First report of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ in Portugal
In September 2017, ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ haplotype E (only potato haplotypes are listed in EPPO A1 List) was detected in a commercial field (1 ha) of carrots (Daucus carota) in the municipality of Olho Marinho, Portugal. The presence of the pathogen was detected following a laboratory analysis which had been requested by the grower. Further investigations are being carried out to determine the origin of the infection. An official survey programme, including trapping for psyllid vectors, will be carried out in 2018. This is the first time that ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ is reported from Portugal.
The pest status of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ in Portugal is officially declared as: Present, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Portugal (2018-01).