Phytopathological situation in potato in Belarus1

The control of potato diseases in Ukraine is reviewed. Control of potato blight (Phytophthora infestans) has only been adequate for limited periods in the past (when resistant cultivars were available and when the systemic fungicides were introduced). Currently, the disease is in a new epiphytotic phase and control has failed again, probably connected with the introduction of new mating types and the existence of greater variability. Blight now occurs earlier in the season and in most years (instead of only years when climatic conditions are favourable). Control has now to be essentially preventive, rather than based on forecasting. The importance and control of other potato diseases is also considered (Alternaria spp., Rhizoctonia solani, Geotrichum candidum, Phytophthora erythroseptica, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Streptomyces scabies).     

Psilolintonum lineatum (Linton, 1928) (Echinostomatoidea: Psilostomidae) re-allocated to Podocotyle (Allocreadioidea: Opecoelidae) on the basis of a re-examination of the type material.

The type-material of Psilostomum lineatum Linton, 1928 was re-examined and identified as Podocotyle reflexa (Creplin, 1825). This re-allocation of the type and only speciesinvalidates the genus Psilolintonum that is now considered a synonym of Podocotyle.     

The grapevine aphid Aphis illinoisensis: a good example of recent invasion and rapid colonization by aphids

Aphis illinoisensis represents one of the most recent aphid invaders from the New World to the Mediterranean Region. This aphid, which is native to North America and is now widely distributed in Central and South America, was first found in Southern Turkey in 2002, and in 2005 it was also found in Crete (Greece). Thereafter it was recorded from Northern Cyprus, Israel, Tunisia, Algeria, Montenegro and Libya, and is now probably present throughout the Mediterranean. The present work provides data on the presence of this aphid in the Maltese islands, a group of low‐lying islands situated in the central Mediterranean Basin.     

EPPO Council Colloquium on five years of the EU Single Market Loos-en-Gohelle (FR), 1997–09–18

In 1992, EPPO organized jointly with the EU Commission, in Brussels, a Colloquium on the phytosanitary impact of the Single Market (OEPP/EPPO, 1993). This unique undertaking in the harmonization of the phytosanitary regulations of 12 (now 15) countries has now been in place for 5 years, and a further Colloquium was held to review progress. Speakers from the EU Commission, from the NPPOs of Member States, and from the NPPOs of other EPPO countries contributed their views on two main questions: (1) practical implementation of the main new elements of the phytosanitary regime (registration of growers, plant passports, protected zones, inspection at destination); (2) consequences for other EPPO countries and in particular prospects for extending the regime to them through equivalence agreements. The Colloquium concluded that the Single Market has been a success and that the problems which were anticipated by some parties have not materialized. In particular, there has been no increase in new pest outbreaks by comparison with the preceding period, and the costs of applying the new regime have not been excessive. A few practical difficulties persist in some areas of work and will now have to be resolved.     

EPPO database on diagnostic expertise: http://dc.eppo.org

In 2004, the EPPO Council expressed profound concerns about the decreasing expertise in plant protection and declared a state of emergency for Plant Health (‘Madeira declaration’). As diagnostics is one of the scientific fields which are vital for sustaining sound plant health policies, a questionnaire was launched and all EPPO member countries were asked to provide information about their diagnostic expertise, focusing on regulated pests or pests which may present a risk to the EPPO region. In 2006, results of the questionnaire were analysed and compiled by the EPPO Secretariat into a new database. This database now contains detailed information (contact addresses, quality programmes, and accreditations) for 80 diagnostic laboratories from 28 EPPO member countries. More than 500 experts are now registered with details about their diagnostic expertise (pests diagnosed and methods used). The EPPO database on diagnostic expertise can be freely accessed on the Internet: http://dc.eppo.org .     

