The first detection of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ in Portugal

The Portuguese Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary (DGAV) has officially announced the first detection of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CaLsol) in Portugal in the Circular Letter 35/2017 (available in Portuguese). The haplotype E of the bacterium was found in carrot fields in West-Lisbon and Tagus Valley.

DGAV has pointed out that producers of carrots and potatoes, stockists and packing plants should be on alert for the presence of symptoms and in case of suspicion they should contact the Regional Directorate of Agriculture and Fisheries immediately, in order to proceed with laboratory analyses and take the necessary measures to avoid the spread of this pathogen, so far never been described in the Country.