Fungal and fungal-like plant pathogens of the Maltese Islands

Abstract

The paper provides updated lists of plant pathogenic species belonging to the kingdoms Protozoa, Chromista and Fungi (one, 21, and 211 species entries, respectively) recorded in Malta. It is intended primarily for the use of plant pathologists and authorities involved in plant protection and quarantine issues. It is based on published papers and unpublished reports of several authors and on our original data. The latter were based on inspections in the field and at the Maltese fruit and vegetable market, on surveys requested by EC and on samples brought by farmers at the Għammieri, Marsa, laboratories of the Ministry for Rural Affairs and the Environment (MRAE). They include records or more than 30 species new for Malta and several new host and new location records. Major diseases observed during 2004-2006 include Verticillium wilt of olive, late blight of potato and tomato, powdery mildew on several hosts, crown and root rot (Forl) of tomato, Sclerotinia stem rot of vegetables, grey mould of several crops, leaf mould of tomato. Most of the pathogenic species reported at the beginning of the last century are still present. Several species, including Spongospora subterranea f. sp. subterranea, Colletotrichum acutatum, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici, probably have been introduced recently. Intensified plant trade, due to world trends and the accession of Malta into the EU, increases this risk and requires consolidating the national quarantine service and extending monitoring of the territory. The incidence and severity of some diseases could be traced back to inappropriate cultural practices or unsuitable seed or plant material. MRAE and private organisations have a key role to play in improving this situation