In this paper the validation and implementation of a Real-time PCR protocol based on ribosomal protein genes has been carried out for sensitive and specific quantification of 'Candidatus (Ca.) Phytoplasma mali' (apple proliferation phytoplasma, APP) in insects. The method combines the use of EvaGreen(®) dye as chemistry detection system and the specific primer pair rpAP15f-mod/rpAP15r3, which a...

Pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyricola (Foerster) (Homoptera: Psyllidae), is one of the key insect pests in North American pear production. In some growing areas, more than 50% of dollars spent to control arthropod pests in commercial pear are directed specifically at controlling this species. Control measures require accurate and timely information about dispersal, onset of egg-laying in spring, den...

A severe outbreak of European Stone Fruit Yellows (ESFY) has been reported recently in apricot (Prunus armeniaca) orchards located in the province of Trento (Italy), where partial or total tree dieback caused major economic losses to growers. In order to prevent the disease spreading, the presence of ESFYP-vector, the psyllid Cacopsylla pruni, was monitored together with wild reservoirs of the ...

Munyaneza, J. E., Sengoda, V. G., Buchman, J. L., and Fisher, T. W. 2012. Effects of temperature on ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ and zebra chip potato disease symptom development. Plant Dis. 96:18-23. Temperature has been shown to have a significant effect on development of liberibacter species associated with citrus Huanglongbing disease. ‘Candidatus Liberibacter africanus’ and ‘Ca. ...

summary) Apples: Both SOFT and CONV treatment regimes were able to maintain injury from codling moth (CM) at a very low level across the AWII project, even in the face of increasing CM pressure throughout most of the growing areas of Washington state. CM pressure varied in the AWII project from low-moderate in most blocks to high at two of the orchards (A3 and A5). On average, there was no real...