Current situation of Ralstonia solanacearum in Turkey
In Turkey, potato brown rot caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (EPPO A2 List) was first detected in potatoes in the province of Nevsehir (Central Anatolia region) in 1995 (see EPPO RS 96/002). Biochemical tests showed the occurrence of R. solanacearum biovar 2. Following this initial detection, surveys were initiated and 5 farms were found infected. Eradication measures were taken. On the infected sites, potato production was prohibited for 5 years and only wheat and barley could be grown in rotation. The disease was then no longer found. However, in 2006 during an official survey programme, R. solanacearum was detected again in potato fields near Altınova, in the province of Balıkesir (Marmara region). In Altınova, 148 plots (corresponding to approximately 163 ha) were found infected by R. solanacearum. Phytosanitary measures transposed from the EU directive 98/57/EEC were applied. These measures include: delimitation surveys, prohibition of growing solanaceous crops (potato, tomato, aubergine) for 5 years in infected fields where only wheat and barley are permitted, herbicide control of weeds (e.g. Portulaca oleracea and solanaceous weeds), surveys for the presence of R. solanacearum in solanaceous weeds and surface waters used for irrigation of potato fields, surveys for the presence of the bacterium in waters released by potato processing companies. Finally, all exported potato lots are tested for R. solanacearum (this has been done since 1996), and all potato crops are now submitted to an official survey programme.
The situation of Ralstonia solanacearum in Turkey can be described as follows: Present, first reported in 1995 in Central Anatolia but then no longer detected, one outbreak found in 2006 in Marmara region, under official control.
Sources
NPPO of Turkey, 2007-02.