Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus found in Hungary
The NPPO of Hungary recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the detection of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus (EPPO A2 List) on ware potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) on its territory. After 9 years of absence, the presence of the bacterium was confirmed in December 2014 in a tuber sample by laboratory (IF, colony morphology, PCR) and pathogenicity tests carried out by the bacteriology reference laboratory in Pécs. This sample had been collected in September 2014 during a routine survey from the storehouse of a grower located in Fegyvernek (county Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok). These ware potatoes had been produced on 2 fields of 2.5 and 0.5 ha. The possible source of infection could not be determined during the investigations. The origin of the seed potatoes used could not be traced. According to the grower, only farm-saved seed potatoes had been planted. The varieties of the sampled tubers and those grown in the fields related to the sampled lots could not be identified either. Phytosanitary measures have been taken to eradicate the disease. As soon as the presence of the bacterium was suspected after the first screening tests, the movement of infected potato lots (4.5 tonnes in store out of the 46 tonnes produced on the farm) was prohibited. Upon confirmation of the results, the total amount of potatoes placed under quarantine was destroyed. In addition, other lots were sold as early potatoes so that they were not suitable for planting. Other phytosanitary measures are being applied in accordance with the EU Directive 93/85/EC. In addition, a legal procedure has been initiated against the grower due to the plantation of seed potatoes which had not been submitted to prior testing. Finally, the NPPO is launching a national information campaign to draw the attention of potato growers and the public to the risk of spreading this quarantine pest and to recall the legal obligation of testing farm-saved seed potatoes before planting.
The pest status of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus in Hungary is officially declared as: Present, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Hungary (2014-12).