Synchytrium endobioticum eradicated from Maryland (US)
In USA, Synchytrium endobioticum (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) was present in limited areas of Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia in 1918-1920 and was thought to have been eradicated by 1974. However, in late 1987, a survey of the original quarantine area in Maryland identified one garden (in Allegany County) suspected of still harbouring the pathogen (EPPO RS 500/13, 1989). A subsequent survey was then conducted in and around the old quarantine area. None of the soil samples from 176 home gardens surveyed were positive for S. endobioticum resting spores. Bioassays with susceptible potato cultivars were conducted for 5 consecutive years at the site from which spores had been recovered and no symptoms were obtained. It is declared that the spores found on this site are non viable and that Maryland is considered to be free from potato wart disease.
Sources
Putnam, M.L.; Sindermann, A.B. (1994) Eradication of potato wart disease from Maryland.
American Potato Journal, 71(11), 743-747.