CURRENT STATUS AND FUTURE-PROSPECTS OF BACTERIAL RING ROT TESTING

The bacterial ring rot disease of potato (Corynebacterium sepedonicum) can be detected in seed potato lots by serological tests with greater accuracy than by visual field inspections. Indexing tests can make use of highly specific immunofluorescence probes, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and perhaps other procedures. Sensitivity and specificity of these procedures need to be determined in order to estimate the confidence with which ring rot can be detected in a seed lot. In addition to the laboratory tests, the sampling strategy determines the efficacy and sensitivity of the indexing procedure. Samples might consist of stems, leaf petioles, or tubers in single or composite units. Disease incidence and number of plants sampled also determine the confidence level with which ring rot can be detected in a potato seed lot. Although research has been conducted on many aspects of ring rot testing procedures, further work needs to be done. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that indexing potato seed lots for the presence of ring rot will be a significant factor in control and eradication of the disease.