EUROPEAN COMMISSION HEALTH AND CONSUMER PROTECTION DIRECTORATE-GENERAL

Directorate D - Food and Veterinary Office

DG(SANCO)/1015/2000 - MR final

Report

ON A MISSION CARRIED OUT IN

FROM 5 TO 10 MARCH 2000 IN ORDER TO

AUDIT THE PLANT HEALTH SYSTEM

IN THE POTATO SECTOR

Please note that certain comments from the Greek authorities have been included in the text of the report in bold, italic type or as footnotes.

06/07/00 - 42125 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION...... 1

2. MISSION DETAILS...... 1

3. OBJECTIVES OF THE MISSION...... 2

4. LEGAL BASIS FOR THE MISSION...... 2

5. BACKGROUND...... 2

5.1. Potato production in Greece...... 2

5.2. Potato trade in Greece...... 3

5.3. Previous missions concerning potatoes ...... 3

6. MAIN FINDINGS...... 4

6.1. Plant health system in Greece ...... 4

6.1.1. Structure of the plant health system ...... 4

6.1.2. Human and financial resources...... 5

6.1.3. Internal or external assessment of the institution's work ...... 5

6.1.4. Transposition and enforcement of legislation...... 5

6.1.5. Contingency plans...... 6

6.2. Seed potatoes in Greece...... 6

6.2.1. Potato breeding and seed production ...... 6

6.2.2. Plant health in seed potatoes ...... 7

6.3. Potatoes other than seed in Greece...... 8

6.3.1. Production methods of ware and other potatoes...... 8

6.3.2. Plateau ...... 8

6.3.3. Potato growing area in Achaia ...... 9

6.3.4. General organisation of plant health surveys...... 9

ii 6.3.5. Situation of specific quarantine pests...... 9

6.3.6. Marketing of ware potatoes ...... 12

6.4. Inspection of imported potatoes ...... 13

6.4.1. Imported seed potatoes...... 13

6.4.2. Imported ware potatoes...... 13

6.5. Laboratories for quarantine diseases of potato...... 14

6.5.1. Benaki Phytopathological Institute...... 14

6.5.2. Facilities in , ...... 15

7. CONCLUSIONS...... 17

7.1. Plant health system in the potato sector ...... 17

7.2. Seed potatoes in Greece...... 17

7.3. Potatoes other than seed in Greece...... 17

7.4. Inspection of imported potatoes ...... 19

7.5. Laboratories for quarantine diseases of potatoes...... 19

8. CLOSING MEETING...... 20

9. RECOMMENDATIONS...... 21

Abbreviations used in the report:

FVO European Commission Health And Consumer Protection Directorate-General Directorate D - Food and Veterinary Office CCA Central Competent Authority ("single and central authority" for plant health as understood in Article 1 of Council Directive 77/93/EEC) ETHIAGE National Agricultural Research Institute C.m.s. Clavibacter michiganensis (Smith) Davies et al. ssp. sepedonicus (Spieckermann & Kotthoff) Davies et al. (= pathogenic agent for potato ring rot) R.s. Ralstonia solanacearum (Smith) Yabucchi et al. (=pathogenic agent for potato brown rot and tomato bacterial wilt) G.r. Globodera rostochiensis (Wollenweber) Behrens (= Golden potato cyst nematode) G.p. Globodera pallida (Stone) Behrens (= White potato cyst nematode)

iii 1. INTRODUCTION

The mission to Greece was the second in a series of inspections to all Member States to audit the potato sector plant health system, which is highly regulated. The assessment of a whole sector implies an increased workload for both the country visited and for the FVO inspection team.

In order to cope with the considerable amount of information to be analysed, a pre-mission questionnaire was sent to Greece in advance of the mission. Unfortunately, the Greek plant protection authorities did not provide an exhaustive reply to this questionnaire.

2. MISSION DETAILS

The mission in Greece took place from 5 to 10 March 2000. The mission team comprised 3 inspectors from the Food and Veterinary Office (FVO), and 2 Member State experts. The inspection team was accompanied during the whole mission by a representative from the Greek Ministry of Agriculture.

An opening meeting was held on 6 March 2000 with the central competent authority. At this meeting, the objectives of, and itinerary for, the mission were confirmed by the inspection team. A closing meeting with the central competent authority was held on 10 March 2000.

