A reappraisal of the current status of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tilletia indica</Emphasis> as an important quarantine pest for Europe |
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Authors: | David R Jones |
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Institution: | 1.Consultant in Plant Pathology and Pest Risk Analysis,Droitwich Spa,UK |
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Abstract: | Tilletia indica, the fungus responsible for Karnal bunt disease of wheat, is currently recognised as a quarantine pest by both the EU and
EPPO. The evidence that has been used to justify this status is reviewed and found to be in need of reappraisal. Yield losses
caused by the pathogen are insignificant and disease levels are rarely high enough to cause serious quality problems. The
sole reason for its designation as an important quarantine pest would seem to lie in the serious implications for trade should
the pathogen be detected in an exporting country. Since there is strong evidence to suggest that T. indica may not even establish in Europe, it would seem logical to reclassify the pathogen as the cause of a minor disease that is
likely to have little quarantine significance for Europe. However, since most wheat-growing countries have strict quarantine
regulations aimed at preventing the introduction of T. indica, this reclassification is unlikely to occur unless plant health authorities around the world can agree on a new status of
reduced importance for T. indica that suits its actual potential as a pest.
David Jones is a retired employee of the Central Science Laboratory (CSL). Statements and opinions expressed in this paper
are those of the author and are not the views of the Central Science Laboratory. |
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Keywords: | Economic impact International trade Karnal bunt Quarantine pest Tilletia indica Wheat |
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