Emerging Pests of Potato in Europe: Early Warning, Risk Analyses and Regulation

Potato is a major crop across Europe, at risk from a wide range of introduced pests. Phytosanitary measures such as restrictions on imports of seed potatoes reduce those risks. Of the pests which have become established in Europe, some continue to spread while others are effectively controlled by quarantine measures. A number of emerging risks to European potato crops are described, including Epitrix flea beetles and 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum', the cause of zebra chip disease in the USA. Among the recommendations for helping to mitigate risks from these and other emerging pests are the adoption of good practice in disposal of waste and soil from potato processing, raising awareness of symptoms, targeted surveillance, prompt reporting of suspect findings and contingency planning for management of outbreaks. Effective dialogue between the potato industry and National Plant Protection Organizations is essential for the successful implementation of these measures.