The following sites were visited:

COMPETENT AUTHORITY VISITS Competent authority Central 1 Regional 2 LABORATORY VISITS Central/reference 1 Other 2 PLANT HEALTH CONTROL SITES Harbour with potato imports 1 Potato import and packing establishment 1 Ware potato producers 2 Fruit and vegetable market 1

The above sites were located in the proximity of Athens, in Crete or in Peloponnes. It was not possible, within the scope of a one week mission, also to visit the North of Greece which also has substantial potato production and potato processing, and where in the prefecture of Ioannina an outbreak of brown rot was recorded in 1997; or to visit the island of Naxos, where the main seed production is.

1 3. OBJECTIVES OF THE MISSION

The objectives of the mission were to assess

(1) the performance of the various bodies involved in the national plant health system with reference to the potato sector, and

(2) the implementation of the relevant EU legislation in this area.

4. LEGAL BASIS FOR THE MISSION

The mission was carried out under the provisions of Article 19a of Council Directive 77/93/EEC1, last amended by Commission Directive 1999/53/EC2.

The legislation (in addition to Council Directive 77/93/EEC) of particular relevance for this mission, was:

– Council Directive 93/85/EEC3 on the control of potato ring rot,

– Council Directive 98/57/EEC4 on the control of Ralstonia solanacearum,

– Council Directive 69/465/EEC5 on the control of Potato Cyst Eelworm,

– Council Directive 69/464/EEC6 on the control of Potato Wart Disease,

– Commission Directive 93/50/EEC7 on the registration of producers, warehouses and dispatching centres.

– Commission Decision 96/301/EC8 as last amended by Commission Decision 1999/842/EC9 on measures against brown rot in Egyptian export potatoes

5. BACKGROUND10

5.1. Potato production in Greece

Out of Greece's 12.9 million hectares of land area only about 2.8 million hectares are arable. The area planted with potatoes in Greece is around

1 OJ No. L 26, 31.1.1977, p. 20 2 OJ No. L 142, 5.6.1999 3 OJ No. L 259, 18.10.1993, p. 1 4 OJ No. L 235, 21.8.1998, p. 1 5 OJ No. L 323, 24.12.1969, p. 3 6 OJ No. L 323, 24.12.1969, p. 1 7 OJ No. L 205, 17.8.1993, p. 22 8 OJ No. L 115, 9.5.1996, p. 47 9 OJ No. L 326, 18.12.1999, p. 68 10 Regarding statistical data in this and following chapters: If no reference is given in the text, the figures were provided by the competent authority in the questionnaire or during the mission.

2 50,000 ha producing about 1 mill t/year. The production is spread over the year depending on the region, with about 30% of the total Greek production harvested in the spring, 40% in the summer and 30% in the autumn/winter. The production is also geographically spread throughout the country. There are major production areas in West and Central Peloponnes (prefectures Ilia, Achaia, Arkadia and Messinia) and in Central Greece (prefectures Viotia and Evia). In the North there is substantial production in both Thrakia (prefecture Evros by the Turkish border) and Makedonia (prefectures Drama and Serres by the Bulgarian border). On the islands, the two eastern prefectures of Crete (Lasithi and Heraklion) are the most important (National Statistical Service of Greece, 1996). Potato processing industry is found mainly in the North East part of the country.

There is only a limited production of certified seed potatoes in Greece. The main production area is the island of Naxos, where 5,000-6,000t are produced per year. Small amounts, in the order of a few hundred tonnes, are produced in the prefectures of Ioannina, Arkadia and Serres. The total area with seed potatoes for certification is around 750ha per year.

5.2. Potato trade in Greece

Greece has a limited export of ware potatoes to other Member States in the order of 10,000t per year, most of which are early potatoes. A similar amount is exported to Third Countries. (EUROSTAT)

A little over 20,000t of seed potatoes are imported each year. The majority comes from the Netherlands, while smaller amounts are from France, United Kingdom and other Member States. Until 1995 there was a very small import of seed potatoes from Canada under derogation, however, since then, Greece has not made use of this possibility.

