Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 found in Mauritius
In Mauritius, two outbreaks of bacterial wilt (caused by Ralstonia solanacearum – EPPO A2 List) were recently observed in seed potato fields on different cultivars, at altitudes of approximately 90 m (one in October 2005 in the south, and the other in September 2006 in the north). In Mauritius, although R. solanacearum has been regularly found, all isolates belonged to race 1 biovar 3. But in October 2005 and September 2006, R. solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 was identified for the first time in potato crops, as well as in weed species (Solanum americanum, Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium, Oxalis latifolia). It is considered that R. solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 has recently been introduced onto the island, most probably with latently infected seed potato tubers.
Sources
Khoodoo MHR, Ganoo ES, Saumtally S (2007) First report of Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2A infecting potato and weeds in Mauritius. Plant Disease 91(9), p 1200.