert was quoted as saying aphids had been found on 30 percent of plants, and powdery mildew disease, one of the most dangerous wheat diseases, had already affected more than 92,000 hectares [227,400 acres], where the average diseased plant rate has reached 46.5 percent.
According to the China Meteorological Administration, the average temperatures in Ningxia in March and April [2009] were 5 to 6 degrees higher than average for the time of year.
The regional government on Monday [25 May 2009] issued an emergency order to local authorities to monitor the problem closely and inform farmers of the development of the control measures.

Australia- Scab Disease, apple (Western Australia)
14 May 2009
Donnybrook-Bridgetown Mail [edited][ProMed]
Western Australia's (WA) fruit growers are counting the costs and considering management options following the state's loss of its area apple scab free status. Apple scab is a fungal disease that infects leaves and fruit, making fruit unsaleable.
The area free status was lost after an outbreak in Mount Barker earlier this year [2008] and industry difficulties in meeting associated costs.

India- New tomato leaf curl-causing virus species identified in India
15 May 2009
Crop Biotech Update [edited] [FSNet]
New species of the feared begomovirus is threatening tomato crops in Patna, India. Researchers discovered a new virus similar to the Tomato leaf curl Laos virus. The new virus was said to have similar manifestation on infected plants but has a different DNA sequence from that of known begomovirus species. Diseased plants show mottling, leaf distortion, crinkling and stunting. Begomovirus infects plants such as tomatoes, beans, squash, cassava and cotton. The said virus is transmitted rapidly and efficiently through a feeder insect vector.

Belize- Citrus industry threatened by disease
15 May 2009
Caribbean Net News [edited][ProMed]
The Ministry of Agriculture in Belize is taking steps to eradicate the citrus greening disease, which has been detected in northern, eastern, and southern Belize. Citrus has been the major income earner in the country and every effort is being made to eradicate the disease.
Within the next 2 weeks, experts from Florida will visit Belize to develop a strategy to fight the problem.
The CGA is currently holding surveys and workshops, mainly in the southern districts, to sensitize citrus growers as to what to look for and how to respond if they detect the disease.

Brazil - Growers learn new methods to control black sigatoka
15 May 2009
Crop Biotech Update [edited] [FSNet]
The Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), in collaboration with the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, conducted a series of trainings that aim to teach banana growers new techniques of controlling the black sigatoka, a dreaded banana disease common in Brazil. Caused by the fungus Mycospaerella fijiensis, the disease is the primary reason for the decrease in productivity and economic losses of banana producers in the country.
One of the most effective ways to control the black sigatoka disease is the use of banana cultivars resistant to Mycospaerella. To this end, five banana varieties resistant to the disease were developed and are now recommended for planting by EMBRAPA. Another technique is the application of fungicides, such as flutriafol and azoxystrobin formulations, on specific locations on the plant. This technique is effective and low cost because it reduces the number of sprays required per production cycle.

United Kingdom- New yellow rust race threatens wheat
06 May 2009
Farmers Weekly Interactive [edited] [ProMed]
A new race of yellow rust that infects Solstice wheat is being investigated by NIAB [National Institute of Agricultural Botany]. Samples taken during the United Kingdom Cereal Pathogen Virulence Survey (UKCPVS) last season from the variety have been confirmed as virulent also in seedlings. NIAB is now testing the isolates on adult plants in the field to determine the level of susceptibility of Solstice and other varieties to the race.
Solstice was previously resistant to all known yellow rust races.
Wheat growers also face a resurgence of older yellow rust races, says NIAB, because of an increasing area of varieties with yellow rust resistance gene Yr6. Robigus is extremely susceptible to a specific race that has dominated the yellow rust population for several years.
But UKCPVS results suggest it is moderately susceptible to a separate race of yellow rust, which although once quite common, has become less frequent in recent years. Unlike the "Robigus race" the types that infect Oakley carry virulence for the resistance gene Yr6, Dr. Bayles was quoted as saying.
Stripe rust, also called yellow rust, of cereals is caused by the fungus Puccinia striiformis var. striiformis. It causes yellow leaf stripes and stunting of plants with yield losses of 40 to 100 percent. It affects wheat, some barley varieties, triticale, and a number of wild grasses.
Spores are wind dispersed in several cycles during the cropping season.
Grasses and volunteer crop plants may generate a "green bridge" providing inoculum for the next crop cycle. Disease management includes the use of resistant varieties, fungicide applications, and control of volunteer crops.
Continuous resistance breeding is required to keep ahead of pathogen
adaption. New stripe rust strains with increased virulence have been
reported in recent years from Europe, North America, Australia, India and are also suspected to emerge in China. Disease monitoring, such as the UKCPVS mentioned above, is important to recognise new pathogen strains. In the UK this has lead to the finding that the recent outbreak of stripe rust in England and Scotland.

India: Tomato leaf curl Patna virus and satellite- new begomovirus
08 May 2009
The American Phytopathological Society (APS), Plant Disease [edited][ProMed]
During December of 2007, a severe leaf curl disease of tomato (ToLCD) occurred in tomato-growing areas in the Patna District of Bihar, India. Viral DNA was isolated from symptomatic tomato plants and begomovirus association was confirmed by PCR. Cloned viral genomic and beta satellite DNA could infect Nicotiana benthamiana and tomato test plants, which exhibited typical symptoms characteristic of ToLCD.
These results show that severe ToLCD in Patna is caused by a newly
identified species of begomovirus and beta satellite.

Bangladesh- Signs of gummosis worry mango growers (Rajshahi)
3 May 2009
Source: The Daily Star [edited] [ProMed]
Hundreds of mango trees in the district are being affected with gummosis disease, locally known as 'athajhora rog', much to the worry of mango growers. The affected tree starts secretion of gum at a particular point, this spreads throughout the tree within 3 to 6 months and then the tree dies. It is a fungal disease caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae, scientists said after observing the disease at different places in the district.
The disease was first detected 2 years ago in several mango trees of one of the largest mango orchards in the district. The disease, which normally spreads from November to March, has also affected some other orchards in the district, sources said, adding that 100 to 150 year old trees are also dying of this disease.
If the disease could be detected at initial stages, the trees could be saved using Bordeaux paste [copper based fungicide], said a scientific officer.

