Defra

Having considered details of the findings of downy mildew on Impatiens in 2003, along with a request to drop controls by the British Bedding Plant Association, Defra have decided to continue to take action to limit the spread of this disease in 2004.

Defra feel that it is necessary to consider the risks of this disease further, including its economic impact, and also see the need for wider consultation of interested parties before deciding whether to drop all official controls. The reasons for this decision are:

• The disease is considered to be alien to the United Kingdom.
  
• The disease is very damaging to its host.
  
• Control of the disease is amenable to phytosanitary measures e.g. requirements for seed and plants for planting to be free from the pathogen.
  
  Therefore, Defra has:
  
  
• Sought further information from industry’s own investigations into the origin of the findings last year.
  
• Invited industry suggestions on more sustainable long-term control.
  
• Commissioned a cost benefit analysis to compare maintenance of some official control with cessation of all official control.
  
• In association with the HDC, prepared a factsheet (to be issued early February) to help growers manage the disease.

For the 2004 season, growers are advised to:

• Ensure that sources of propagating material whether seed or young plants are free of the disease.
  
• Adopt strict hygiene measures to prevent disease carry-over.
  
• Reduce humidity to discourage disease development.
  
• Monitor crops regularly for signs of the disease.
  
• Report suspect findings to their local Plant Health & Seeds Inspector

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