Ralstonia solanacearum detected in Pelargonium in the USA
In April 2020, the NPPO of the USA confirmed the detection of Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 (EPPO A2 List) in a symptomatic geranium (Pelargonium sp. Fantasia ‘Pink Flare’) sample collected from a greenhouse in Michigan. This geranium variety had been imported from a production facility in Guatemala. Eradication measures were immediately taken. Tracing-forward studies are also being carried out in all greenhouses that had received Fantasia ‘Pink Flare’ geranium cuttings.
The pest status of Ralstonia solanacearum (race 3 biovar 2) in the USA is officially declared as: Transient: actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NAPPO Phytosanitary Alert System. Official Pest Reports. USA (2020-04-22) Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2: detection in a United States greenhouse. https://www.pestalerts.org/official-pest-report/ralstonia-solanacearum-race-3-biovar-2-detection-united-states-greenhouse