Description
PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES
Immediate phytosanitary measures in infected and suspected infected areas
In the event of new findings in an infected area, even if not confirmed by analytical investigations, the Provincial Plant Protection Service implements immediate phytosanitary measures to contain the possible spread of the pathogen.
The measures identified are as follows
- ban on the movement outside the infected area of plants and plant products (including those of non-host species), plant residues and cultivation soil/substrates that are, or are suspected to be, contaminated
- soil or debris originating from an infested zone may only be moved and used or stored outside that zone under conditions which ensure that there is no identifiable risk of spreading the harmful organism;
- no planting/producing/harvesting/storing of seed potatoes and host plants;
- no other plants intended for replanting outside the infested area are grown or stored, either in the ground or elsewhere;
- plants other than host plants may be moved outside the infested area only without root systems and/or residues that may have been in contact with the soil, or if the soil is removed by appropriate methods to ensure that there is no risk of spreading the harmful organism;
- thorough disinfection with 20% sodium hypochlorite solution of footwear and equipment used within the infected field;
- machinery is cleaned of soil and plant debris before or immediately after being moved out of the infested area and before entering any production site located in the buffer zone or outside the demarcated area;
- destruction of all plants, tubers and plant debris (including those of non-host species) present in the infested area;
- disposal as special waste (to be disposed of in closed containers) of consumables used in the infected area such as gloves, sacks, sock covers, etc.; and
- where possible, fencing the infected area to prevent the occasional transit of animals and wildlife;
- a complete ban on grazing, especially of transhumant herds.
According to the current action plan, when black potato mange is found, the above-mentioned initial restrictions and surveillance activities are followed as soon as possible by
- investigations to identify the origin of the outbreak;
- prompt communication to professionals in the area;
- institutional communications to other figures involved in the infected area (e.g. municipality, neighbouring regions, area owners or managers, etc.).
Furthermore, it is prescribed that
- only after the total removal of infected materials/residues in the contaminated area, and with the specific authorisation of the SFP, non-pathogen host crops may be planted;
- no potatoes and solanaceous plants are planted and cultivated for at least 5 years after the last detection of the harmful organism;
- it is absolutely prohibited to sow, cultivate or recultivate any nursery material for propagation.
Phytosanitary measures in the buffer zone
The minimum phytosanitary measures to be taken by the SFP in the buffer zone (i.e. in the area closely surrounding the infested area) are as follows
- prohibition of the cultivation of plants for replanting and seed potatoes;
- no handling of soil or plant residues outside the buffer zone;
- thorough cleaning of equipment of soil residues.