Ralstonia solanacearum detected in Sweden
The NPPO of Sweden recently informed the EPPO Secretariat that Ralstonia solanacearum (EPPO A2 List) was detected in 2 lots of ware potatoes (Solanum tuberosum cv. ‘Lanorma’) produced in Sweden in 2009. Samples taken from all other potato lots from the 2 places of production concerned were not infected by R. solanacearum. The identity of the bacterium was confirmed by using the test scheme of the EU Directive 2006/63/EC. These findings followed a notification from the Dutch NPPO which indicated a clonal link between seed potatoes delivered to Sweden and contaminations found in the Netherlands. It can be recalled that a few cases of R. solanacearum were reported more than 30 years ago in Sweden but were subsequently eradicated. Phytosanitary measures have been taken in accordance with the EU directive 98/57/EC to eradicate the disease.
The situation of Ralstonia solanacearum in Sweden can be described as follows: Transient, detected in 2 production sites, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Sweden, 2010-03.