First report of Synchytrium endobioticum in Georgia
Potato wart disease caused by Synchytrium endobioticum (EPPO A2 List) is reported for the first time from Georgia. During surveys carried out from 2009 to 2013, symptoms of potato wart disease were observed in the area of Khulo, which is the most mountainous region in the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, in Western Georgia. Galls of various colours (from yellow-green to brown) were initially observed on potato tubers in the villages of Tabakhmela and Didajara in June 2009. However, growers from these villages had noticed symptoms already in 2006 and 2007 on potato cv. 'Agria' which is widely grown for home consumption. According to the results of a survey conducted from 2010 to 2012, the disease was also found in other of areas of the Khulo municipality (villages of Ghorjomi, Tkhilvana, Danisparauli) on potato cultivars Agria, Finka, Picasso and Marfona. In 2013, by the end of the growing season, the disease was also found in potato fields in the village of Diakonidzeebi (Khulo region) and in stored potatoes.
The situation of Synchytrium endobioticum in Georgia can be described as follows: Present, observed since 2006 in the Khulo area (Autonomous Republic of Adjara).
Sources
Gorgiladze L, Meparishvili G, Sikharulidze Z, Natsarishvili K, Meparishvili S (2014) First report of Synchytrium endobioticum causing potato wart in Georgia. New Disease Reports 30, 4. http://dx.doi.org/10.5197/j.2044-0588.2014.030.004