Control measures

Clavibacter michiganensis sepedonicus is classified as a quarantine parasite (zero tolerance) in most countries, including the European Union, and is therefore subject to mandatory control measures to avoid its dissemination and to eradicate the disease when and where an outbreak is notified.

Integrated pest management and prophylactic measures are the most effective ways to reduce the consequences linked to the presence of the disease and to prevent the introduction of the bacteria into disease free areas:

• the use of certified seed potatoes inspected in the field and tested in the laboratory is still the best way to avoid the spread of the disease;
• the cultivation in a healthy environment: a bacteria-free soil, the effective elimination of weeds and groundkeepers, and drying;
• the use of clean and disinfected agricultural equipment for both cultivation and storage.