Germany- Cane and Spur Blights, Raspberry
02 May 2009
Proplanta [in German, trans. & summ. Mod.DHA, edited] [ProMed]
Remove diseased raspberry canes; 'cane disease' is the most important infection in this fruit crop. Amongst healthy, vigorous shoots, canes are found which have produced few or no shoots. Leaves and flowers on these canes will die prematurely. The bark cracks, flakes off, and turns silvery-grey. The disease is caused by the fungi Didymella applanata and Leptosphaeria coniothyrium, says the Agriculture Department of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The most important actions in spring are culture methods to regulate moisture, as well as continuous pruning of affected canes. Only 6 to 8 bearing canes per meter should remain. Disease control with fungicides is not possible. Nutrient applications may increase the resistance of the plants.

April

Bhutan- Oranges huanglongbing (HLB)
10 Apr 2009
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) News [edited] [Promed]
It is reported that a disease is wiping out most of the orange crop in Bhutan, causing great concern among the Himalayan country's many orchard owners.
The story goes on by explaining that oranges are the main cash crop in all but 4 districts of Bhutan and one of the country's most important exports. Moreover, according to this story, HLB has already wiped out 70 percent of orange orchards in Punakha, while other orange growing regions like Wangduephodrang, Mongar, Zhemgang and Sarpang are also severely hit. In Chukha, the entire orange growing region of Baikuenza has been wiped out.

United Kingdom - New blight strain demands extra vigilance
5 Apr 2009
Farmers Weekly Interactive [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, with aggressive potato blight strain A2-Blue13 now dominant, skill is again needed to strike the right balance between effective control and acceptable fungicide use. The new strain first showed up near Ipswich in 2005 and has rocketed in prevalence from 38 percent that year to almost 80 percent now leading to some of the worst potato blight on record. That A2-Blue13 is more damaging is not disputed. It is reported that the PC-funded glasshouse trials show it is the most aggressive strain, creating larger blight lesions and producing spores more rapidly than other strains

Uganda – Head Smut – Napier Grass
5 Apr 2009
The Sunday Monitor [edited] [Promed]
It is reported that the napier grass forms almost 80 percent of fodder for smallholder livestock farmers in Uganda. But the disease, the napier smut, causes stunting and sometimes rotting of this grass. It has been recorded to cause up to 100 percent loss of vegetative cover.
According to the Director General of the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), the disease has now spread to 30 districts around the country. "What's worrying is that many farmers are not aware it is a disease. They associate it with dwindling soil fertility," he said. The disease was 1st observed in Masaka and Mukono districts in 2001.
*He said Uganda is partnering with regional countries. As part of this initiative, "we are developing a genetic diversity study of various napier clones in the region to identify those which are resistant. Some experts have estimated that napier [smut] causes between 20 and 40 percent reduction in herbage yield, lack of clean planting materials, and a decline in animal productivity, thus low income.
Resource-poor and landless farmers -- meaning they can't free-range graze their animals -- are particularly affected by the elephant grass yield reductions.

Americas - Citrus greening
2 Apr 2009
FreshPlaza [edited] [Promed]
It is reported that the citrus greening, a disease that devastates orchards and the citrus-growing economy, recently reached Louisiana, California and the State of Parana in Brazil. All the research organizations working on citrus fruits have been called up.
The list of affected countries continued to grow in 2007 and 2008. After Brazil in 2004 and Florida in 2005, Louisiana was infected in 2008. The alarm was also raised in 2008 in California, where the psyllid, a type of sucking insect that carries the disease, was discovered, following a similar warning from Argentine producers in the major export zones in the northeast of that country, where the psyllid is now present, while the disease has also been detected across the border, in the state of Parana, Brazil.
Mediterranean producers, who have been spared the disease until now, need to remain vigilant. Trioza erytreae, a psyllid that can transmit the African form of greening, was detected in Madeira in 1994. It has also long been found in the Horn of Africa, Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

March

Columbia – Black Smut in rice
30 Mar 2009
Stabroek News [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, Colombia is returning large paddy shipments after detecting fungus. The Colombian Farming Institute (CFI) has announced that 1000 tons of local paddy found to be contaminated with "an identified exotic disease" will be returned to Guyana. However, the infection could have occurred while in Colombia.
It is reported that therice will be returned to Guyana following the discovery of a fungus which corresponds to the Tilletia type. The same fungus was detected in 5493 tons of rice originating from the United States. Fearing a possible spread of the fungus in their territory, Colombia immediately ordered the rice transported back to its source.

Uganda - BSV, new banana disease alert
30 Mars 2009
Daily Monitor (Uganda) [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, Uganda has put its national crop disease surveillance network on alert for a possible outbreak of a new incurable banana virus. The Director for Crop Resources in the Ministry of Agriculture, said the Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), is likely to strike from across Rwanda or DR-Congo, threatening the local banana industry.
This will be a major blow to the agricultural sector following a recent banana bacterial wilt disease (BBWD) attack, which has devastated over 50 districts in the country.
Already Rwanda, DR Congo, Congo-Brazzaville, and Gabon have reported the [BBTV] problem. It is reported that all available banana varieties in the country were vulnerable. Following the new threat, the government has sent a scientific team to Rwanda to assess the danger. Scientists have also developed a national banana virus index. The viruses identified are abaca mosaic potyvirus (AbMV), banana bract mosaic potyvirus (BBMV), banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), cucumber mosaic cucumovirus (CMV), and banana streak badnavirus (BSV). BSV is reported to be the major virus problem affecting banana production in Uganda.
The story goes on by explaining that Uganda has one of the highest per capita matooke (green bananas) consumption in the world. Matooke occupies 38 percent of Uganda's arable land, accounting for food security to over 12 million Ugandans. But in the last 5 years, production has sharply decreased due to numerous diseases and pest attacks.