Around 70,000t of ware potatoes are imported from Third Countries per year. The major source has been Egypt, but in 1999 imports from Syria (~35,000t) almost equalled the imports from Egypt (~38,000t).

An amount similar to the Third Country imports of ware potatoes is imported from other Member States (EUROSTAT).

5.3. Previous missions concerning potatoes

An FVO mission was carried out 26-30 January 1998. It was split in two parts. One part concerned an outbreak of brown rot, Ralstonia solanacearum (R.s.) in the prefecture of Ionanina (report No. XXIV/1328/98). The other part concerned an outbreak of ring rot, Clavibacter michiganensis sepedonicus (C.m.s.) in the island of Crete. (report No. XXIV/1306/98). Non-compliances with the EU-legislation were noted in both reports, but in Crete in particular (at the time of the mission, the R.s. directive had not entered into force). The non- compliances concerned mainly the requirements for control of

3 contaminated and probably contaminated material and produce, and the requirements for use of controlled or certified seed.

6. MAIN FINDINGS

6.1. Plant health system in Greece

The Ministry of Agriculture - General Directorate for Plant Production - Directorate of Plant Protection is the "single and central authority" for plant health as understood in Article 1 of Council Directive 77/93/EEC (from hereon referred to as CCA for "central competent authority").

6.1.1. Structure of the plant health system

In the Greek agricultural sector, there are three levels of administration: 1. The central services in the Ministry of Agriculture 2. The regional services 3. The prefectural services

With regard to plant health, the role of central service is played by the CCA. There are 8 regional centres for plant protection and quality control (Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Kavala, Volos, Patras, Nafplion, Ioannina and Heraklion) and 54 prefectural departments. In each of the latter, there is a unit of 1 to 3 agronomists. Regional and prefectural plant health staff implement the policy of the Ministry of Agriculture. They thus receive their instructions from and report to the CCA. There are 18 border inspection posts for phytosanitary import controls. They are staffed by employees from the regional centres for plant protection, or if remote from a regional centre, by employees from the prefectural departments.

Certification of seeds, including seed potatoes, is under the responsibility of the Directorate of Inputs for Crop Production, who also keeps the register of potato seed producing companies. This directorate is under the General Directorate for Plant Protection. 54 regional "Quality Control and Certification Centres for Propagative Material" report to the central service.

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

GENERAL DIRECTORATE FOR PLANT PRODUCTION

Directorate Directorate Directorate Directorate for of of of Horticultural and Fruit Crops Plant Protection Inputs of Crop Production Processing and Standardisation

* Regional Centres * Prefectoral Local Authority * Quality control and for Plant Protection (8) * Directorates of Rural Development (54) certification centres (Inspectors of Phytosanitary (Inspectors of Phytosanitary for propagative material Control 35) control 140) (54)

Border Inspection Posts for phytosanitary control (18)

4 In the same general directorate, a third directorate ("Processing and Standardisation") is involved in plant health, as it keeps centrally the regionally compiled registers of ware potato packers.

The laboratories established in the regional centres for plant protection belong to the Ministry of Agriculture together with the laboratories controlling the propagative material (Aspropyrgos research station and Thessaloniki Institute for Control of Varieties).

The Benaki Phytopathological Institute is a legal entity under private law. The National Agricultural Research Institute (ETHIAGE) is also a legal entity under private law, subordinate to the universities.

6.1.2. Human and financial resources

Human resources

The regional centres for plant protection employ 35 agronomists as plant health inspectors. The prefectural departments employ 140 agronomists with qualifications in plant protection and plant health inspections. The centres for seed certification have 60 agronomists of whom 15 work exclusively on potatoes.

The agronomists in the Directorate of Plant Protection are educated at university level. Upon entry to the service, they go through a six-month training period of on the job training and courses given by the Benaki Institute and Athens University of Agronomy. Furthermore, all inspectors receive on-going training: a two- to three-day seminar is organised every year. When more specialised knowledge is required, regions organise one- to two-week training courses in plant protection disciplines, such as entomology, nematology, bacteriology, etc.

For the plant health management, no specific training activities are carried out.

Financial resources

The CCA and the regional centres for plant protection are funded directly by the Ministry of Agriculture.

The plant health inspectors posted in the prefectures are paid by the Ministry of Agriculture.

