Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 16.2
Plant Diseases and Causing Agents from 7 CFR 331.1
Plant Diseases Caused by
Select Agents Listed in 7 CFR 331.3
Citrus greening
Liberibacter africanus, L. asiaticus
Philippine downy mildew (of corn)
Peronosclerospora philippinensis
Soybean rust
Phakopsora pachyrhizi
Plum pox (of stone fruits)
Plum pox potyvirus
Bacterial wilt, brown rot (of potato)
Ralstonia solanacearum,
race 3, biovar 2
Brown strip downey mildew (of corn)
Sclerophthora rayssiae
var.
zeae
Potato wart or potato canker
Synchytrium endobioticum
Bacterial leaf streak (of rice)
Xanthomonas oryzae
pv.
Oryzicola
Citrus variegated chlorosis
Xylella fastidiosa
USDA's Agricultural Research Service; Forest Service; Cooperative State Research,
Education, and Extension Service; and the American Phytopathological Society.
The listed agents and toxins are viruses, bacteria, or fungi that can pose a severe
threat to a number of important crops, including potatoes, rice, soybeans, corn,
citrus, and stone fruit. Because the pathogens can cause widespread crop losses and
economic damage, they could potentially be used by terrorists.
Other plant pathogens not included in the select agent list possibly could be
used against certain crops or geographic regions. Examples include Karnal bunt
and citrus canker, which both currently exist in the United States in regions quar-
antined or under surveillance by the USDA. As with other agents, the effectiveness
of an attack to spread such a disease may be dependent on environmental condi-
tions and difficult to achieve.
Countering the Threat
The goal of the U.S. animal and plant health safeguarding system is to prevent the
introduction and establishment of exotic pests and diseases, to mitigate their effects
when present, and to eradicate them when feasible. In the past, introductions of
pests and pathogens were presumed to be unintentional and occurred through
natural migration across borders or accidental movement by international com-
merce (passengers, conveyance, or cargo). However, a system designed for acciden-
tal or natural outbreaks is not sufficient for defending against intentional attack.
Consequently, the U.S. system is being upgraded to address the reality of
agroterrorism.
