First report of Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum on Rosa sp. in Greece
In March 2021, a sample of diseased Rosa sp. plants was sent by a grower to the Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Greece for diagnosis. This sample had been collected from a commercial greenhouse producing rose cut flowers in the municipality of Troizinia-Methana (Attica), where 10% of the plants were affected. Sampled plants displayed dieback with black necrosis of pruned shoots, brown discoloration of shoot and root vascular tissues, and whitish slime exudation when cutting shoots. Laboratory analysis (immunofluorescence, biochemical, molecular and pathogenicity tests) confirmed the presence of Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum (EPPO A2 List) in the symptomatic sample. This is the first time that R. pseudosolanacearum is detected in Greece. Official phytosanitary measures will be implemented to prevent any further spread of the disease.
The situation of Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum in Greece can be described as follows: Present, not widely distributed.
Sources
Holeva MC, Glynos PE, Reppa CI, Karafla CD (2024) First report of Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum causing bacterial wilt on Rosa sp. in Greece. Plant Disease (early view). https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-11-23-2279-PDN