First report of Ralstonia solanacearum in Austria
The Austrian NPPO informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of Ralstonia solanacearum (EPPO A2 List) in Niederösterreich. The bacterium was first detected in one lot of ware potatoes (Solanum tuberosum cv. ‘Ditta’) during routine testing in a supermarket in Kärnten. Investigations showed that the infested lot originated from a producer located in Niederösterreich and had been grown from certified seed potatoes (which had tested negative before planting). The infested lot of ware potatoes had only been marketed in Austria. The possible source of contamination is still unknown. Phytosanitary measures were taken in accordance with the EU Directive 98/57/EC.
The pest status of Ralstonia solanacearum in Austria is officially declared as: Isolated outbreak under observation.
Sources
NPPO of Austria, 2009-05.