Potato Ring Rot – Ware Potatoes from Poland
The following message has been received from FERA:”Fera has confirmed the presence of ring rot in ware potatoes imported from Poland and processed in Wales. The potatoes were targeted for testing during a routine inspection by Fera’s Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate and were identified as being probably contaminated with ring rot following two (IF and PCR) screening tests. Further laboratory analysis (involving inoculation of eggplants, followed by re-isolation and identification) has now confirmed the position. The potatoes had already been processed at the time of initial testing and an investigation by the PHSI has not revealed any significant risk of spread. This interception is a timely reminder of the need for careful sourcing of potatoes and compliance with legal requirements on notification and traceback. New legislation has recently come into force on the import of seed and ware potatoes and details are available athttp://www.fera.defra.gov.uk/plants/plantHealth/pestsDiseases/documents/potatoImportLetter.pdf“.Members are reminded about the risks from ring rot and other harmful potato diseases and the importance of careful sourcing and compliance with legal requirements. Please see the Fera letter of 6th December 2012 which can be found in the documents section of the ‘Members only’ area of this Website.