Liberibacter solanacearum
Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum was discovered in 2008 by a NZ team led by Dr Lia Liefting (MAF). It was subsequently found to be the cause of the debilitating potato disease 'zebra chip' that has affected the USA industry since 2000.
Liberibacter solanacearum is transmitted by the tomato potato psyllid and infects various members of the solanaceous family including:
- potatoes
- tomatoes
- capsicum
- tamarillo
- chilli
- cape gooseberry
PHYTOPLASMA
Subsequently, a phytoplasma (a bacter
ia-like organism similar to Liberibacter) was also
found to infect potatoes, causing similar
symptoms.
dnature also tests potato samples for this pathogen
SAMPLES
We can test stems from plants or trees, tubers, fried potato and leaves. We can also test the psyllid vector (e.g. from sticky traps) to see if the population has acquired Liberibacter.
Download our test submission form here and please contact us with any queries at 0800 362 8873 (DNATURE) or john@dnature.co.nz
