30 June 2008
Candidatus Liberibacter spp bacterium detected in new host
The Candidatus Liberibacter spp. bacterium, recently found in glasshouse tomato and capsicum crops, has now been detected in commercial potato crops in the Auckland region.
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) originally notified trading partners on 3 June 2008, of the presence of this new bacterium in New Zealand.
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) Incursion Manager David Yard says because the bacterium was unknown MAFBNZ suspended phytosanitary certification for tomatoes and capsicums as a precautionary preliminary measure.
"We have notified trading partners of this new host and are not intending to withdraw phytosanitary certification for potatoes. We now have a better understanding of this disease and there are fundamental differences between potatoes and tomatoes and capsicums which give us a wider range of options to work with."
He says MAFBNZ staff met with officials in Japan last week to discuss matters around re-opening markets there for tomatoes and capsicums. MAFBNZ officials are also in contact with potato trading partners.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Annie Wright
Senior Communications Adviser
Ph 04 894 0654 or 029 894 0654
