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Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Comhshaoil agus Gnóthaí Tuaithe Depairtment o' Fairmin, Environment an' Kintra Matthers

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  • Gardens - pests and diseases to look out for

    Topics:
    • Plant and Tree Health, 
    • Forestry, 
    • Northern Ireland Plant Health Risk Register, 
    • Pests and diseases in gardens

    The horticultural trade in Europe can be a major route for the spread of pests and diseases. European plant health inspectors are the first line of defence against these risks but the public can also play a major role in the early detection of outbreaks of pests and diseases. In particular, with their interest in and awareness of cultivated plants, gardeners are well situated to identify and report the appearance of new pests and diseases.

    Xylella fastidiosa symptoms on Prunus (cherry). Courtesy: Donato Boscia. CNR - Institute for sustainable plant protection, UOS, Bari (IT) Laboratory, Angers (FR)
    Xylella fastidiosa symptoms on Prunus (cherry).

    Xylella Fastidiosa

    X. Fastidiosa is a bacterial pathogen, which has been found in parts of France and Italy, and could have a wide and damaging impact on nursery stock production, urban landscapes and countryside. It causes multiple symptoms including wilts, diebacks, stunts and leaf scorches. The EU is on high alert for this pathogen and we must be especially vigilant in the UK.

    Insects and nematodes may also pose a serious risk to plant growing in the garden setting.

    Erwinia amylovora

    Fireblight is a bacterial disease of certain woody plants from the Rosaceae family. These include common plants such as Amelanchier, Chaenomeles, Cotoneaster, Crataegeus, Cydonia, Eriobotrya, Malus, Mespilus, Photinia davidiana, Pyracantha, Pyrus and Sorbus

    Tissues affected by the symptoms of Erwinia amylovora include blossoms, fruits, shoots, and branches. All symptoms are above ground and are typically easy to recognise.

    For many years Northern Ireland has been a ‘protected zone’ for fireblight, however, this was relinquished 30 April 2018. Bringing fireblight-susceptible plants into a protected zone is forbidden unless they have a passport indicating that they have been sourced from a fireblight protected zone or a buffer zone.

    Tobacco whitefly Bemisia tabaci

    Adult tobacco whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). Photo courtesy of Fera.
    Adult tobacco whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). Photo courtesy of Fera.

    The tobacco whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, is a pest of a wide range of plants, including vegetables, salad crops and ornamentals, and is a vector of more than 110 viruses. It is unlikely to establish outdoors in the UK, but it could establish under protection. Bemisia tabaci is frequently intercepted on ornamentals in the UK, particularly on poinsettia, Nerium oleander and Mandevilla.

    • Tobacco whitefly information leaflet

    Stem nematode Ditylenchus dipsaci

    Stem lesions, necking and green petals on tulip
    Stem lesions, necking and green petals on tulip


    Stem nematode, Ditylenchus dipsaci, is one of the most serious plant-parasitic nematodes of temperate regions, including Europe and the Mediterranean area. The pest is becoming more common in the UK, with a significant increase in the number of outbreaks reported in recent years.

    • Stem nematode information leaflet

    Related content

    • About the Plant Health Risk Register
    • Citrus Longhorn beetle
    • Farmers and growers - pests and diseases to look out for
    • Forests and parks - pests and diseases to look out for
    • Get involved/report suspected cases
    • More information on the NI Plant Health Risk Register
    • Plant and tree diseases of current concern
    • Root knot nematode (M. fallax)
    • Root Knot Nematode (M. minor)
    • Xylella Fastidiosa
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