Dickeya dianthicola in WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Current as at 25 July 2017
1. What is Dickeya dianthicola?
Dickeya dianthicola is a bacterium which causes the diseases blackleg and soft rot in potatoes.
This pest was not previously known to occur in Australia.
2. Blackleg and soft rot already occur in potato crops. Why is this detection significant?
There are other pathogens present in Australia that cause similar symptoms, however Dickeya Dianthicola is more aggressive and causes disease at lower infection levels.
Overseas, Dickeya Dianthicola has been reported to cause significant yield loss in potato crops.
3. Will this detection trigger a national response similar to the Tomato potato psyllid, or is it more of a localised issue?
Confirmation of Dickeya dianthicola has triggered a national incident response, led by the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (formerly the Department of Agriculture and Food WA).
The Office of the Australian Chief Plant Officer has been notified of the detection.
The National Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests has met to discuss this detection and has agreed that Dickeya dianthicola meets the definition of an Emergency Plant Pest for Australia under the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed.
4. What is the Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests?
The Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests provides technical and scientific advice in response to exotic plant pest and disease outbreaks. They are Australia's key technical body for coordinating national responses to emergency plant pest incursions, and assess the technical feasibility of eradication.
The committee is chaired by Australia’s Chief Plant Protection Officer and comprises representatives from each state and territory, other specialists from government, Plant Health Australia, and representatives from affected industries.
5. What plant species does Dickeya dianthicola affect?
Dianthus spp. / dianthus, sweet william, carnation
Zantedeschia / calla lily
Cichorium intybus / common chicory
Cynara scolymus / globe artichoke
Dahlia variabilis / garden dahlia
Begonia / begonia
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana / flaming Katy, Christmas kalanchoe, florist kalanchoe and Madagascar widow's-thrill
Sedum spectabile / showy stonecrop
Freesia / freesia
Hyacinthus / hyacinth
Iris / iris
Solanum tuberosum / potato
Dickeya Dianthicola is not associated with Tomato potato psyllid, detected in WA earlier this year.
6. What are the symptoms of Dickeya dianthicola?
· Dickeya dianthicolacan be present in a plant without causing symptoms
· Symptoms often develop after a period of hot weather
· The first symptom of the disease in potatoes can be poor emergence due to rotting seed tubers
· Infected tubers are macerated and have a tapioca-like appearance
· Rapid wilting and blanking (missing plants)
· Slimy, wet, black stems extending upwards from the rotting tuber.
See the Dickeya dianthicolafactsheet for more information and photos.
7. How is Dickeya dianthicola different from other blackleg and soft rot dieases?
There are other pathogens present in Australia that cause similar symptoms. However, Dickeya dianthicola is:
· More aggressive
· Causes disease at lower infection levels
· Will develop after hot weather – not following wet growing conditions.
· Does not have the typical, pungent smell associated with other blackleg diseases
· Less able to survive in soil and other environments than typical blackleg.
8. How do I report Dickeya dianthicola?
Dickeya dianthicolais a prohibited organism for Western Australia.
Growers should report unusual plant symptoms by:
· Contacting the Pest and Disease Information Service on1800 084 881, or
· Sending a photo via the MyPestGuide Reporter app available from the Google Play or Apple store, or
· Emailing photos with your name, address and mobile number to.
9. How was Dickeya dianthicola discovered?
The bacteria was detected in a potato crop in Western Australia as part of a routine seed crop inspection and certification process.
Diagnostic testing to confirm Dickeya Dianthicola was undertaken at South Perth laboratories at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and at secondary laboratories in NSW and NT.
10. How does Dickeya dianthicola spread? What can I do to stop the spread of Dickeya dianthicola?
While it is not known to be seedborne, it is tuber-borne in potatoes. As the tuber rots, the bacterium is released into the soil. It is transmitted through water in the soil and contaminates neighbouring tubers.
In countries where Dickeya dianthicola already affects potato crops, management measures have been implemented to prevent or limit the spread of the bacteria. Effective management measures include planting healthy seeds, maintaining clean fields with adequate drainage, and maintaining sanitation practices such as clean grading lines and adequate storage ventilation.
Without host material, the bacterium does not persist for long periods in the soil.
11. Do I need to set up my own monitoring and surveillance for Dickeya dianthicola?
Identification and detection involves visual checks of crops and laboratory diagnostics to determine infected seed stock.
12. Will my property be inspected?
As a result of tracing activities, commercial potato properties who have received suspect tubers are the priority for inspections.
13. What happens if the pest is found on my property?
A Pest Control Notice will be issued and there will be a need to comply with conditions directed by an inspector.
Industry action
14. What has been done so far to combat Dickeya dianthicola?
The department has put in place a number of measures to minimise the risk of spread of the bacteria. This includes placing four properties under quarantine, which stipulates movement restrictions on host plant material, soil and machinery.
The department is undertaking trace-forward and trace-back activites on the movement of potatoes on and off these properties.
The department is working with growers whose properties are under quarantine to enable farm business continuity while minimising the risk of spread of the bacteria.
15. Who has been involved in the response?
Response activies are being led by the department, working with the WA state industry and national stakeholders to minimise the impact of this new pest.
Biosecurity
16. What is farm biosecurity?
Farm biosecurity is a set of measures designed to protect a property from the entry and spread of pests and diseases. Farm biosecurity is your responsibility, and also applies to all visitors and workers on your property.
17. What biosecurity measures should I implement to assist in managing Dickeya dianthicola?
Proper signage to restrict entry, routine surveillance for pests, on-farm clean down facilities, and action plan and checklist are all part of a farm biosecurity regime.
18. What biosecurity resources are available?
More information on biosecurity is available at the Farm Biosecurity website www.farmbiosecurity.com.au
19. Where can I get more information?
The latest information is available on the department website www.agric.wa.gov.au/ddianthicola
Industry contacts
Potato Growers Association of WA
Phone: (08) 9481 0834
Email:
Further information
www.agric.wa.gov.au/ddianthicola
Pest and Disease Information Service
Phone: 1800 084 881
Email: