Ralstonia solanacearum (probably race 1) detected in ornamental Anthurium plants in the Netherlands
The NPPO of the Netherlands recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the detection of Ralstonia solanacearum (EPPO A2 List) in ornamental Anthurium spp. plants (cvs.’Midori’, ‘Pistache’ and ‘Fire’). The bacterium was found in a greenhouse of 2.1 ha, containing 630 000 ornamental Anthurium plants grown for cut flower production, and located in the municipality of Bleiswijk. At different places within the greenhouse, many plants exhibited symptoms. Affected plants showed black discoloration and necrosis on the stems, chlorotic and wilting leaves. It is suspected that the bacterium has been disseminated within the greenhouse by knives used to cut the flowers. Plant samples were taken at the end of July 2015 and the identity of the bacterium was confirmed in August 2015, and it is suspected that race 1 is present. The source of infection is unknown. In this greenhouse, Anthurium plants had been planted 10 years ago, and until recently, no symptoms had been observed. There is no link with an earlier finding of R. solanacearum (probably race 1) on Curcuma plants for planting detected in 2014 (see EPPO RS 2014/192). Official phytosanitary measures have been taken to eradicate the disease. All Anthurium plants will be destroyed and the greenhouse will be cleaned and disinfected.
The pest status of Ralstonia solanacearum (race 1) in the Netherlands is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, found on Anthurium and Curcuma plants for planting, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of the Netherlands (2015-09).