Update of the situation of Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens in Belgium
In Belgium, Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens (EPPO A2 List) was first isolated from faba beans (Vicia faba) in the province of Oost-Vlaanderen (arrondissement of Gent) in 2021 (EPPO RS 2022/110). Eradication measures were taken and ended in 2024. This outbreak is considered eradicated.
The pathogen was found again in August 2024 in small plots (10 m2) of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) grown for variety trials in the province of Antwerpen. The seed originated from the USA. An investigation is ongoing to know if other fields were sown with the same lot of seeds. Official measures have been applied and include the destruction of infected seed and the prohibition of growing host plants in the infested plots.
The pest status of Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens in Belgium is officially declared as: Present, not widely distributed and under official control (eradication).
Sources
NPPO of Belgium (2024-10, 2025-01).