Management of yellow mosaic-inducing viruses on barley by selection of resistant cultivars1

During the last ten years yellow mosaic of barley has been spreading more and more in European countries and in some infested areas yield loss can only be prevented by growing resistant cultivars. Breeding of such cultivars is one of the most important goals of small-grain breeders. To select resistant cultivars, several methods are available such as mechanical inoculation, growing of plants in infested soil in the field or in growth chambers as well as using root powder of infected plants. The situation has recently been complicated by the discovery that yellow mosaic is caused by at least two distinct but closely related viruses (barley yellow mosaic virus and barley mild mosaic virus). Inoculation methods are not equally effective for these two viruses. Although it appeared initially that resistance to the two viruses was linked, there are now indications that some barley cultivars respond differently, and there may even be a third virus involved. Programmes for selection of resistant cultivars now have to take account of this.     

Dendrolimus sibiricus in the coniferous forests of European Russia at the beginning of the twenty-first century

The Siberian conifer pest Dendrolimus sibiricus is slowly spreading westwards. It crossed the Urals at the beginning of the twentieth century and reached the Republic of Udmurtiya by the 1950s. Pheromones developed to support control of the pest in Siberia have been used to monitor for its presence in Russia. Results obtained in 2001 show that the pest is now widespread in the Republic of Mari El (500 km east of Moscow), while isolated individuals have been trapped in the Moscow region. No D. sibiricus were trapped in Tver' Region (between Moscow and Sankt-Peterburg).     

Similarity of clover yellow vein virus and pea necrosis virus

There still is confusion concerning the relationships between clover yellow vein virus (ClYVV), pea necrosis virus (PNV) and bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV). Therefore, three Swedish isolates of ClYVV and its type strain have now been compared with three isolates of PNV. A bean mosaic isolate and three pea necrosis isolates of BYMV have been used for reference. Based on host range tests, serology, and light microscope studies of inclusion bodies, ClYVV and PNV isolates are now considered to be strains of one virus, with the first name having priority. ClYVV (including the original PNV) especially differs from BYMV in its ability to infect white clover, to produce local lesions on cucumber cotyledons (at least two cultivars), to go systemic inChenopodium quinoa (the two local selections used at Wageningen and at Uppsala), to be rather virulent onNicotiana clevelandii, and to provoke extensive nucleolar enlargements in its host cells. Serologically the two viruses are more or less distinct.     

Differential cultivars for aggressive pathotypes of Synchytrium endobioticum in Ukraine1

The use of a internationally agreed standard differential set of potato cultivars to identify aggressive pathotypes of Synchytrium endobioticum is reviewed. In recent years, many new cultivars and hybrids have been tested in Ukraine for their reaction to the Carpathian pathotypes (11, 13, 18 and 22). Because of the specificity and stability of their reactions, and their availability, some of these potato cultivars are now recommended as part of a new differential set for use in Ukraine, especially with respect to the Carpathian pathotypes.     

Causal agent of sharka disease: new and emerging events associated with Plum pox virus characterization

Plant RNA viruses have a high genetic variation potential due to the absence of proofreading activity in their RNA replicase. In addition to mutation, recombination is generally thought to be an important source of variability. Both evolutionary processes have contributed to the diversity of Plum pox virus (PPV). There are now six recognized subgroups, strains or serotypes of PPV (D, M, Rec, EA, C and W). Isolates belonging to the PPV-Rec subgroup are derived from RNA recombination between PPV-D and PPV-M and occur frequently in various central and eastern European countries. The divergent isolate W3174 is a new and distinct strain of PPV, identified as PPV-W. It is quite conceivable that, with time, other groups will be defined and that the present classification will need revision to accommodate additional PPV variability.     

