First report occurrence of Berberis flat limb disease in Esfahan city

Flat limb of fruit trees is one of the most important disease that was first observed in 2006 on Berberis in Esfahan. The external symptoms of the disease consist of slight linear depression of the stems. This depression latter develop into deep furrows and stem become flattened, twisted and brittle. Many buds gather and growth on the flatted stem and produce flowering and wilt very soon. The disease can be transmitted by the grafting and cutting. Other trials for transmission by hoppers (Circuliffer spp.) was showed negative results. In nature the disease Spread by cutting from infected plants in nurseries. For controlling of the disease all trees that showing any symptoms of flat limb, should be removed from nurseries. This first repot from Berberies flat limb from Iran.