PSA, or Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae, is spread through several key ways, primarily involving weather events, plant material, and human activities.
Key Methods of PSA Spread
Here's a breakdown of how PSA is spread:
Weather-Related Spread
- Wind: Wind can carry the bacteria over distances, spreading it to new areas.
- Rain: Rain splashes can facilitate the movement of the bacteria from infected plant parts to healthy ones. Rain can also spread the bacteria through runoff.
Plant Material Spread
- Infected plant material: Moving infected plants or plant parts is a major way PSA is spread to new locations. This includes cuttings, budwood and seedlings.
Human-Related Spread
- Footwear: Bacteria can attach to shoes and boots, moving them from infected areas to clean ones.
- Vehicles: Vehicles can also carry the bacteria on their tires and bodies.
- Orchard Tools: Contaminated tools like pruning shears and harvesters can easily spread the bacteria during orchard work.
Practical Insights and Solutions
To minimize PSA spread, implement the following:
- Hygiene: Regularly sanitize footwear, vehicles, and tools, especially when moving between different orchards or areas.
- Plant Health: Monitor plant health closely. Remove and destroy infected plant material promptly.
- Quarantine: Quarantine new plant material before introducing it to the orchard.
Table Summary
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Wind | Spreads bacteria through the air |
| Rain | Bacteria are spread by rain splash and runoff |
| Infected Plant Material | Spreads bacteria when moving infected cuttings, budwood or seedlings |
| Footwear | Carries bacteria on shoes and boots |
| Vehicles | Transports bacteria on tires and vehicle bodies |
| Orchard Tools | Contaminated tools like pruning shears facilitate bacterial movement during orchard work |
