Defra

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 Community, and on imported material, to prevent the spread of this disease. Additional measures may also be introduced in response to particular risks.

Under Directive 98/57 the Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate (PHSI) 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 involves irrigation and spraying prohibitions for potato and tomato crops.

In addition to the Directive requirements, the PHSI are undertaking a targeted programme to remove woody nightshade (Solanum dulcamara), a known host plant of the organism, from the banks of selectedcontaminated watercourses. This programme has resulted in the elimination of the organism from some watercourses, allowing irrigation and spraying restrictions to be lifted. A Sustainable Arable Link Project has also been completed to identify options for growers affected by restrictions and some projects are eligible for funding under Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme. The PHSI must be consulted by growers or companies interested in developing or using an approved technique. Minimum specifications apply to water treatment methods.

An information sheet on Potato brown rot (pdf) is available

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