Surveys on Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus and Ralstonia solanacearum in Lithuania
Since the beginning of 1998, surveys have been carried out in Lithuania on Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus and Ralstonia solanacearum (both EPPO A2 quarantine pests). Potatoes were tested by IFAS and ELISA in 1998 and additionally in test plants in 1999. A system of control measures has been put in place for both these pathogens, in conformity with the requirements of the European Union.
- Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus
In 1998, 162 samples of Lithuanian seed potatoes were tested by IFAS and ELISA. As a result, 6 cultivars from 3 regions in Lithuania were found contaminated by ring rot. These seed potatoes were derived from seed potatoes produced in Lithuania (cv. Nida) or imported from other countries (cvs Sante and Romano from the Netherlands, cv. Planta from Germany, cv. Dietskoleskii from Russia). The tests were done on seed potatoes in the warehouse after harvest.
In 1999 (up to 24th May), 114 samples have been tested (IFAS, ELISA, biological testing): 88 samples of seed potatoes (1880 t) and 26 samples of ware potatoes (578 t). 2 samples of seed potatoes were found contaminated, as well as 2 samples of ware potatoes (from Lithuania and Poland).
In all farms where contaminated potatoes had been found, phytosanitary measures have been applied.
- Ralstonia solanacearum
Tests applied to the samples as above gave in all cases negative results.
Sources
NPPO of Lithuania, 1999-06.