India – Stripe rust in wheat
27 Mar 2009
The Hindu, Business Line [edited] [Promed]
Wheat crops in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh are facing a threat from a new race of yellow rust that can damage the entire produce unless farmers shift from the current wheat variety, DBW 343, a senior agricultural scientist said.

Brazil - Drought, disease to dent Brazil's next cocoa crop
27 Mar 2009
FlexNews, Reuters report [edited] [Promed]
Dry weather late last year [2008] and a resurgence of witches' broom disease will cut yields during Brazil's 2009/10 midcrop, which starts officially in May [2009], cocoa specialist Thomas Hartmann said.
Witches' broom disease, caused by a fungus, halved Brazil's crop output in the 1990s. The disease can be contained by pruning infected branches and spraying fungicides containing copper.
"The outlook isn't too good regrettably. It has been moist and warm and fungus likes this," Hartmann said. He said the 1st forecasts for the midcrop season ranged between 900 000 and 1 million [60 kg] bags, with the higher probability at the low end of the range, compared to 1.28 million bags reached in the 2007/08 midcrop.
Brazil's ranking for cocoa output has fallen to 6th globally. Its output was roughly halved during the 1990s by witches' broom disease and the sector has shown few signs of recovery since.

Kenya - Undiagnosed diseases (Coast Province)
24 Mar 2009
Fresh Plaza, Daily Nation report [edited] [Promed]
It is reported that mango farmers in Malindi District [Coast Province] have lost Sh 130 million [approx. USD 1.64 million] in 2 years following refusal by exporters to buy their produce because of mango weevil, fruit fly, and other diseases making the produce uncompetitive on the world market.

Bangladesh - Potato farmers in Rangpur concerned, Rajshahi Division
23 Mar 2009
The New Nation (Bangladesh), United News of Bangladesh (UNB) report [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, this season [2008/09] farmers cultivated potato on 54,000 hectares [133,500 acres] against the 50,000 hectares [123,500 acres] in the last season [2007/08] with a view to earn a windfall profit. It is reported that the farmers expressed apprehension that the production may fall by 30 to 40 percent from the target of 1.134 million metric tons due to the outbreak of the 'late blight' disease that damaged potato plants in many fields. The story goes on by explaining that many educated unemployed youths engaged themselves in potato cultivation by borrowing money and taking land on lease but their hopes have been shattered by the late blight disease and low price in the market.

Ivory Coast - Swollen shoot disease threatens Ivorian cocoa area
23 Mar 2009
FlexNews, Reuters report [edited] [iFSN]
According to this story, swollen shoot disease is slashing cocoa output from part of top grower Ivory Coast and could reduce output more significantly if it spreads to major growing regions nearby. The affected area around the central towns of Bouafle and Sinfra grows a small part of the country's crop, but the adjacent Daloa region grows around a quarter of the country's cocoa.

India - Powdery mildew and undiagnosed fungus (Karnataka)
19 Mar 2009
Fresh Plaza, The Hindu report [edited] [Promed]
It is reported that there is uncertainty over the mango yield owing to unseasonable flowering. This, according to horticulture officials, has happened for the 1st time in recent years. The prolonged dry spell, dew formation, and powdery mildew disease may also hamper the crop. There was a sharp fall in the [2008] yield owing to unseasonable rain. The yield, particularly in the Mysore region [Karnataka state], was below average since the rain also led to an outbreak of powdery mildew, a fungal disease that affects flowering.

India – Grape crops
17 Mar 2009
Daily News and Analysis (DNA) [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, a sudden hailstorm destroyed grape crops across 5000 acres [2023 ha] in the northeastern parts of the state's vine district of Nashik. This year [2009] the cost of [grape] production had already increased 30 percent due the attack of downy [mildew] disease on the leaves. The growers' association has asked farmers to market whatever is left on the vines because there is a danger of fungal growth.

Wheat Stem Rust, Strain UG99 – Resistance breeding
17 Mar 2009
Global Rust Initiative Press Release [edited] [Promed]
The Borlaug Global Rust Initiative 2009 Technical Workshop (Mexico) confirmed that the dangerous and newly-emerged stem rust race known as Ug99 is now in Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan, Yemen and Iran, and is on the march toward South Asia. According to scientists, longer distance movement to other regions cannot be excluded. They estimate that 90 percent of the varieties planted in farmers' fields around the world lack resistance to the pathogen.
In a new study released at the event, researchers described a breakthrough in their efforts to develop new varieties of wheat that are not only resistant to Ug99 but also produce more grain than today's most popular varieties. Scientists have produced new types of high-yield wheat that contain what plant breeders call "multiple minor genes" that have resistance to Ug99. Though this strategy may not provide the same level of protection as that provided by one or 2 major genes, it is high enough to be effective, and the researchers believe that by forcing the fungus to overcome a larger array of genetic barriers, these new wheat varieties could provide long-term protection against future stem rust mutations.
There are numerous examples in the last century of stem rust mutating and "defeating" wheat plants that have contained single major resistance genes. One of the alarming hallmarks of Ug99 is that in Kenya it has mutated and overcome 2 additional major stem rust resistance genes called Sr24 and Sr36 that had been effective against the original form of Ug99.
The response on all fronts has been swift and is producing results far faster than anyone had expected. For example, researchers in Iran noted they have begun producing seed of the new varieties for testing in more extensive field trials. And scientists from India reported the results of an intensive campaign underway in different regions to convince farmers that they will need to switch to Ug99-resistant wheat before the disease arrives in the country. Other efforts are underway to spur testing and seed production in Egypt, Bangladesh, Nepal, Ethiopia, and Afghanistan.
Many people involved in the conference said that the unprecedented effort to combat Ug99 has resulted in a new level of international scientific collaboration that could provide a range of benefits for global food production.

