Update on the situation of Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens in the Netherlands
Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens (EPPO A2 List) was first reported in the Netherlands causing vascular wilt of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in three fields in the municipality of Altena in September 2024 (EPPO RS 2024/224). Eradication measures were applied.
In 2025, 97 inspections were carried out in fields of host plants, and 11 samples were collected from symptomatic plants. In addition, asymptomatic weeds were sampled in the immediate vicinity of 50 cultivation sites. C. flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens was not detected in any samples.
In addition, imported seed, that had not been tested in the country of origin, was tested. Out of 10 samples of asymptomatic runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus) and green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seeds, one sample tested positive for C. flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens and was destroyed.
The NPPO of the Netherlands also received three reports on the possible presence of C. flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens in seed lots from other EU Member States. This resulted in the finding of the bacterium in seed lots before sowing. The lots were destroyed.
The NPPO of the Netherlands considers that C. flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens is not widespread in the Netherlands. The NPPO will continue to carry out surveys for C. flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens in 2026 in Phaseolus spp., Vicia faba and Glycine max cultivation sites and weed samples in the immediate vicinity of these crops.
Sources
NPPO of the Netherlands (2026-04) Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens in 2025 niet in teelt aangetroffen - NVWA blijft monitoren. Accessed online (2026-05): https://www.nvwa.nl/actueel/nieuws/2026/04/17/cff-in-2025-niet-in-teelt-aangetroffen-nvwa-blijft-monitoren