Inspection intercepts potato brown rot

The bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum, which causes brown rot, has been found during annual survey checks in a consignment of seed potatoes at a farm in Lancashire. The potatoes had been imported from the Netherlands and were due to be planted for ware potato production.

The annual survey is carried out in all member states to check for potato diseases including both brown rot and ring rot. This interception proves the value of carrying out quarantine surveillance.

Action is being taken to prevent the movement of potatoes from this farm and to trace related stocks.