Argentina - Frogeye leaf spot
14 Mar 2009
Clarin [in Spanish, machine trans., edited] [Promed]
During January and February [2009], many soybean crops – mainly varieties of the short and intermediate height groups – were attacked by frogeye leaf spot in various regions of the country.
The province of Cordoba is the epicenter, with many fields severely infected by this disease. The "unexpected outbreak is in the south eastern part of the province, and never before has it had such a serious effect. The high temperatures and rainfall have contributed, together with the susceptibility of the varieties and the [presence of] inoculum, so that the epidemic was unleashed," says an Aapresid [Argentinean No-till Farmers Association] report. Thus, many company experts and [farming] consultants, are "setting up tests to check the effectiveness of control with fungicides, especially in soybeans in 2nd crops," said one of the specialists.
The symptoms of this disease usually occur after flowering, but become more evident from R3 [growth stage]. Frogeye is recognized by small circular patches of 1 to 5 millimeters [on leaves] in the form of an eye. They are characterized by a grey necrotic centre surrounded by a reddish brown halo, but without chlorosis. The absence of a yellow halo around the lesion distinguishes frogeye from other diseases.

India - Rising temps halt spread of yellow rust on wheat in Punjab
10 Mar 2009
New Kerala, United News of India (UNI) report [edited] [Promed]
It is reported that as the wheat crop is at late dough stage and the climatic conditions, particularly increasing temperatures, are not favorable for the yellow rust development, the farmers need not spray any fungicide for the management of the disease at this stage.
According to this story, yellow rust of wheat had appeared in certain pockets of the state, particularly on wheat cultivar PBW-343. The disease started appearing in the first week of February [2009] in the district of Ropar, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Hoshiarpur. Subsequently, it started spreading to others area due to favorable conditions but the rising temperatures halted the further development and spread of the disease.

India – Disease affects potato cultivation in West Bengal
7 Mar 2009
Newspost Online, Asian News International (ANI) report [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, potato cultivators in Hooghly district of West Bengal are facing a crisis with the outbreak of a mysterious disease. Farmers in Singur are worrying about their uncertain future. It is reported that the farmers have already lost a major part of their crop due to the unknown disease. The President of Singur Ratanpur Aalu Baybsai Samity said about 1.3-1.4 million tons of potato was expected in comparison to last year's potato cultivation of over 2.1 million tons. This year compared to the usual potato cultivation in Hooghly district [West Bengal], 5000 hectares [approx. 12,360 acres] less have been planted with potato. This year's [2008-2009] winter was not favorable for the crop. The disease has affected 35 percent of the crops. Production would only be about 65 percent in comparison to last year.

India - Yellow rust hits crops
3 Mar 2009
The Tribune (India) [edited] [Promed]
It is reported that an airborne disease from across the border [with Pakistan] has hit the standing wheat crop badly in all 15 border villages in this district [Jammu]. According to this story, yellow rust disease, as the agricultural scientists call it, has damaged the entire wheat and mustard crops on over 6000 acres [2428 ha]. Farmers have suffered huge losses. The government has not assured them of any help so far.
This disease has rendered the plant yellow. The growth of the crop has stopped. Even cobs developing in home gardens have been rendered useless. Only yellow powder falls when the cobs are inspected. The story goes on by explaining that all pesticides have proved ineffective as the effect of the disease is growing by the day.

Kenya - Stem rust, severe strains (Rift Valley):
3 Mar 2009
Voice of America (VOA) News [edited] [Promed]
It is reported that Kenya is now reporting a rapid spread of diseases affecting the country's vital wheat and banana crops.
Recent reports from Kenya's breadbasket region of the Rift Valley have confirmed what the country can ill-afford the spread of a deadly strain of a parasitic fungus called stem rust that is threatening to wipe out the country's wheat fields.
The Kenyan Agriculture Permanent Secretary said, "It is a serious concern. Stem rust, of course, is controllable with chemicals, but it is expensive. The only solution is to bring in new varieties that are resistant to stem rust."
In Kenya, most of the fields affected by the stem rust strain belong to small-scale farmers, who grow 20 percent of the wheat consumed annually. Although maize is the staple among most Kenyans, wheat flour has grown crucial to the country's overall food supply, especially in the past year.

Kenya (Nyanza) – Outbreak of a disease in bananas
3 Mar 2009
Voice of America (VOA) News [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, residents in western Kenya's Nyanza province, hit hard by last year's poor maize harvest, are now reporting the outbreak of a disease that is destroying banana trees there.
Many Kenyans rely on bananas to supplement their diets. But the once-plentiful fruit is prematurely ripening and rotting on trees infected with a disease called banana bacterial wilt. On some plantations, yield losses of 90 percent are being reported.
It is reported that banana farmers say they need the government to urgently release funds to help fight the diseases threatening to impoverish them and to leave east Africa's largest economy in even greater need of food aid.
Related stories
26 Feb 2009 – Kenya control measures
The New Vision (Uganda) [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, Kenya has banned importation of banana suckers from Uganda due to the banana wilt disease that it believes originated from Uganda. The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) said the banana wilt disease had reached an alarming rate. It said it would fight people who do not declare their goods on arrival into the country. The agency said the importers use porous routes along the borders of Busia, Malaba, and Lwakhakha to smuggle in non-inspected suckers or goods with pathogen contents.

Uganda - Mbarara fights banana wilt
1 Mar 2009
The New Vision (Uganda) [edited] [Promed]
It is reported that the Mbarara agriculture and production department has launched a campaign to control the banana bacterial wilt in the district. A team headed by the district agricultural officer, recently launched a task force for Nyamitanga division in Ruti. The task force mobilizes and sensitizes the community on how to control the wilt.
According to this story, the disease had spread to all parts of the district and it required a combined effort to control it. The disease has forced farmers to sell off their plantations cheaply. Many farmers have reportedly shifted to Mubende district.
The LC5 [local council] vice-chairperson said 95 percent of Mbarara farmers depended on matooke [cooking bananas]. He called for an emergency fund specifically for the banana bacterial wilt from the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) to help in the sensitisation of farmers.

