Recovery Plan for Ralstonia solanacearum Race 3 Biovar 2 (Phylotype IIB, Sequevars 1 and 2) Causing Brown Rot of Potato, Bacterial Wilt of Tomato, and Southern Wilt of Geranium

Abstract

Ralstonia solanacearum is a species complex of bacterial plant pathogens that cause bacterial wilt on a wide range of crops in tropical and subtropical regions. Among the different subgroups of this complex, race 3 biovar 2 (R3bv2) is of particular concern because it can infect potato, tomato, and geranium in temperate climates and is regulated as a select agent in the United States. This document presents a recovery plan for R3bv2 as part of the National Plant Disease Recovery System (NPDRS) in the United States. The plan provides a brief overview of the disease; its taxonomy, distribution, detection, and management; and the current infrastructure, needs, and experts for effective response and recovery. It also identifies research, education, and extension priorities for mitigating R3bv2, such as developing disease management tactics, detection tools, an impact network analysis, and stakeholder education. The plan is intended to help the USDA guide further efforts directed toward plant disease recovery and to ensure a reasonable level of crop production in the event of a high-consequence plant disease outbreak.