Clavibacter sepedonicus: A Devastating Potato Plant Pathogen and Effective Control Measures

Clavibacter sepedonicus is recognized as one of the most devastating potato plant pathogens in Europe and over the world. It is capable of causing significant losses in potato crops due to downgrading during seed certification of seed potatoes.

The biological traits of this bacterium can help it to survive in dry and cold conditions for a long time. It forms biofilms on the surfaces of potato stores and vehicles that make it much more difficult to eliminate this plant pathogen.

The most important and effective way to control this plant pathogen is a use of certified seed potatoes that are free from plant pathogens (without the seed-borne infection) from pest free areas and places of production in accordance with international, regional standards on seed potatoes.