Indonesia - Identification of a New Begomovirus Associated with Yellow Leaf Curl Diseases of Tomato and Pepper in Sulawesi
March 2009
The American Phytopathological Society, Plant Disease [edited] [Promed]
[Ref: WS Tsai et al: Identification of a new begomovirus associated with yellow leaf curl diseases of tomato and pepper in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Plant Dis 2009; 93(3), 321; DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-93-3-0321C]
Whitefly-transmitted geminiviruses (family Geminiviridae, genus Begomovirus) cause severe disease epidemics of tomato and pepper [capsicum] in Indonesia. Four tomato-infecting begomoviruses have been reported from Java Island; Ageratum yellow vein virus (AYVV), Tomato leaf curl Java virus (ToLCJV), Tomato yellow leaf curl Indonesia virus (TYLCIDV), and Pepper yellow leaf curl Indonesia virus (PepYLCIDV). The latter was also found to infect peppers.
In 2006, symptoms typical of those caused by begomoviruses, leaf curling, blistering, yellowing, and stunting, were observed in tomato and pepper fields in North Sulawesi with incidence as high as 100 percent. Three symptomatic tomato leaf samples from each of 2 fields in the Langowan area and one from each of 2 fields in the Tompaso area, as well as one pepper sample from each of 2 fields in the Langowan area and 2 from a field in the Tompaso area were collected.

February

Panama – First record of Tomato torrado virus in Panama
February 2009
European Plant Protection Organisation (EPPO) Reporting Service 2/2009/030 [edited] [Promed]
In February 2008, unusual disease symptoms were observed in field-grown tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) from the central regions of Cocle, Herrera, Los Santos, and Veraguas of Panama. Tomato production was seriously damaged. Symptoms were characterised by leaf deformation, necrosis, discolouration (purple margins, interveinal yellowing), necrotic lines in sepals and branches, fruit deformation, and severe stunting.

Cuba – Begomoviruses
February 2009
British Society for Plant Pathology, New Disease Reports (NDR) [edited] [Promed]
[Ref: E Fiallo-Olive et al: Tomato yellow leaf distortion virus, a new bipartite begomovirus infecting tomato in Cuba. BSPP New Disease Reports, vol. 19: February-August 2009]
In Cuba, the monopartite Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is the most wide-spread begomovirus infecting tomato that causes the major losses in all production areas, although 2 bipartite begomoviruses affecting tomatoes have been identified. In January 2007, symptoms of yellow mottle and leaf distortion appeared on tomato plants across eastern Cuba. These symptoms differ from those caused by TYLCV in lacking the typical leaf curling.
The data indicate that the begomovirus infecting tomato is a new species for which we propose the name Tomato yellow leaf distortion virus (ToYLDV). Additional work is now needed to determine the distribution of this new virus in tomato production areas of the country and to quantify the losses it causes.
Related stories
February 2009 – Tobacco yellow crinkle virus, capsicum
British Society for Plant Pathology, New Disease Reports (NDR) edited] [Promed]
[Ref: E Fiallo-Olive et al: Tobacco yellow crinkle virus, a new begomovirus infecting tobacco and pepper in Cuba. BSPP New disease Reports, vol. 19: February-August 2009]
Recently 2 bipartite begomoviruses have been reported infecting tobacco in the country, Tobacco leaf rugose virus (TbLRV) and Tobacco leaf curl Cuba virus (TbLCuCUV). In January 2007, foliar yellowing and crinkling symptoms appeared on tobacco plants in eastern Cuba.

United Kingdom - Light leaf spot levels highest since 1995
20 Feb 2009
Farmers Guardian [edited]
Light leaf spot in oilseed rape is at its highest level since the epidemic of 1995 a Defra [Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs]-funded survey of commercial oilseed rape crops has revealed.In autumn 2008 light leaf spot affected 9 percent of crops and 1.8 percent of plants (compared with 12.2 percent of crops and 1.7 percent of plants in 1995). Incidence of the disease last autumn [2008] was also markedly higher than the long-term mean. Crops in the south east have been affected at this growth stage for the first time since 1997.

Morocco – Serious threat to the citrus industry
20 Feb 2009
L'Economiste [in French, machine trans., edited] [Promed]
According to this story, the most devastating disease of citrus, tristeza, is present in Morocco. Strains of the virus were detected in Larache [Tangier-Tetouan Region]. Administration and affected professional groups prepare for the fight. Is Morocco going to be faced with a catastrophe, at least for its citrus exports whose volume is expected to double by 2020? The citrus tristeza virus (CTV) is the cause of the disappearance of millions of trees in Argentina, Brazil, USA, Spain, and Venezuela.
A meeting was scheduled yesterday [19 Feb 2009] between professional groups and officials of the Directorate of Plant Protection, Technical Control and Fraud Prevention. According to its director, Abderrahmane Hilali, "The objective is to raise awareness of the urgency for action, but also to mobilise everyone to fight the scourge."
Control measures will start with the uprooting of old plantations.
Tristeza is also spread by aphids.
For the moment, measures to limit the damage are put into place.

Colombia – Outbreak of rust in coffee
20 Feb 2009
Caracol Radio [in Spanish, machine trans., edited] [Promed]
About 1000 families of coffee growers in northern Tolima are going through a difficult crisis because of the appearance of an outbreak of rust, especially in the [arabica coffee] variety caturra. According to the Departmental Committee of Coffee Growers, the fungus has spread over more than 2000 hectares (4942 acres), especially in the municipality of Lebanon.
The director of the union explained that this phenomenon was due to the high humidity in the coffee plantations, the omission of fertilizer applications, and opposition to the change to a variety more resistant to diseases. An intense campaign for the renewal of plantings is being undertaken by technicians of the Federation of Coffee Growers to prevent the expansion of the affected areas. Tolima authorities also announced interest-free loans and grace periods for affected farmers.
Related stories
22 Feb 2009 – Caldas – Rust has returned to affect coffee growers
La Patria [in Spanish, machine trans., summ. & edited]
The Ministry of Agriculture said there were rumors that the disease is mutating. It is estimated that in eastern Caldas 85 percent of the [coffee growing] area is affected. Few farmers dare to calculate how much of their coffee is damaged. Fewer data have been provided by the Caldas Departmental Coffee Growers Committee and even less by the National Federation of Coffee Growers [NFCG].
Despite this, everyone knows about the havoc the rust is wreaking in Colombia. Over 37,000 hectares [91,430 acres] are regarded under threat, equivalent to just over 4 percent of total production. The major effect is in Caldas, the 2nd largest producer of coffee in the country, especially in the east, where some officials say that an area exceeding 5000 hectares [12,340 acres] is infected. So far there are no concrete data.
The NFCG said that the area susceptible to rust in Caldas is around 2200 [hectares / 5440 acres]. However many of the coffee growers in Marquetalia and Manzanares state that this number has doubled by now, and that [the areas] are not only susceptible to, but already infected by the fungus. In a tour of these municipalities, La Patria [newspaper] found apparent damage. Many caturra plants have bare branches and only 10 to 15 fruits. Coffee growers are thinking about replacing the plants and seeking funding.
The disease was last seen in Caldas over 25 years ago. There may be a risk that the rust is mutating as most growers have never seen such an aggressive disease, even in the same [caturra] variety.

