A study on Phoma tracheiphila (Petri) Kantschaveli & Gikashvili, in the Maltese Islands a requirement for safeguarding local citrus cultivation

Abstract

Phoma tracheiphila the causal agent of an important disease of Citrus known as 'Mal secco' which is a destructive fungus listed in Council Directive 2000/29/EC Section II (c). To date there are no records or confirmation of the pathogen's prevalence in the territory of the Maltese islands, but the main concern is that it is known to occur in other Mediterranean regions. The introduction of such a disease poses a treat to local citrus culture which has been in existence for centuries. In view of the potential risks of introduction and establishment, it is imperative to gather the adequate knowledge about the disease, for establishing the adequate scientific procedures and methods in support for phytosanitary decision making. As a basis for this process it is essential to obtain the adequate information about the biological characteristics of this particular pathogen and evaluate these characteristics together with the local conditions. The basic information for proper scientific methodology validated by other countries is required, so that it will enable the monitoring of local territory for this quarantine organism. There is also the need for the designation of risk management plans, to prepare for the containment in case of an outbreak on local Maltese territory. Such plans are crucial so as to avoid maximum impact by lack of organization and planning. These measures combined would avoid a further check on local citrus cultivation which is already threatened from other destructive organisms, as well as minimize the environmental and social impacts imparted by the control of such organisms. Besides many of the citrus trees in major cultivation areas and in public gardens are huge source of local biodiversity and some specimens are as much as 50 years old, that would otherwise perish.