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Ralstonia solanacearum (Rs) is a bacterial plant pathogen that
has a very wide host range. Rs has
been classified into various races and biovars. Most races of the bacterium,
and their associated diseases, appear to be limited to tropical, sub-tropical
and warm temperate climates, and thus pose no long-term threat to agriculture
in cool temperate climates. However, one particular race of the bacterium,
termed race 3 (biovar 2A), or the "potato race", is not known to
occur in the United States or Canada and in recent years has been found in some
temperate areas of Europe, mainly on potato, but also on tomato, and a few weed
species. This race of the bacterium is now considered as a quarantine pest in
Europe, Canada and the United States. Recently it has been found that race 3
also causes a wilting disease in geraniums (Pelargonium species). |
