Champoiseau, P. 2009. Ralstonia solanacearum Race 3 biovar 2: Description and current diagnosis methods for best management of a Select Agent pathogen. Second Meeting of the National Plant Diagnostic Network. Held December 06-10, 2009, Miami, Florida, USA.

Download power-point presentation (PDF)

Abstract: R. solanacearum is one of the most damaging plant pathogenic bacteria worldwide, affecting a wide range of economically important crops and ornamentals, including potato, tomato, and geranium. One subgroup of R. solanacearum called race 3 biovar 2 (R3b2) is considered a serious threat to agriculture production and is subject to the strictest biosecurity regulations in the United States where it has been listed on the USDA-APHIS select agent list. Previous accidental introductions of R3b2 in the US resulted in multi-million dollar losses for the ornamental industry, due to regulatory eradication protocols. Therefore it is critical to prevent further re-introduction and possible spread of R3b2 in the US. This involves exclusion, early detection, and unambiguous identification of the pathogen at both national and international levels. This can be achieved by ensuring preparedness and effective training of greenhouse owners, industrial representatives, diagnosticians and other individuals responsible for first detection and response to a possible R3b2 discovery in the US. The objective of this session is to provide most accurate information on R3b2 and bacterial wilt diseases on tomato, potato, and geranium, including description of the pathogen, current effective disease diagnosis tools and recommended strategies for best management of this pathogen, according to APHIS official regulation.