Apple Proliferation phytoplasma in South Tyrol – an Integrated Approach

Abstract: In 2000 and 2001 a severe occurrence of apple proliferation phytoplasma was noticed for the first time in apple orchards in South Tyrol (Italy). At the same time, in 2000 an increased occurrence of Cacopsylla melanoneura and in 2004 for the first time also a second vector, Cacopsylla picta, were detected in the orchards. The, in some cases, rather heavy economic losses caused by these attacks induced all appropriate institutions to look for solutions together with the producers. The phytoplasma had to be controlled in compliance with the principles of integrated fruit production. The complete elimination of all infected trees including the roots in combination with chemical control of the two vectors proved successful and resulted in a considerable reduction in infections in the past two years.