Ralstonia solanacearum was not detected in the Turkish part of Cyprus
On the basis of visual observations reported in Turkish Cypriot newspapers, it had been suspected that Ralstonia solanacearum (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) might be present on potatoes in the northern part of Cyprus (EPPO RS 97/007). A survey has been carried out by an independent consultant on potatoes grown in northern Cyprus for the possible presence of R. solanacearum. From late May to early June 1998, samples were taken from 100 crops or fields, in 16 villages. The sampling rate was of 200 tubers per 25-50 t. In total 4003 t were collected from 264.35 ha. These samples were then tested by the Central Science Laboratory in UK. The method used followed the diagnostic protocol (Interim test scheme for the diagnosis, detection and identification of Pseudomonas solanacearum in potatoes) proposed by the European Union: 1) primary screening by culture on semi-selective medium, ELISA and IF; 2) confirmation tests by PCR and fatty acid profiling. All tested samples gave negative results (culture on semi-selective medium and ELISA testing). The author concluded that it is most likely that R. solanacearum is not present in the Turkish part of Cyprus.
Sources
Report on a survey of potatoes grown in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus for the presence of the brown rot pathogen (Ralstonia solanacearum) written by M.C.M. Pérombelon, Scottish Crop Research Institute, Dundee, UK, 1998.
EC Commission, 1997. Commission Decision 97/647/EC.
Official journal of the European communities. L. 273, 1-25.