EPPO Global Database

EPPO Reporting Service no. 09 - 2007 Num. article: 2007/176

Ralstonia solanacearum reported in Greece


In Greece, Ralstonia solanacearum (EPPO A2 List) was isolated from 3 samples (out of 6 samples) of tomato plants showing wilting symptoms which had been collected near the village of Petsaki, in the area of Kalavryta (Achaea Prefecture, Peloponnese). Subsequently, samples from solanaceous crops, weeds and water were tested for the presence of the bacterium (39 samples of potato tubers, 2 of aubergine, 1 of Capsicum annuum, 14 of weeds collected from the banks of the river Selinous, 13 of water taken from the same river). Ralstonia solanacearum was detected in 19 potato samples (coming from 7 areas) and in 1 aubergine sample but not in any other. This is the second report of R. solanacearum in Greece after 40 years of absence (see EPPO RS 2002/167). Phytosanitary measures were applied in accordance with EU Directive 98/57/EC.
The situation of Ralstonia solanacearum in Greece can be described as follows: Present, reported again in 2006 after 40 years of absence, one outbreak in Peloponnese, under official control.

Sources

Alivizatos AS, Glynos PE, Karafla C, Ziaziari C, Stathopoulos F (2006) Host plants of Ralstonia solanacearum in the Kalavryta area. Abtracts of presentations given at the 11th Hellenic Phytopathological Congress Preveza, GR, 2002-04-01 Phytopathologia Mediterranea 45(1), p 74.