BLACKLEG OF POTATO IS A DANGEROUS DISEASE FOR NATIONAL POTATO GROWING

Blackleg of potato is recognized as a dangerous disease based on the developed Pest Risk Analysis for Dickeya dianthicola and by obtaining the status of Regulated Non-Quarantine Pests for these causative agents on seed potatoes in EU. The disease is caused by the complex of bacteria from genera Dickeya and Pectobacterium. Currently, these pathogens widely spread in European countries and are able to take establishment in Russia. As extensive damage of these bacteria, scientific projects are being carried out in Europe. These projects may help to properly understand the structure of their populations, epidemiology and take correct decisions to control them. Up-to-date experience of foreign experts may help to organize diagnostics, scientific projects, and the certification of seed potatoes in the frame of subprogram ‘The development of selection and seed potato production in Russia' of Federal scientific program of development of agriculture for 2017-2025.