ISHS Acta Horticulturae 338: VI International Workshop on Fireblight
SETTING UP OF A FIRE BLIGHT MONITORING NETWORK IN NORTHERN ITALY |
| Authors: | U. Mazzucchi, E. Stefani, C. Bazzi |
| Keywords: | Fire blight, monitoring network, Italy |
| Abstract:
Fire blight caused by Erwinia amylovora was reported for the first time in 1990 in pear orchards of the Apulia region (Southern Italy) and during 1991 in Sicily. The risk of new foci in other Italian regions led to the setting up of a monitoring network in Spring 1991 covering the whole Italy and, in particular, the most important fruit-growing areas. The Italian monitoring system is based on three interregional networks plus one in Sicily. The Northern Italy interregional network covers the regions of Val d'Aosta, Piedmont, Liguria, Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia Romagna, Marches, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia as well as the autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano. It covers a geografical area south of the Alps and east of the Apennines, down to just below the Conero promontory on the Adriatic coast. Each regional network has its own monitoring points and lines, with a diagnostic centre and a group of trained inspectors. The monitoring points consists of single or groups of Erwinia amylovora host plant at intervals of about 5 km; in certain critical areas there is a higher density of monitoring points. These points along the roads can be clearly distinguished and are easy to inspect. The inspections are made twice a year, between 20th May - 20th June and 15th September - 15th October. Each regional network has its diagnostic centre run by phytobacteriologists, where all suspicious samples are sent. The main aims of the national network are: prompt detection of primary foci so that adequate eradication measures can be attempted; training of personnel and setting up of numerous specialized diagnostic centres, evenly distributed throughout the Country; information on the spread of fire blight for specific legislative measures. | |
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