Published Date: 2004-08-02 23:50:00
Subject: PRO/PL> Bacterial ring rot, potato - UK (England)
Archive Number: 20040802.2106
BACTERIAL RING ROT, POTATO - UK (ENGLAND)
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A ProMED-mail post
<http://www.promedmail.org>
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
<http://www.isid.org>
Date: 2 Aug 2004
From: ProMED-mail <promed@promedmail.org>
Source: The Scotsman [edited]
<http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3286318>
[ProMED-mail thanks to Mary Marshall <tropical.forestry@btinternet.com> for
submitting a similar piece on this outbreak. - Mod.MPP]
Potato ring rot has been found in potatoes of the variety Sante
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Potatoes grown in Herefordshire, and packed at a firm in Cambridgeshire,
were discovered to be infected with bacterial ring rot, when suspect
symptoms were identified. The firm involved acted promptly, and
responsibly, and notified the Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate, on Fri
30 Jul 2004, which arranged an immediate visit.
Subsequent testing at the Central Science Laboratory, on Sat 31 Jul 2004,
by 2 separate methods (immunofluorescence (IF) and polymerase chain
reaction (PCR)), gave positive results. An eggplant (_Solanum melongena_)
test, as required under EC legislation, will be carried out, but, there is
no doubt about the results of testing already completed.
There has been good cooperation between the grower and the packing company,
and holding action has been taken to prevent the use, or movement, of
material or equipment, which may present a risk.
A tracing and testing program has been initiated, which will include an
investigation into the origin of the potatoes supplied to the grower in
Herefordshire.
--
ProMED-mail
<promed@promedmail.org>
[This is the 3rd outbreak of ring rot caused by _Clavibacter michiganensis_
subsp. _sepedonicus_ in the UK since November 2003. Disease management
depends upon eradication of the pathogen. A strict phytosanitary regimen
requires maintenance of ring-rot-free conditions in buildings and storage
bins, decontamination of equipment and clothing used in cutting and
planting of potatoes, and the use of seed free of the bacterium.
Full details about ring rot can be found on Defra's web-site at
<http://www.defra.gov.uk/planth/ring.htm> including Defra's contingency
plan for dealing with outbreaks: <http://www.defra.gov.uk/planth/ring.pdf>
The UK's first ring rot outbreak was in 2003. Details are available at
<http://www.defra.gov.uk/planth/ring/repfinal.htm> - Mod.DH]