First report of Ralstonia solanacearum on tomatoes in Georgia
In June 2010, a bacterial wilt disease affecting tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seedlings was reported by growers near Chkhorotsku (Samegrelo-Zmo Svaneti region), Western Georgia, causing up to 100% plant loss. In this region, observations made by growers suggested that aubergine (Solanum melongena) and pepper (Capsicum annuum) were also affected. Near Kutaisi (Imereti region), wilting and vascular discolouration were observed in tomato plants in 2010 and 2011. Samples were taken for further analysis at Shota Rustaveli State University Scientific Centre in Georgia and Fera (GB). Laboratory tests (PCR, fatty acids profiles, pathogenicity tests) confirmed the presence of Ralstonia solanacearum (EPPO A2 List) in diseased tomato plants. According to the authors, this is the first confirmed report of R. solanacearum affecting tomatoes in Georgia.
The situation of Ralstonia solanacearum in Georgia can be described as follows: Present, only in some areas.
Sources
Mepharishvili G, Sikharulidze Z, Thwaites R, Tsetskhladze T, Dumbadze R, Gabaidze M, Muradashvili M (2012) First confirmed report of bacterial wilt of tomato in Georgia caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. New Disease Reports 25, 16. http://dx.doi.org/10.5197/j.2044-0588.2012.025.016