India –Coconut disease
18 Feb 2009
Express News Service [edited] [Promed]
The Kerakarshaka Sangham [union] state president said that the coconut farmers in Kerala were facing serious crisis. The disease caused by pests, lack of water supply, increasing farming cost, and price decline have caused the crisis. The Central Government should declare a package for the protection of the coconut farmers. A right proclamation convention will be held and the Coconut Development Board chairperson will inaugurate the convention.

Bangladesh – Potato yield likely to fall in Barisal region
17 Feb 2009
Bangladesh Newspaper [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, farmers fear sharp fall in potato production in 6 districts of Barisal region [division] this season [2008-2009] as their crop fields have been massively attacked with late blight, a fungal disease, due to inclement weather. The 'late blight' has caused extensive damage to potato plants on vast tracts of land in Barisal, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Bhola, Barguna, and Jhalakati districts [in Barisal division], causing worries to the farmers, locals said.
It is reported that a cold wave accompanied by dense fog is mainly responsible for the disease attack on the potato fields, according to officials of Department of Agricultural Extension [DAE]. Farmers are now casting doubt about whether the production target could be achieved as the disease has hampered timely growth of potato plants in many areas of the districts.

Guatemala - Fungus causing losses in maize yields
11 Feb 2009
Prensa Libre [in Spanish, trans. Rappt.SB, edited] [Promed]
Maize is the staple diet for thousands of Guatemalans. Farmers of Alta Verapaz, Quiche, and Peten have been hit since last December [2008] by a fungus called 'slick asphalt', which blackens maize crops, reported the National Basic Grains Commission (Conagrab).
The president of Conagrab said that crop losses of up to 75 percent due to this fungus have been reported in Chisec, Alta Verapaz, and La Chapina, Quiche, where maize production of 30,000 and 40,000 quintals [3000 and 4000 tons], respectively, had been estimated. Outbreaks of the disease have also been detected in Sayaxche, Peten, with estimated crop losses of 50 percent, Ical added. The deputy minister of agriculture, confirmed the appearance of the fungus in maize and said he ordered an investigation to determine the origin of the problem and how to fight it. In any event, he explained, farmers were provided with fungicides and some spray pumps. "We can defeat (the disease), but if there are losses it is because they did not apply it (the fungicide) correctly," the official said. The deputy minister said that for now, there is no shortage of grain in the market, and that, if necessary, the import quotas opened by the Ministry of Economy would be used.

China – Wheat rust
7 Feb 2009
China View [edited] [Promed]
It is reported that the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) warned of the wide spread of the fungus Puccinia striiformis, also known as stripe rust, a wheat disease that could cause huge losses. It is bad news for China's summer harvest [of 2009] as the nation continues its war against rare drought conditions.According to this story, the fungus, one of the most dangerous wheat diseases, was likely to prevail across the nation due to the abnormal climate, MOA said in an emergency notice. The disease has affected more than 11.3 million mu (753,000 hectares) of wheat in 7 provinces by 5 Feb [2009], 4.6 million mu more than the same period last year [2008]. The northwestern Gansu [province] and Ningxia [autonomous region] saw the worst outbreak in 19 years. The situation in the southwestern Sichuan and Guizhou provinces was worse than ever before, according to data released by the MOA on Friday [6 Feb 2009]. The ministry urged local authorities to attach great importance to disease control while fighting against the rare drought that has ripped north China. Local government should take preemptive measures o protect the summer harvest. Disease control knowledge should be spread via television, radio, text message and print bulletins to keep every farmer well-informed, MOA said. The ministry will also enhance crackdown on fake pesticide producers and scams targeted at desperate farmers.

Australia - Eradication of citrus canker
February 2009
Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) Plant Protection News [edited] [Promed]
Citrus canker has been officially declared as successfully eradicated from Australia. The National Management Group (NMG; made up of representatives from the Australian Government, state and territory governments, and industry) accepted a recommendation from the Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests on 23 Jan 2009.
Australia's declaration of freedom from citrus canker follows a 4.5-year long national program to eradicate the disease from around the township of Emerald in Queensland where it was detected in 2004. Citrus canker was found on 3 commercial citrus orchards in the Emerald district of Queensland between June 2004 and May 2005

United Kingdom – Viruses and nematodes in potatoes
6 Feb 2009
Horticulture Week [edited] [Promed]
High levels of Potato virus Y (PVY) found in farm-saved seed potatoes destined for the 2009 crop have prompted the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) to urge potato growers to get seed testing under way if they have not already done so. NIAB head plant pathologist said while virus levels overall are lower than in some years, a quarter of samples received by NIAB had been infected with PVY, with one in 10 tubers infected at levels high enough to cause serious damage in some varieties.

Bhutan – Blight and undiagnosed disease in potatoes
5 Feb 2009
Kuensel Newspaper [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, potato blight and tuber moth diseases have affected over 250 households in several villages. Farmers are looking for seeds in other villages unaffected by the diseases.The district agriculture officersaid that agriculture officials have instructed farmers not to use the same seeds to prevent the disease. He added that the disease was prevalent in other areas as well.

