First report ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma fragariae’ and ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’ in potato in the Netherlands
The NPPO of the Netherlands recently reported the first official findings of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma fragariae’ and ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’ in potato (Solanum tuberosum) field crops. Both phytoplasma species are regulated non-quarantine pests in the EU, ‘Ca. P. fragariae’ for Fragaria plants for planting, and ‘Ca. P. asteris’ for Fragaria and Vaccinium plants for planting, but they are not regulated in relation to potato. In addition ‘Ca. Phytoplasma fragariae’ -related strains (YN-169, YN-10G) are regulated as EU quarantine pests.
At the beginning of July 2025 symptoms were observed in a field of seed potato as part of official field inspections. They included rolling and discoloration of the top leaves, shortened internodes and aerial tubers. Photos were kindly provided in EPPO Global Database. In August 2025 ‘Ca. P. asteris’ was first detected in plant samples. Subsequently ‘Ca. P. asteris’ was detected from plants in five additional fields and ‘Ca. P. fragariae’ was detected in plants from one field.
Based on the data from mandatory field inspections in seed potato crops there is no indication of further spread. The origin of the findings in the Netherlands is unknown. So far no specific vectors have been detected that could be linked to these phytoplasmas in potato crops in the Netherlands.
Measures for symptoms of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasmas’ in general in potato field crops and harvested lots in the seed potato certification scheme in the Netherlands are under consideration.
Sources
NPPO of the Netherlands (2025-09).
NAK (2025-08-22) Fytoplasma besmettingen geconstateerd in pootaardappelen. https://www.nak.nl/fytoplasma-besmettingen-geconstateerd-in-pootaardappelen/