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Potato brown rot
Potato brown rot is a serious bacterial disease of potatoes which is not established in the UK.
The Plant Health Directive includes requirements on the movement of material within the EU, and on imported material, to prevent the spread of this disease. Additional measures may also be introduced in response to particular risks.
Fera Plant Health and Seeds Inspectors carry out annual monitoring of potatoes and watercourses for the organism (Ralstonia solanacearum) which causes the disease. Restrictions are imposed in the event of positive findings, which for watercourses means that irrigation and spraying of potato and tomato crops is only possible using an approved method, such as winter abstraction and storage, or water treatment. The PHSI must be consulted by growers or companies interested in developing or using an approved technique.
Those bringing seed potatoes into England and Wales from other EU Member States must notify such introductions in advance. The information provided facilitates monitoring by the Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate and allows tracing in the event of problems. In the event of non-compliance, statutory action is taken reflecting the level of risk resulting from the infringement. Details of the notification system are available here.
| Useful Info | Useful Guides |
|---|---|
| Survey Results | Illustrated Information Leaflet (PDF 235KB) |
| Watercourses designated as contaminated: | |
| Specification for the treatment of contaminated river water (PDF 22KB) | |
| Seed potato notification system details |