Pest risk analysis for Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum

Abstract

Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum (Xcm) is the causative pathogen for banana Xanthomonas wilt (BXW). Commonly known as Xanthomonas wilt, it was reported first in Ethiopia on enset and later observed on banana in Uganda, DRC, Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya and Burundi where it devastated plantations. Since its establishment and spread within the east and central Africa (ECA) region, several strategies have been implemented to regulate spread and manage the pathogen. However, the pathogen has continued to ravage banana and cause economic losses within the PRA area. Xcm has been identified as a regulated non quarantine pest (RNQP) within the PRA area, but only eastern DRC has an official document confirming this status. Within the PRA area, informal trading of non-certified banana planting material and vectors have been identified as the more likely pathways facilitating spread of the pathogen.