Situation of Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) solanacearum in the Netherlands
In 1995, Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) solanacearum (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) was reported in the Netherlands (EPPO RS 96/001). From the middle of October 1995, before the beginning of the main potato trade season, all seed potato lots were tested and only lots found free were marketed. The EPPO phytosanitany procedure no. 26 was followed for sampling and testing.
The results of the 1995 survey are the following. Approximately 51,000 samples were collected and tested for B. solanacearum. These samples were mainly seed potatoes but also ware potatoes. In total, 94 farms have been found infested, including 54 seed potato-growing farms. Foci are located in almost all potato-growing areas, many of them are connected by the use of a clonal line (cv. Bildstar), which is essentially grown for the Dutch market. Some of the infestations can be related to the use of machinery in common. In November 1995, samples of surface water were taken in a limited number of areas where infestations could not be explained by clonal or machinery relations. In one of these areas, infected surface water was discovered. Measures were taken in infected farms in order to eradicate the disease and prevent any further spread.
In 1996, the present situation is the following. All seed potato lots from a farm have to be tested and found free of B. solanacearum before trade is allowed. Sampling and testing started in the middle of August and is expected to finish in the middle of November. The testing capacity has now reached 1000 samples per day. So far, approximately 15,000 samples have been tested. In one case, an infestation was found and measures were immediately taken to prevent any further spread from the farm concerned. In spring 1996, a survey was initiated in all potato-growing areas to establish the extent of the contamination in surface waters and Solanum dulcamara. First results have shown that in some places, surface waters and S. dulcamara plants were infested. Potato lots from these areas will not be marketed as seed potatoes.
Sources
Plant Protection Service of the Netherlands, 1996-09.