May 17, 2013
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has detected apple proliferation phytoplasma (APP) in an apple orchard near Kentville, Nova Scotia. The affected orchard has been placed under quarantine.
APP (Candidatus Phytoplasma mali) is considered to be a quarantine pest in both Canada and the U.S. It is present throughout Europe, where it is considered to be one of the most critical diseases of apple trees. This is the first time APP has been detected in North America.
The affected trees are of the variety 'Pacific Gala' and were imported into Canada from the U.S. in 2008. However it is important to note that at this time the actual source of infestation is unknown. The CFIA has notified the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA has provided additional information and is testing at the source nurseries.
The CFIA is currently consulting national stakeholder groups and the provinces on potential regulatory actions. Information regarding these decisions will be shared as it becomes available.
Symptoms of APP include:
- shoots around axillary buds, which create a broom-like appearance at the end of affected branches
- leaf rosetting
- enlarged leaf stipules
- reduced growth and smaller, less sweet fruit
More information on APP can be found in the attached fact sheet.
If you have questions regarding this issue, please contact Charlene Green by email or by phone at 905-938-8697.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media Relations: 613-773-6600
