Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 found again on Pelargonium in USA
Another finding of Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 (EPPO A2 list) on Pelargonium has recently been made in USA (see EPPO RS 2003/064). The presence of the bacterium was confirmed in December 2003 on Pelargonium (cvs. Americana Coral, Americana Bright Red) in one commercial glasshouse in New York State. The origin of this outbreak could be traced to imports of infected propagation material from one producer in Guatemala. In response to this recent detection, USDA/APHIS has temporarily suspended imports of Pelargonium from the producer concerned in Guatemala. It is recalled that between January and May 2003, because of the detection of R. solanacearum on Pelargonium, APHIS had to place holds on 921 glasshouses in 47 states, resulting in the finding of the bacterium and destruction of nearly 2 million plants (mostly Pelargonium) in 127 facilities.
Sources
USDA-APHIS web site
Stakeholder Announcement. Ralstonia Solanacearum found in New York greenhouse, 2004-01-21.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/pubs/sa_ralstoniagreenhouse.html