The Fire Blight Problem on Apples in Lake Van Basin: The Status and Incidence of the Disease

Abstract

The aim of the study is to determine the incidence and prevalence of Erwinia amylovora causative agent of fire blight disease on apple trees in Lake Van basin. Surveys were carried out in 41 apple orchards from Van, Bitlis, Edremit, Gevas, Tatvan, Adilcevaz, Ahlat, Ercis, Muradiye districts in Lake Van basin between May and July 2015. Identification of the isolates was performed by biochemical and molecular detection methods by G1-F/G2-R primer pair and pathogenicity tests. The general incidence and prevalence of fire blight was detected 0.23% and 36%, respectively. The highest disease incidence was detected as 6% in Edremit district. The highest disease prevalence was detected at the rate of 66.6% in Ercis district. Although fire blight disease prevalence was high throughout the basin, the disease prevalence was low due to use of tolerant varieties, good growing practices and climate conditions. © 2017, Centenary University. All rights reserved.