Eradication of an outbreak of Ralstonia solanacearum on Pelargonium in France
In 2003, an outbreak of Ralstonia solanacearum biovar 2 (EPPO A2 list) was found on Pelargonium in France, in the region Poitou-Charentes. Control measures were immediately applied to the firm concerned. All infected plant material was destroyed, as well as material which might have been infected by contact or via the irrigation system. Premises, tools and the irrigation system were disinfected. Surveys done at premises of the clients of the infected nursery revealed another outbreak in a garden centre. The same control measures were applied there. Since then, no other case has been detected. Investigations made to trace back the origin of the infection showed that the plant material came from 4 different origins: Portugal (Madeira), Israel, South Africa and Costa Rica (via the Netherlands for the last two). The Portuguese NPPO was informed of the situation. A survey was done in Portugal but the variety concerned was no longer present. All tests made to detect R. solanacearum on the Portuguese firm were negative.
The status of R. solanacearum on Pelargonium in France is declared as follows: Absent, eradicated.
Sources
NPPO of France, 2004-07.