Update on the situation of Clavibacter nebraskensis in South Africa
Clavibacter nebraskensis (EPPO Alert List) which causes Goss’s wilt and leaf blight of maize (Zea mays) was first reported in South Africa in 2024 (EPPO RS 2025/046). The pathogen was then detected in four provinces (Free State, North West, Gauteng and Eastern Cape). Official measures were taken and a delimiting survey was conducted in 2025. As a result, C. nebraskensis was detected in four additional provinces and it is currently considered present in eight provinces: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, and Western Cape.
C. nebraskensis is regulated in South Africa with the objective to prevent its spread to pest-free areas by restricting movement of host material and agricultural equipment such as harvesters from infested areas to non-infested areas
The pest status of Clavibacter nebraskensis in South Africa is officially declared as: Present.
Sources
IPPC website. Official Pest Reports- South Africa (2026-04-08) Notification of the change in status of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis, Goss’ Wilt on maize, in the Republic of South Africa. https://www.ippc.int/fr/countries/south-africa/pestreports/2026/04/notification-of-the-change-in-status-of-clavibacter-michiganensis-subsp-nebraskensis-goss-wilt-on-maize-in-the-republic-of-south-africa/
Department of Agriculture of South Africa. Press release (2025-04-08) Pest alert: Change in status of Goss’s Wilt (Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. Nebraskensis) of maize in South Africa. https://www.nda.gov.za/images/Newsroom/Media%20Releases/2026/media-statement-pest-alert-change-in-status-of-gosss-wilt-clavibacter-michiganensis-subsp_-nebrasken_p77984.pdf