First report of Synchytrium endobioticum in Bulgaria
Potato wart disease caused by Synchytrium endobioticum (EPPO A2 List) was found for the first time in Bulgaria in 2004 in the mountainous region of Samokov (Sofia province) at an altitude of 700 m. Symptoms were detected in local gardens growing many different potato cultivars without any crop rotation. S. endobioticum was detected in ware potatoes on the following cultivars: Agria, Raia, Milva, and Santé. The pathogen was not found on seed potatoes. Soil sampling and analysis, as well as the identification of S. endobioticum were done according to the EPPO phytosanitary procedure PM 3/59(2) and the EPPO diagnostic protocol PM 4/28(1) with small modifications. Studies are being carried out to identify the pathotypes present and so far, only pathotype 8 (F1) has been detected. Laboratory tests and field trials are also being performed to assess the resistance of potato cultivars against the fungus, and the following ones are now recommended for cultivation in the buffer zone surrounding the infested area: Panda, Désirée and Amorosa.
The pest status of Synchytrium endobioticum in Bulgaria is officially declared as follows: Present, only in one mountainous region in the country where potatoes are cultivated.
Sources
NPPO of Bulgaria, 2008-02.