Situation of Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) solanacearum in France and Portugal
Recently, the EPPO Secretariat sent a questionnaire to all its member countries to review the status of Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) solanacearum (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) throughout the EPPO region. The answers to this questionnaire have been summarized in EPPO RS 96/003. The present situation in France and Portugal is reported as follows.
- France:
In autumn 1995, four foci of B. solanacearum were observed. Two foci were found on tomato crops grown in glasshouses in Lot et Garonne and Loire-Atlantique, one focus was found on outdoor tomatoes in Lot et Garonne, and a focus was observed on a plot for comparative trials of potatoes in an experiment station located in Essonne, far away from production areas of seed and ware potatoes. All these foci have been eradicated, production sites and equipment have been completely disinfected. On plots where infection has been found, it is prohibited to grow any susceptible plants for a minimum period of 3 years and the absence of volunteer plants and wild Solanaceae has to be checked.
- Portugal
B. solanacearum was found in potato fields during the 1940s and at the beginning of the 1950s. At that time, appropriate measures were taken and the bacterium was successfully eradicated. Recently, in April/May 1995, new outbreaks were found in ware potato fields located in the centre-coastal part of the country. After study, it was concluded that the source of these foci was infected seed potatoes imported from the Netherlands. Immediate action was taken to eradicate the disease. The measures applied included: lifting all potatoes in infected fields and transport under quarantine for destruction; disinfection of all material which had entered into contact with contaminated plants or soil; prohibition of the production of potato and other Solanaceae on the infected fields for 4 years; avoidance of water flow from infected fields to the immediate vicinity; application of cultural techniques which promote the acidity of the soil. In addition, the level of inspection and surveillance in the infected/suspect fields and their neighbouring areas has been increased.
Sources
Plant Protection Service of France, 1996-02
Plant Protection Service of Portugal, 1996-02