Finding of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus on ware potatoes in Austria
The NPPO of Austria recently informed the EPPO Secretariat that Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus (EPPO A2 list) was detected during the annual monitoring programme on a lot of ware potatoes (Solanum tuberosum cv. Agria) in the east of Niederösterreich. The occurrence of the bacterium was officially confirmed. Detection was done in accordance with EU Directive 93/85 EEC. Investigations showed that this lot had originally been produced from certified German seed potatoes. The German authorities have been informed. All necessary measures according to EU Directive 93/85 EEC were implemented by the Austrian NPPO. In particular, a safety zone was established, covering the whole farm where the potatoes grew, and all potatoes grown in 2003 on this farm were destroyed under official supervision. In addition, attempts were made to trace back all seed lots which had been sold to Austrian farmers with the same plant passport from Germany. No other positive findings were made.
The declared status of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus in Austria is: Present, found in a limited area on ware potatoes, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Austria, 2004-03.