Xanthomonas arboricola pv. Pruni causing bacterial spot on peach, nectarine, sweet cherry, apricot and almond in montenegro-symptomatology and disease control

Stone fruit and almond production is widespread and economically very important in many countries worldwide, as well as in Montenegro. Favorable climate, as well as the wide consumption of fruits, contribute to the extensive stone fruit production in Montenegro. However, this production is often compromised by different pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, phytoplasmas, and viruses. Phytopathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (Xap)– the causal agent of bacterial spot of stone fruits and almond is an economically very important pathogen of stone fruit trees and almonds because it can cause significant losses in orchards, reducing the quality and quantity of fruits. Xap was first reported in Montenegro in commercial almond orchards near Podgorica (Panić et al., 1998). During the seven-year survey of stone fruit and almond orchards in Montenegro, symptoms of leaf and fruit spot, twig and trunk necrosis and cankers were observed. The presence of this pathogen has been confirmed so far in Montenegro, on almond, peach, nectarine, sweet cherry and apricot. The aim of this study is to show the different symptoms of the disease caused by the pathogen Xap, in order to contribute an accurate diagnosis of the disease and apply of available protective measures.