The presence of the plant pathogenic bacterium Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum was confirmed in our country

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The bacterium Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum, identified by the Nébih laboratory in September 2022 from samples from the counties of Hajdú-Bihar, Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok and Zala, is classified as a closed-loop pest, the presence of which can cause significant economic damage. Currently, there is no chemical protection against it, its spread can be limited by appropriate plant health measures.

The primary starting point for the spread of the bacterium is the infected propagating material

But in addition, due to the fact that it retains its infectiousness for a long time, contact with various work machines and tools may also result in further infections. In addition, this species of bacteria can also spread through irrigation water of surface origin, the source of which is bitter gourd (Solanum dulcamara). The infection can also cause a complete crop loss, and the cultivation of host plants must be suspended for years in the affected areas.

In the absence of chemical control options, the following preventive phytosanitary measures can be the solution to prevent the spread:

• planting only healthy propagating materials tested by the laboratory
• appropriate disinfection of machines and devices
• prevention of spread with irrigation water of surface origin
• protection against bitter tip
• host plants are not cultivated in the infected areas for the prescribed period
• fallowing and (in crop rotation) the cultivation of ryegrass or other grasses is recommended
• eradication of orphans.

Nébih