Dive Summary:
- Canada has warned the U.S. after it discovered apple proliferation phytoplasma (APP), a pest never seen in North America before, on apple trees in Nova Scotia that originated in America.
- APP doesn't have any known ill effects on humans, however its emergence is worrying to both scientists and business owners, as North American trees were thought to be clear of the pest.
- APP is usually found in Europe, where it ranks as the most serious disease affecting apple trees. There has been no comment from the FDA or USDA yet.
From the article:
A “Pacific Gala” apple orchard in the area was placed under quarantine after APP was detected there. The trees originated in the United States and were shipped to Canada in 2008.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) was informed about the problem by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
