A network that helps people worldwide obtain rapid advice and information on crop protection, including the identification and management of plant pests.
PestNet is a network that helps people worldwide obtain rapid advice and information on crop protection, including the identification and management of plant pests. It started in 1999. Anyone with an interest in plant protection is welcome to join. PestNet is free and is moderated, ensuring that messages are confined to plant protection.
July 2002. New Caledonia asked about the corky, very hard lumps growing from the stems of passionfruit, some partly green. Even the tendrils are affected.
It was identified as crown gall, Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The CABI Crop Protection Compendium lists Passiflora as a host. A photo of crown gall on raspberry canes was sent for comparison; it looks quite similar (photo, right). Such symptoms had been seen elsewhere in the Pacific and, as mites were not found, bacteria was thought a good possibility.
