Finding of Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum in Switzerland
The NPPO of Switzerland received a notification from an EU Member State that ginger plants (Zingiber officinale) that were probably infected with Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum (EPPO A2 List) had been imported into Switzerland in March 2023. Trace forward activities showed that the ginger plants had been planted in a foil tunnel (400 m²) in the canton of Thurgau and showed signs of wilting. They were sampled and tested positive for R. pseudosolanacearum. Eradication measures have been taken and include the destruction of the plants, the disinfection and quarantine of the foil tunnel, as well as a cultivation break until April 2024, and the prohibition to grow host plants for at least 3 years. Surveys in the surroundings are planned.
Following this detection, further companies with the same supplier were sampled. As a result, at the end of August 2023, R. pseudosolanacearum has been detected in ginger plants in seven cantons (Bern, Luzern, Schwyz, St. Gallen, Thurgau, Zug, Zurich). Official measures have been taken. Further sampling and intensive monitoring of these areas are planned.
The pest status of Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum in Switzerland is officially declared as: Present, in specific parts of the country, where host crop(s) are grown, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Switzerland (2023-08).