The effects of disinfection on Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus and other bacterial pathogens of potato in Europe (CMS-Disinfect)

The Euphresco project CMS-Disinfect focuses especially on the EU regulated (Council directive Council directive 93/85/EEC amended by Commission Directive 2006/56/EC) Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus (Cms, the causative agent of ring rot), the bacteria Dickeya dianthicola (Dd), Dickeya solani (Ds) and Pectobacterium atrospeticum (Pa) which cause blackleg. Elimination of disease transmission via bacterial ooze biofilm from infected potato tubers would lead to a significant reduction of losses in potato production caused by these bacterial infections. In case of Cms, this would mean a significant reduction of the burden for NPPO’s resulting from (ring rot) outbreaks, which usually require great efforts to contain the infection and to trace the source of the infection.

The main objective of this Euphresco project was to find an effective method for disinfection of wooden potato storage crates and other matrices relevant in potato production systems, which are contaminated by Cms or the blackleg causing bacteria. To achieve this, it is necessary to find an effective active substance and the best procedure to apply the disinfectant. Within this project two studies were performed, each dealing with different aspects of disinfection, namely (1) Testing the efficacy of a range of disinfectants against Cms, Dd, Ds and Pa on wood, rubber or stainless steel under laboratory conditions, and (2) testing of commercially available disinfection products for their efficacy against Cms on wooden potato storage crates using an automated crate washer with jet cleaning.