Transmission of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris by the fly Calliphora vomitoria to blooming cauliflower plants (Brassica oleracea)

Summary

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is a seed borne pathogen that causes black rot, a destructive disease of cabbage. Exclusion of infec-tions is the most effective way to control black rot in organic seed production. Within this frame, the role of insects in transmission of Xcc to seed was deter-mined. It was found that Xcc survived for three days on flies (Calliphora vomitoria), used for pollination of cabbage plants in tunnels and greenhouses. In tunnel experiments, both the use of Xcc-contaminated flies and brush inoculation of flowers with Xcc resulted in internal seed infections. The implications for seed production are discussed.