Pest categorisation of Clavibacter sepedonicus

Area of Science:

• Plant Pathology
• Bacteriology
• Agricultural Entomology

Background:

• Clavibacter sepedonicus is a bacterial plant pathogen causing potato bacterial ring rot.
• It is regulated in the EU under Council Directive 2000/29/EC as a harmful organism.
• Measures are in place under Council Directive 1993/85/EEC for its detection, prevention, and control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform a pest categorisation of Clavibacter sepedonicus for the European Commission.
• To assess its potential as a quarantine pest or regulated non-quarantine pest within the EU.
• To identify knowledge gaps regarding its geographic distribution and host range.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing scientific literature and regulatory information.
• Assessment of pest characteristics against EU criteria for quarantine and regulated non-quarantine pests.
• Evaluation of pathways for introduction, establishment, and spread within the EU.

Main Results:

• Clavibacter sepedonicus is present in several EU Member States but with restricted distribution and under official control.
• The pest could enter and establish in the EU primarily via potato tubers, favored by common cultivation and suitable climate.
• Significant direct potato losses can occur due to vascular tissue destruction, wilting, and tuber rot; infected hosts may be asymptomatic.

Conclusions:

• Clavibacter sepedonicus meets the criteria for consideration as a potential quarantine pest in the EU.
• The criterion for widespread presence in the EU is not met for regulated non-quarantine pest status.
• Knowledge gaps concerning geographic distribution and host range require further investigation.