The Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan confiscated 228 tons of seed potatoes from Germany, the Netherlands and France, as well as 46,4 kilograms of carrot seeds from France contaminated with a dangerous bacterium.
Zebra chip is a quarantine object (bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum), the causative agent of striped potato chips, which is absent in the territory of the Eurasian Economic Union.
The bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (Zebra Chip pathogen), poses a threat to the production of potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, celery. In the countries of the Americas, in New Zealand, losses from this bacterium cause serious damage to the economy, and in Europe, this pathogen can cause a 100% loss of carrot harvest.
Among the symptoms, the initial wilting of the affected plant is distinguished, followed by the development of chlorosis and leaf rolling, which can lead to the death of the plant. The rays coming from the tuber core become discolored, necrotic spots appear on the pulp. When roasted, the affected tissue becomes dark brown, striped, similar to the color of "zebra". Symptoms on the tuber may not be visible before roasting.
The presence of the Candidatus Liberibacter Solanacearum bacteria in potato batches was confirmed by the conclusion of the laboratory examination of the Almaty Zonal Quarantine Laboratory. The studies were carried out with highly sensitive detecting equipment for PCR analysis, using certified test kits, which excludes the possibility of the human factor influencing contamination and the manifestation of false positive results.
The introduction and further spread of Candidatus Liberibacter Solanacearum on the territory of the republic can lead to loss of crops and undermine the food security of the country.
For all the facts, the relevant quarantine documents were drawn up. The materials were submitted to the court for consideration. The court ruled to impose administrative fines and confiscate contaminated products.