Uganda - Banana wilt hits Bushenyi
4 Feb 2009
The New Vision (Uganda) [edited] [Promed]
Residents of Nyabubare sub-county in Bushenyi district [Western Region] are worried about the rate at which the banana wilt disease is spreading. Because of the disease, some families lack food. Residents say they are waiting for the Government to provide pesticides to eradicate the wilt. An agricultural officer, said they resolved to handle the disease like an epidemic.

Philippines -Banana bunchy top virus - northern provinces
2 Feb 2009
Business Mirror [edited] [Promed]
Agriculture experts in the region are exerting efforts to control the spread of banana bunchy top disease in Cagayan Valley, a perennial problem of banana farmers [in Isabela State]. Government agriculture workers and researchers are doing regular rounds to rehabilitate affected areas and protect other banana-producing places to improve the productivity of farmers in the region, according to the research and development chief of the Isabela State.
University agriculture records show that banana bunchy top disease first occurred in Quirino province years ago but due to inaction, a build-up of the plant virus inoculums ensued and the disease spread throughout the region. At least 7175 hectares [17,730 acres] planted with bananas in Quirino province have been infected with the disease in the past years. The disease then occurred in other banana farms each year. Efforts to contain the problem helped minimize its occurrence, Temanel said.
Related stories
1 Feb 2009 – Bunchy top and mosaic diseases, abaca - central provinces and Mindanao
The Sunday Times (Manila) [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, in 2007, the produced 60,000 tons of abaca fiber, known commercially as Manila hemp. It is a major source of income to small farmers and is grown on about 127,258 hectares [315,000 acres]. Many abaca farms are ravaged by mosaic and bunchy top virus diseases. Conventional breeding for disease resistance had been futile. The Institute of Plant Breeding at the University of the Philippines -- Los Banos made a recent breakthrough in developing lakatan [cultivar] banana resistant to bunchy top disease through irradiation.
Scientists believe virus-resistant abaca could be developed from these by 2012. Disease-ravaged plantations can be rehabilitated by planting disease-free seedlings.

January

Africa – Banana Bunchy Top Virus
January 2009
New Agriculturalist [edited] [Promed]
The stunted plants infected with banana bunchy top disease (BBTD) sport an unkempt shock of erect, narrow spikes with yellow edges. Fruit are scarce, perhaps just a few twisted, deformed fingers. Life expectancy of infected plants is low, the disease spreading rapidly, aided by an insect vector, the black banana aphid, and the use of infected planting material. Within a few crop cycles, a village's banana production has collapsed.
In Malawi, BBTD causes 40 percent of annual production losses in banana, with nearly half a million hectares devastated by the disease. The Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Mozambique, and Zambia have also recently experienced severe outbreaks, and the disease has been reported as far north as Cameroon for the first time, in a survey done by IITA [International Institute for Tropical Agriculture] and national partners.
The causes for the recent spread of this virus are not well understood. BBTD has become one of the most serious pest and disease problems facing smallholder banana farmers on the African continent.
Ten threatened countries are collaborating with Bioversity International, IITA, and CARBAP [African Centre for Research on Banana and Plantain] to develop and implement disease management strategies. Nearly all bananas and plantains in sub-Saharan Africa originate from locally produced suckers, which is ideal for rapid disease spread. Tolerant varieties become a store for the virus, increasing the threat to more marketable but susceptible varieties.
Effective quarantine between regions is almost impossible. Developing innovative systems to produce and distribute clean banana suckers is a key focus of the partnership's work.

India - Wheat and cumin (Gujarat)
29 Jan 2009
The Times of India (TNN) [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, farmers in Banaskantha and Ahmedabad districts [Gujarat] are facing the disease 'sukaro,' which has hit their wheat crop. Generally, chilly weather is favourable for wheat production, but this year [2008-09] that cold has been absent. Besides wheat, jeera [cumin] is also being hit.

Bhutan - Potato export decline
28 Jan 2009
Association of Press Freedom Activists (APFA), Bhutan News Service report [edited] [Promed]
The potato export has dropped by 634 MT [metric tons] in 2008 compared to 2007. Moreover, a large quantity of potatoes was damaged in Wangduephodrang, Paro, and Bumthang [districts] due to unidentified disease.08].

India - Late blight ruins potato cultivation in Bankura
28 Jan 2009
The Statesman [edited] [Promed]
It is reported that the potato cultivation has gone down in most areas of Bankura this year [2009}. The agricultural authority has identified the disease 'late blight' as the cause behind the ruin of thousands of hectares of potato crops. The main affected areas fall under Taldangra, Joypur, Sonamukhi, Patrasayar, Kotulpur, Raipur, and Indas blocks. According to this story, many farmers have had to switch occupations, or supplement income. A senior official said: "The temperature has risen to abnormal heights for the winter season. Also, unusually foggy weather has worsened the situation due to the large amount of dew dropped on the cultivation."
Aside from late blight, the yield of potato crop has suffered from adverse effects caused by a medicine named [Dithane] M45 cultivated by a Punjab based agro firm to combat fungal infection in the potatoes. According to agriculture department officials, "The anti-fungal medicine has been lessening the basic yield of potatoes, adding to the farmers' problems. We have sent samples of the medicine to be tested at a state run laboratory in Midnapore."

Costa Rica Soybean - Capsicum, passionfruit - new pathogen
26 Jan 2009
The American Phytopathological Society, Plant Disease 2009; 93(2): 201 [edited] [Promed] [Ref: W Villalobos et al: First Report of New Phytoplasma Diseases Associated with Soybean, Sweet Pepper, and Passion Fruit in Costa Rica. Plant Dis 2009; 93(2): 201; DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-93-2-0201C]
A new soybean disease outbreak occurred in 2002 in a soybean (Glycine max) plantation in Alajuela Province, Costa Rica. Symptoms on the affected plants included general stunting, small leaves, formation of excessive buds, and aborted seed pods. In the same region, 2 other diseases, one in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) fields and another affecting passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) vines, were also found. Symptoms on sweet pepper plants included unusually dark green leaves, some of which exhibited a rugose symptom with a zigzag pattern to the midvein, and purple vein discoloration.

