Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (bacterial canker of kiwifruit).
Abstract Bacterial canker of kiwifruit, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), is a serious threat to kiwifruit production worldwide. At least four related but genetically distinct lineages of Psa are currently known, and more are likely to exist. In 2008, a particularly virulent strain emerged in Italy and spread rapidly to all main global kiwifruit production areas. This strain is variously referred to as the pandemic strain, PsaV or Biovar 3. Different Actinidia species and cultivars show varying susceptibility to Psa, and breeding resistant or tolerant kiwifruit varieties is highly important to the industry. Like all pathovars of Pseudomonas syringae, Psa is present in infected plant material. Transfer of nursery material is a major source of long distance spread, while agronomic techniques such as pruning can contribute to spread within and between orchards. The pathogen can be dispersed in aerosols and can be carried between trees and adjacent orchards in wind-driven rain. Psa is listed on the EPPO Alert List.