Growers Ask Government to Remove Ralstonia From Bioterror List

Ralstonia solenacearum is the cause of southern bacterial wilt, seen here, in geraniums, tomatoes and other plants.

The American Nursery and Landscape Association is petitioning the government to remove Ralstonia solenacearum from a government list of bioterror agents that severely limits research into combating the bacterial pest.

The pathogen infects geraniums, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, beets and other plants, causing them to wilt and die. Ralstonia was placed on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's list as a ?EUR??,,????'??select agent,?EUR??,,????'?? which effectively prevents research that could lead to means to combat the bacteria.

Taking Ralstonia off the list would not lead to increased spread because it is still considered a ?EUR??,,????'??quarantine pest?EUR??,,????'?? subject to strict regulations on its sale and transfer.

The web site greenhousegrower.com is also urging those connected to the green industry to write President Bush and Department of Agriculture secretary Ann Veneman to urge the change.

?EUR??,,????'??Taking Ralstonia?EUR??,,????'??? off the USDA's list will not hurt U.S. agriculture,?EUR??,,????'?? a statement on greenhousegrower.com reads. ?EUR??,,????'??In fact, it will benefit several areas of the agriculture industry, including overseas markets, because researchers conducting studies on the physiology of the pathogen will be better able to understand it and its effects on agricultural crops.?EUR??,,????'??

Those wishing to support the effort can participate by visiting the ANLA web site at www.anla.org.