Occurrence of Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae in Jin Tao kiwi plants in Italy

During 2007–2008 bacterial canker caused damage in Jin Tao cv. kiwi (Actinidia chinensis) plants grown in northern and central Italy. A bacterial population was repeatedly isolated from these plants. Based on morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular tests, the causal agent was identified as Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (epidemiology and control strategies are discussed)