Update on the situation of Synchytrium endobioticum in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, official surveys on potato wart disease caused by Synchytrium endobioticum (EPPO A2 List) are conducted every year, and now follow EU Regulation 2022/1195. When the fungus is detected, official measures are taken and a ban on the cultivation of potatoes and propagation material is imposed on all plots found to be infected. In 2020 the pathotype 38 (Nevşehir) was detected for the first time in 3 plots in the municipality of Stadskanaa (EPPO RS 2021/200).
In 2021, S. endobioticum was detected in four additional plots in the north-east of the Netherlands: two plots in the municipality of Westerwolde (pathotype 38 (Nevşehir)), one in the municipality of Veendam (pathotype 18 (T1)) and one in the municipality of Emmen (pathotype not determined).
In 2022 in order to gain a better insight into the distribution of pathotype 38 (Nevşehir) in this area, the official survey focused on the area around the outbreaks detected in 2020 and 2021, and 90 inspections were conducted in an area within a radius of 10 km. As a result, eight new plots were found to be infested: two in the municipality of Westerwolde, two in the municipality of Stadskanaal, two in the municipality of Midden Groningen, one in the municipality of Pekela and one in the municipality of Emmen. Based on the resistance profiles of the potato varieties cropped in these fields, it is suspected that outbreaks were due to pathotype 38 (Nevşehir). Pathotype determination is ongoing. The NPPO is also conducting tests to assess the resistance of a number of potato varieties to pathotype 38 (Nevşehir).
Sources
NVWA (2022-11-25) NVWA treft wratziekte aan op 8 landbouwpercelen in noordoost-Nederland. https://www.nvwa.nl/nieuws-en-media/nieuws/2022/11/25/nvwa-treft-wratziekte-aan-op-acht-landbouwpercelen-in-noordoost-nederland
EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1195 of July 11, 2022 establishing measures to eradicate Synchytrium endobioticum (Schilbersky) Percival and prevent its spread. OJL 185 12.07.2022, p. 65, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2022/1195/oj