Further surveys in Turkey to verify the absence of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus
In the past (1962), the presence of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) had been suggested in Turkey but was later denied on the basis of several surveys carried out in the potato-growing regions (EPPO RS No. 452, 1984; EPPO RS 95/168). In 1990-1991, further surveys have been carried out in Turkey on C. m. subsp. sepedonicus in the potato-growing areas of Afyon (Aegean region), Bolu (Black Sea region), Nevsehir and Nigde (central Anatolia). In total, 176 samples (each containing 200 tubers) were collected from these areas and tested. Tubers were visually inspected, then submitted to Gram staining, IFAS and biological tests on aubergine. As a result, approximately 35,200 tubers have been tested and found free from C. m. subsp. sepedonicus. The authors concluded that ring rot is not present in these potato-growing regions.
Sources
Benlioglu, K.; Öktem, Y.E.; Özakman, M. (1994) [Examination of the potato growing areas of central Anatolia for the presence of ring rot disease].
Bitki Koruma Bülteni, 34(1-2), 35-41.