Velika Drenova with surroundings

       The fact that Velika Drenova with surrounding villages, as the center for production of grapevine planting material, is only 20 km away from the focal point of FD in Zupa Aleksandrovac, indicates the possible dramatic epidemiological situation in Serbia. In inspected vineyards near V. Drenova, Medvedja, Kukljin, Ribnik and Stalac, besides the presence of vector of FD, Scaphoideus titanus, high percent of infected plants was also registered, as well as, the plants with typical phytoplasmatic symptoms on their leaves. Infected plants (10-30%) were also registered among mother plants in Velika Drenova and Medvedja, whereas on several localities, 70-100% plants had symptoms of initial or complete infection. In fields down the valley of the river West Morava, from Krusevac to Stalac, up to 70% plants were registered with symptoms of phytoplasmatic infection. Presence of vector S. titanus was registered in all inspected vineyards. It’s worth noting that the work on identification and confirmation of FD in region of Velika Drenova is of great importance for phytosanitary status of grapevine planting material, as well as, potential dispersal of phytoplasmatic plants and vector on wider territory of Republic of Serbia.

Village Gornji Ribnik: phytoplasma on grapevine, whole vine showing symptoms.

Village Gornji Ribnik: phytoplasma on grapevine.

Department of Plant Pests, Institute for Plant Protection and Environment Belgrade

Banatska 33, Zemun, tel/fax: 011 2611 762, E-mail: titanus_serbia@hotmail.com