Synchytrium endobioticum found in Denmark
The NPPO of Denmark has recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of an isolated outbreak of Synchytrium endobioticum (EPPO A2 List) on its territory. This outbreak was found near the town of Ikast (centre of Jylland peninsula, Western part of Denmark). In September 2014, S. endobioticum was detected in 4 fields (of which 2 were contiguous) of ware potato (Solanum tuberosum cv. ‘Kuras’), all belonging to the same grower. Other fields of the grower, in particular those adjacent to the four infected, have been officially inspected and did not show any signs of infestation.
Disease symptoms had been reported to the NPPO by the grower who initially suspected the occurrence of cyst nematodes. The identity of the fungus was confirmed by the Danish official laboratory on 2014-09-12 by microscopy and PCR (using two different primers). Further analysis will be made to identify the pathovar(s) of S. endobioticum involved. The possible origin of the disease is still under consideration. One of the infested fields has most likely been infested for several years. For more than a decade, the grower concerned has been producing and delivering ware potatoes exclusively to a nearby starch-producing factory and has never produced seed potatoes for marketing. Only certified seed potatoes originating from a small number of other EU Member States have been used. In many cases, those acquired seed potatoes have been multiplied by the grower himself, but for one year only (in accordance with the Danish legislation). Phytosanitary measures are being taken to prevent any further spread of S. endobioticum. Delimiting surveys (by visual control of tubers, followed by analysis of soil samples from all relevant fields) are continuing in all fields of the grower concerned and their vicinity. The removal of potatoes from all fields of the grower has been temporarily prohibited. According to survey results, potatoes will be released on a field-by-field basis and only for starch processing (as this is an acceptable method of destruction provided the handling of potato waste is adequate). Potato cultivation will be prohibited in infested fields, and restrictions on the future cultivation of potatoes and plants for planting in adjacent areas are still under consideration.
The pest status of Synchytrium endobioticum in Denmark is officially declared as: Present, on some fields within one place of production exclusively of ware potatoes for processing, under official control.
Sources
NPPO of Denmark (2014-10).