Current status of bacterial canker spread on kiwifruit in Italy

A survey of kiwifruit orchards in central and northern Italy during 20072008 consistently detected serious damage caused by bacterial canker. The causal agent, Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae, was repeatedly isolated from diseased plants, mainly Actinidia chinensis Pl. cultivars. Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae was identified by morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics as well as molecular analyses. Disease severity, varietal susceptibility, trade implications and control strategies are discussed. © 2009 Australasian Plant Pathology Society