United Kingdom – Fungal diseases in barley
20 Jan 2009
Farmers Guardian [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, winter barley growers are being advised to watch out for high disease levels appearing in crops. According to Syngenta Seeds cereal product development manager high levels of net blotch are present in early-drilled winter barley crops around the country, with some also succumbing to patches of mildew. "

Bangladesh - Potato cultivation being hampered due to leaf blight disease
19 Jan 2009
The New Nation, United news of Bangladesh (UNB) report [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, potato cultivators of the district of Jessore [Khulna division] have become frustrated due to widespread outbreak of leaf blight disease in potato fields. Department of Agricultural Extension [DAE] sources said some 1000 hectares [2470 acres] of potato fields have been affected with the disease.Dense fog at night and hot weather in the day caused the outbreak of the disease in the potato fields, a DAE official said. They have suggested farmers use anti-fungal medicines in the potato fields. The story goes on by explaining that farmers said they have brought less land under potato cultivation this season [2009] due to high price of pesticide, seeds, and fertilizer. Besides, they said they have lost interest in potato cultivation as they incurred loss last year [2008].

United Kingdom - High potato black dot infections serve as warning for 2009
13 Jan 2009
Farmers Weekly [edited] [Promed]
It is suggested in this story that high black dot levels in potatoes in the past 2 years should serve as a warning to growers to check this year's [2009] field history for the disease, and consider having soil inoculum levels tested. It is explained also that levels of the fungal blemish have been higher this year and heavy rain before and after desiccation [of plants] helped push infectious spores down to the tubers.

Australia – Fusarium head blight in barley
13 Jan 2009
The West Australian [edited] [Promed]
It is reported that the grain affected by pink mould had a fungus called fusarium head blight [FHB], the Department of Agriculture and Food [DAF] said yesterday [12 Jan 2009]. Grain handler CBH said that though the fungus had been found in some samples of pink-stained wheat and barley, toxins produced by the fungus had not. The story goes on by explaining that the Agriculture Department, which has set up a help website, said the problem with pink mould had arisen because of the exceptionally wet end to the growing season.
Related stories
12 Jan 2009
Western Australia Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) [edited]
Tests of samples to date have shown a number of causes of pink staining in grain. These include individual samples, which contain yeast, physiological damage, and fusarium. These results are not unexpected due to the unusual seasonal conditions that have occurred. Fusarium head blight [FHB] has been detected on the grain samples. Further tests have now confirmed the fungi associated with FHB. Fusarium avenaceum, Fusarium acuminatum, Fusarium compactum and Fusarium crookwellense have been detected in 3 barley samples and one wheat sample. No Fusarium graminearum, most commonly associated with FHB toxins, has been found to date.

Iran - Witches' broom disease of lime
January 2009
International Society for Plant Pathology (ISPP) Newsletter [edited] [Promed]
Witches' broom disease (WBDL) is a very serious disease of acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia) that has devastated the lime industry in Iran. In 1998, 51 infected trees were found but in 2008 the number of infected trees was over 500,000 and many hectares of the cultivated area in limes had been destroyed. Based on damage assessments and gross estimates of decline between 1997 and 2008, and with the uncontrolled spread of the disease in the current absence of any proper control treatments, the production of lime is likely to cease within another 5 years.
Due to the importance [of the disease], the Iranian Witches' Broom Disease of Lime Network (IWBDLN) was established under the supervision of the Iranian Ministry of Agriculture. The purpose is to use all national and international scientific potential to manage and control the disease, compile information, and to assist in research programs.

Cuba - BSV species, 1st report
January 2009
British Society for Plant Pathology, New Disease Reports (NDR) [edited] [Promed]
[Ref: E Javer et al: Identification of _Banana streak virus_ species Goldfinger, Imove, Mysore, and Obino l'Ewai in Musa spp. in Cuba. BSPP New Disease Reports, vol. 18: August 2008-January 2009]
Banana streak virus (BSV) species are widespread in Musa spp. They are naturally transmitted by several mealybug species in a semipersistent mode and by activation of endogenous sequences integrated in the genome of Musa balbisiana, one of the progenitors of synthetic and natural hybrids. Typical symptoms include yellow streaks on leaves, splitting of the pseudostem, and abnormal emergence of the bunch from the middle of the pseudostem, bearing fewer fruits of smaller size.
Although leaf streaks and pseudostem splitting symptoms have been previously observed in Cuba, BSV species were never identified.
Given that this virus has never been confirmed in Cuba, field surveys were started in 2007, to study the occurrence, incidence, and diversity of BSV species in dessert and cooking bananas. Leaf samples were collected from symptomatic and asymptomatic plants nationwide, and indexed separately for the four BSV species, Goldfinger (BSGFV), Imove (BSImV), Mysore (BSMysV), and Obino l'Ewai (BSOLV) by multiplex immunocapture PCR.

Iran - 1st report of HLB disease
January 2009
British Society for Plant Pathology, New Disease Reports (NDR) [edited] [Promed]
[Ref: MM Faghihi et al: 1st report of citrus huanglongbing disease on orange in Iran. BSPP New Disease Reports, vol. 18: August 2008-January 2009]
This is the 1st report on the occurrence of HLB disease in Iran. The disease appears to be widely distributed in citrus growing regions of southern Iran and may be a component of citrus decline in this area.

Ireland- New strain of potato blight
4 Jan 2009
Sunday Times Online / Truth About Trade and Technology [edited] [Promed]
According to this story, a new strain of potato blight has prompted experts to intensify work, including using GM technology, to find a blight-resistant variety. It is reported that a research officer with Teagasc, the agriculture and food development authority, said the risk of blight has become more serious. The story goes on by explaining that scientists fear that it could infect a crop before it even emerges above ground. Teagasc is investigating the environmental impact of a number of GM crops and whether they could provide an economic benefit to farmers via reduced chemical costs. Newer varieties are more disease resistant.




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