Ralstonia solanacearum found in Solanum melongena in the Netherlands
The NPPO of the Netherlands recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the detection of Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 (EPPO A2 List) in a glasshouse producing fruit of Solanum melongena (aubergine) located in the municipality of Westland, province of South Holland. Affected plants showed wilting symptoms. Brown discoloration of the vessels could also be observed on stems. Affected plants were initially tested by a private laboratory which then contacted the NPPO laboratory and the identity of the bacterium was confirmed in June 2016. In the glasshouse concerned (5700 m²), it is estimated that 675 out of the 3 980 plants of S. melongena (covering 480 m²) were infected by R. solanacearum. Tracing back studies are ongoing but for the moment the origin of this infection is still unknown. This is the first time that R. solanacearum is detected on S. melongena in the Netherlands. Official phytosanitary measures were taken to eradicate the disease. All symptomatic plants and their substrate are to be destroyed, as well as all plants and substrate located in their vicinity. Fruit harvest of all other plants will be authorized but fruits will not be sorted or packed at any other production sites. Specific hygiene measures have been imposed on the infested production site for staff, equipment, storage containers and soil.
The pest status of Ralstonia solanacearum in the Netherlands is officially declared as:
in potato production chain: transient, incidental findings, under eradication;
in natural environment (surface water): present;
in Pelargonium: eradicated;
in Solanum melongena plants: transient: actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of the Netherlands (2016-07).