新疆地衣植物研究历史回顾

本文根据作者１９８５年以来在新疆地衣的研究工作，特别是１９９１年申请到国家自然科学基金课题以后所作的研究工作的基础上，比较前人所做的工作而写出的回顾型论文。标本采集点共计４０个，包括阿尔泰山、天山、昆仑山等山脉，共采集六千多号标本，经过处理鉴定初步定名地衣植物有２６９种，２６５种隶属于８目，３０科，８５属，另半知菌类４属，４种。新疆地区已定名地衣种，主要系泛北极植物区系成分，包括欧、亚森林植物亚区     

EPPO Council Colloquium on 'Plant health and the environment', Dublin, 2000-09-21

The National Plant Protection Organizations of EPPO countries have a basic responsibility to prevent the introduction and spread of pests of plants and plant products. This has been for many years defined by the IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention) and now by its new revised text. The Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures of the World Trade Organization has in the past 10 years aimed to prevent the use of phytosanitary measures as unjustified barriers to trade. In the past 2 years, new constraints have appeared, particularly on account of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). International co-operation is now developing on biosafety (restricting the movement of potentially dangerous organisms, whether GMOs, alien species or invasive species) and on the protection of the environment and biodiversity as such. The new obligations of countries under the CBD, and the measures which they can take to implement them, overlap to a significant extent with their obligations under the IPPC. The responsibilities and tasks of NPPOs (under Ministries of Agriculture) can at a technical level be extended to cover the concerns of the CBD, but in so doing may conflict with those of the equivalent authorities under the Ministries of the Environment. The aim of the EPPO Council Colloquium in Dublin was to examine these areas of potential overlap and conflict and consider the consequences for the international organizations concerned with plant health (like EPPO) and for the NPPOs.     

锦紫苏类病毒研究进展

锦紫苏又名彩叶草,是一种草本观赏植物,可以被马铃薯纺锤块茎类病毒科锦紫苏类病毒属的类病毒侵染。目前为止,共发现了6种锦紫苏类病毒,分别为锦紫苏类病毒-1~锦紫苏类病毒-6(CbVd-1~CbVd-6),它们具有共同的中央保守区(CCR),存在广泛的分子间重组,其嵌合体的发现为研究类病毒RNA重组提供了较为理想的试验材料。本文系统综述了锦紫苏类病毒的分类地位及分子特征、检测方法、与寄主互作等方面的研究进展,并对锦紫苏类病毒研究中的热点和难点问题进行了讨论和展望。     

Experience with fireblight in the Czech Republic1

Erwinia amylovora has been spreading in the Czech Republic since 1986 regardless of emergency phytosanitary measures which have been taken. Its spread follows the predominant wind direction (west to east). The infested area now covers two thirds of the area of the country. Wild Crataegus spp. are the most important and widespread host plants. E. amylovora is still regulated as a quarantine pest, and areas free from fireblight are subject to special phytosanitary measures.     

Absorption, translocation and allocation of glyphosate in resistant and susceptible Chilean biotypes of Lolium multiflorum

Glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine] is currently the most important non-selective, wide-spectrum herbicide used worldwide. Introduced in 1974, glyphosate was initially a non-crop herbicide and plantation crop herbicide, although it is now widely used in no-till crop production and, more recently, for weed control in herbicide-resistant transgenic crops, such as maize, soybean and cotton ( Baylis 2000 ; Caseley & Copping 2000 ). Despite its widespread and long-term use, no case of evolved resistance to glyphosate was documented until 1996 ( Pratley et al . 1996 ). Since then, a few other cases have been reported. To date, evolved resistance to glyphosate has been identified and documented in Lollium rigidum in Australia ( Powles et al . 1998 ; Pratley et al . 1999 ), Eleusine indica in Malaysia ( Lee & Ngim 2000 ), and L. rigidum in South Africa and California (USA), and Conyzia canadensis in Delawere (USA) ( Van Gessel 2001 ). Also, accessions of L. rigidum from South Africa and California have been reported to resist glyphosate ( Heap 2001 ). In Chile, the first case of glyphosate-resistance in Lolium multiflorum was reported in 1999 and documented in 2003 ( Pérez & Kogan 2003 ). This case was the result of an intensive selection pressure caused by the continuous applications of glyphosate in fruit orchards over 8–10 years. The present study is a first approach to elucidating the mechanism involved in the resistance of one biotype of L. multiflorum selected in Chilean orchards.     

