Techniques for the treatment, removal and disposal of host material during programmes for plant pathogen eradication

Eradication of plant pathogen incursions is very important for the protection of plant industries, managed gardens and natural environments worldwide. The consequence of a pathogen becoming endemic can be serious, in some cases having an impact on the national economy. The current strategy for eradication of a pathogen relies on techniques for the treatment, removal and disposal of affected host plants. There are many examples where these techniques have been successful but many where they have not. Success relies on a sound understanding of the biology and epidemiology of the pathogen and its interaction with the host. Removal and disposal of infected plant material for eradication and containment of plant and soil inhabiting fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens are reviewed by considering black Sigatoka of banana, apple scab, maize smut, fireblight, citrus canker and sharka disease of stone-fruit crops. In examining examples of dealing with plant pathogens and diseased host material around the world, particularly Australasia, various techniques including burning, burying, pruning, composting, soil- and biofumigation, solarization, steam sterilization and biological vector control are discussed. Gaps in the literature are identified and emphasize the insufficient detail of information available from past eradications. More effort is required to produce and publish scientific evidence to support the success or otherwise of techniques and suggestions for future research are proposed.