Outbreak of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus in France
During an official survey conducted on the potato harvest 2013, one outbreak of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus (EPPO A2 List) was detected in the Marne department (Champagne-Ardenne region), France. The bacterium was found on ware potatoes (Solanum tuberosum cv. ‘Agata’ – 33 ha) and farm-saved seed potatoes (3 ha) which had been produced on one farm. Samples were collected in November 2013, tested (IF, PCR, pathogenicity test), and the final confirmation was received in February 2014. A survey is being implemented to determine the extent of the outbreak. Infected potato lot(s) will be destroyed under the supervision of the NPPO, all machinery used by the grower will be disinfected, and an intensive survey will be carried in the municipality where the outbreak was found, as well as in its immediate vicinity. In addition, all potato waste resulting from the harvest has been buried in a dedicated area which, along with its surroundings, will be placed under surveillance.
The pest status of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus in France is officially declared as: Present, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of France (2014-02).