EPPO Global Database

EPPO Reporting Service no. 06 - 2021 Num. article: 2021/140

First report of Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum in Germany


The NPPO of Germany recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum (EPPO A2 List) on its territory. The pathogen was detected in a research institution in Hesse on symptomatic ginger plants (Zingiber officinale) in a greenhouse. The identification was confirmed by the national reference laboratory. R. pseudosolanacearum was also detected in samples of irrigation water. Tests were also performed on other plant species that had been grown at the same time in the greenhouse (Salicornia sp., Curcuma sp. and Solanum lycopersicum). One sample from tomato plants tested positive but the plants did not show any symptoms. Official eradication measures are applied and include the incineration of infected material. The site will be monitored officially for at least 3 years. The source of the infection could not be clarified. However, the ginger roots used for planting were purchased as ginger for consumption that was probably imported from Peru via another EU Member State. 

The pest status of Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum in Germany is officially declared as: Present, under eradication, only in some parts of the Member State concerned (one location).


Sources

NPPO of Germany (2021-06).