The Efficacy of Sodium Pentachlorophenol against Blue-stain Infection of Timber

Abstract

Sodium pentachlorophenol, which was previously found to be the most effective of eight different chemicals tested against blue-stain of timber and recommended at 1 and 2% levels for dipping, has now been further tested in the field. The results show that the chemical effectively controlled the blue-stain infection even at lower concentrations of 0.5 and 0.7%. Botryodiplodia theobromae was the chief causal agent of infection, although a Ceratocystis sp. was also present. The chemical at the concentrations used had a repelling action for 4-6 days after application on insect borers (Platypus hintzi and Xyleborus performa).     

Biochemistry of insecticide resistance

After briefly summarizing various resistance mechanisms and their effects on certain types of insecticides, attention is focused on gaps in the understanding of resistance. Most resistance mechanisms consist either of a change in sensitivity of the site of action or an increased capacity for detoxication. In both cases such changes could theoretically be due to quantitative changes of an enzyme (more sites of action or more detoxication enzyme) or to qualitative changes (less-sensitive site of action or more efficient detoxication enzyme). Examples have now been found for each of these possible causes of resistance to insecticides, except for an increased amount of sites of action. Whereas examples of the latter mechanism are known for cell lines resistant to anti-cancer chemicals, so far they have not been found in resistance to insecticides. The impact of the different mechanisms on development and stability of resistance is discussed.     

International standards for the diagnosis of regulated pests

For the last 10 years, the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) has run a European Panel on diagnostics, which has developed regional standards on diagnostic protocols. Nearly 80 such standards have now been approved, and are in active use in EPPO countries. In 2003, the Commission for Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) of FAO, in reviewing global needs for International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs), recognized that there is a strong interest in developing diagnostic protocols for all contracting parties to the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). Such protocols would support the harmonization of detection and identification procedures worldwide, contribute to greater transparency and comparability in the diagnostics for regulated pests, and assist in the resolution of disputes between trading partners. In addition, such protocols would be very useful in technical assistance programmes. In 2004, the CPM adopted a mechanism for rapid development of ISPMs in specific areas, particularly suitable for diagnostic protocols. A Technical Panel was accordingly established to develop protocols for specific pests and meets on an annual basis. A format for international diagnostic protocols was adopted in 2006 and a list of priority pests was established. In 2003, EPPO initiated a new programme on quality management and accreditation for plant pest laboratories and Standards are now also being developed in this area. In 2006, a survey of existing diagnostic capacities in EPPO member countries was undertaken and a database on diagnostic expertise was created.     

Eucalyptus rust caused by Puccinia psidii and the threat it poses to Australia1

Puccinia psidii, which causes the disease Eucalyptus rust, poses a threat to biodiversity in Australia and the Eucalyptus forest industry worldwide. It is native to South America and Central America and has spread to North America (Mexico, USA – Florida). In mid‐2005, the rust was reported in Hawaii, USA, which means it is now present in the Pacific region.     

Meloidogyne chitwoodi and Meloidogyne fallax in France: initial management experiences

Since 2008, the French NPPO has been controlling two outbreaks of Meloidogyne chitwoodi and Meloidogyne fallax, in Picardie (open fields) and in Bretagne (glasshouses). Intensive investigations have been undertaken to delimit these outbreaks and to help formulate the best control management strategy to adopt in these two very different situations. In open fields, eradication measures have been implemented, with bare fallow in infested fields being adopted as the main measure, despite the impact on affected growers and high financial cost. Recently, soil analyses in fields after 2 years of bare fallow showed that neither M. chitwoodi nor M. fallax was detected in 99% of cases, and measures have now been reduced: crops such as cereals are now allowed in these fields, but no tubers or root crops can be grown. Under glasshouses, eradication was not considered feasible and so a containment strategy was followed. An extensive national survey of susceptible crops has also been carried out for early detection of possible new outbreaks.