The danger of the spread of <i>Ralstonia solanacearum</i> on potato crops worldwide and potential mitigation options

Abstract

Abstract Potato is a major crop that is consumed by over one billion people worldwide. However, production is hampered by diseases such as viral infections, late blight, and bacterial wilt. Bacterial wilt disease caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is the second most prevalent disease after blight, and its effects are exacerbated by both global trade and climate change. The extent of the disease devastation varies by country, with more serious consequences evident in major potato-producing countries. The Ralstonia species complex (RSSC) is a group of pathogenic strains that spread through the use of infected seed potato, soils, water run-offs, plant debris, or contaminated farm equipment and propagation material. The elements that contribute to the rapid spread of bacterial wilt disease in potato are discussed in this review article, and a disease-control strategy is proposed. Understanding how R. solanacearum spreads through international trade is critical for developing effective mitigation and management techniques to control and limit the spread of this damaging phytopathogen.