First Report of Bacterial Apical Necrosis of Mango Caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae in Greece

Abstract

The mango, Mangifera indica L., native to India and Southeast Asia, is grown throughout the tropics and subtropics and marketed as fresh or processed fruit contributing greatly to those countries’ income. According to FAO database, from 2007 to 2012 the mango production in Greece reached the 438 tonnes, an increase of 338% indicating a strong economic potential for the cultivation. During spring of 2014 and 2015, symptoms similar to that of the bacterial apical necrosis disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae (Pss) were observed on commercial mango orchards planted with cv Irwin throughout two growing areas in Chania distinct, Crete, Greece. The disease was characterized by rapidly expanding necrotic lesions on leaves, buds, stems and floral panicles, whereas fruits were seemed to be un-affected. Lesions on leaves started as interveinal, angular, water soaked spots which may coalesce, becoming black and slightly raised (Figure 1). Isolations were made from affected buds, leaf petioles, and nec...