Notification of the detection of Pepper ringspot virus (PepRSV) in the Republic of South Africa

 

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Publication Date

Thu, 21 Dec 2023, 19:19

Last Updated

Dec. 21, 2023, 7:19 p.m.

Report Number

ZAF-57/1

Country

South Africa

Pest Id

Pepper ringspot virus - (PEPRSV)

Report Status

Final

Hosts

PepRSV was detected in Potato cultivars (Solanum tuberosum: Solanaceae), in the notified areas.

Pest Status (ISPM 8 - 2021)

• Present: except in specified pest free areas

Geographical Distribution

The pest was detected in October 2022 in a commercial potato planting in Polokwane, Capricorn District Municipality, Limpopo Province. From April 2023, it was detected in other District municipalities in the country including Thabo Mofutsanyane, Lejweleputswa, and Fezile Dabi District Municipalities in the Free State Province; Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and Bojanala Platinum in the North West Province; Francis Baard and Pixley Ka Seme in the Northern Cape Province as well as Umgungundlovu District Municipality in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province. The pest is not known to occur in the Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and Western Cape Provinces.

Summary

PepRSV was detected in potato cultivars (seed and commercial plantings) in the various Provinces of South Africa. The official samples were collected after random symptom observations in the reported areas. The morphological identification of the pest was conducted by plant virologist, using RT-PCR methodology.

Surveys in other parts of the country are conducted and all other phytosanitary measures are implemented.

Removal and/or movement of host material from affected areas to unaffected areas in the rest of the Republic of South Africa is restricted in accordance with the Agricultural Pests Act No. 36 of 1983 (Act No.36 of 1983) to prevent further spread of this pest to other Provinces.

Danger

Potential spread or establishment of PepRSV from infected areas through host material to other provinces may negatively affect domestic and international trade and export potential of relevant host commodities. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is continuing with delimiting surveys in production areas to determine the extent of spread, as well as pest status in other parts of South Africa. Phytosanitary measures are implemented to restrict the movement of host material from infected to non-infected areas.

Contact for info

Ms Muneiwa Mathavha Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Private bag x14 Gezina 0031 South Africa Email: [email protected]

Report files

Detection of Pepper ringspot virus in South Africa

Website

Issue keywords

Delimiting survey Restrictions Risk Management

Commodity keywords

Potatoes, fresh or chilled