Critical Apple Tree Pest Found in Canadian Orchard; Trees Had Been Imported from U.S.
The plant pest apple proliferation phytoplasma was detected in an apple orchard near Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada, reported the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has placed the orchard under quarantine, it said. The pest, which is considered “one of the most critical diseases of apple trees,” was found on Pacific Gala apple trees imported into Canada from the U.S., APHIS said.
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This is the first detection of APP in North America, APHIS said. The pest, which is found throughout Europe, is spread through budding and grafting, as well was trade in infested rootstock, scionwood, or budwood. Certain insects can also transmit APP, the agency said. APHIS is testing at the U.S. source facilities for the infected apple trees, but no symptoms of APP had been observed by April 2. CFIA has not yet placed any restrictions on Canadian imports of apple trees from the U.S., APHIS said.