6.1.3. Internal or external assessment of the institution's work

No formal assessment of the CCA's work takes place.

6.1.4. Transposition and enforcement of legislation

EU Directives related to agriculture are transposed into Greek national law by Decrees. Council Directive 93/85/EEC on the control of potato

5 ring rot, for example, was transposed in October 1994 by a Ministerial Decree signed by the Minister of Agriculture.

The transposition of Council Directive 98/57/EEC on the control of R.s. will be by Presidential Decree. This has delayed the transposition, which has not taken place yet. The deadline set in the Directive was 21 August 1999, and the European Commission has consequently launched an infringement procedure against Greece.

Inspectors directly related to the CCA who are assigned to regional or prefecture offices are in charge of enforcing the plant health legislation.

6.1.5. Contingency plans

For the potato sector, Greece has not elaborated disease specific contingency plans. In the case of ring rot, for example, the Greek authorities refer to the Ministerial Decree transposing the EU control directive as a contingency plan. However, in a situation of an outbreak, it has not been possible for the local officers to implement all the measures required by the Directive (see chapter 6.3.5.2 below).

6.2. Seed potatoes in Greece

6.2.1. Potato breeding and seed production

There is no established breeding programme of potatoes in Greece. Basic seed is imported from other Member States for the production of certified seed. Permission to produce certified seed has been given to six entities: three in Naxos (two private companies and one co-operative), one co-op in Tripolis (Arkadia), one (private) in Ioannina and one (private) in Thessaloniki. These companies, who each have their own grading/packing facilities, contract the growing to farmers, of whom there are approximately 700 in all of Greece. The main varieties produced are Spunta, Marfona, and Liseta.

Imported basic or certified seed is widely used also in the ware potato production, either directly or after one multiplication on the farm.

As mentioned in chapter 5.1 and 5.2 above, the imports and domestically produced certified seed amount to around 29,000t. The mission team was informed that an estimated 60% of the total seed planted in Greece is farm saved seed. The sources of seed can thus be summarised:

Origin and type of seed t

Domestic certified seed 7,000 Imported basic/certified seed 22,000 Farm saved seed (estimated) 40,000

Total seed used for planting 69,000

6 6.2.2. Plant health in seed potatoes

During the mission, only very limited time could be devoted to the subject of seed production. The team did not visit any seed producing areas.

6.2.2.1. Non quarantine pests

The main viruses of concern in the seed multiplication is Potato virus Y and to a much lesser extent Potato leaf roll. Testing for non-quarantine viruses is carried out at local laboratories in Thessaloniki, in Athens and in Naxos.

6.2.2.2. Quarantine pests in the breeding material

There are no potato gene banks in Greece; and as there is no established breeding programme, genetic material is generally not imported. In case of requirement for testing of such material, the testing would be carried out by the Benaki Institute. This has been done in the past on two occasions only (see chapter 6.5.1.3 below).

6.2.2.3. Quarantine pests in the multiplication of seed potatoes

Brown rot and ring rot

130 to 150 samples are taken annually of the domestic seed production. The sampling is carried out by the regional plant protection service under direct instruction each year from the central service. All samples are tested for both R.s. and C.m.s. at the Benaki Institute.

In 1997 when there was still certification of seed potatoes in Crete, four samples of seed potatoes from there were positive for C.m.s. All other seed potato samples have been negative for C.m.s.

In 1997 one sample of seed potatoes from the prefecture of Ioannina was positive for R.s. This outbreak was subject to an FVO mission in 1998 as mentioned in chapter 5.3 above. During the current mission, time did not allow for following up of the situation in Ioannina.

Potato cyst nematodes (G.r. and G.p.)

Sampling of seed potato fields for cyst nematodes is carried out by the regional plant protection service, and is usually done before planting. At the Benaki Institute, 40-50 soil samples from seed potato fields are analysed for G.r./G.p. each year, using the Fenwick method. The mission team was informed that regional laboratories also carry out such analyses,

7 but no data were presented to quantify this. If a field sample is positive, seed potatoes are not allowed on the concerned field for three years. Thereafter production of seed potatoes is allowed again, if new samples are negative.

In Crete, no samples for G.r/G.p. were taken since 1994; however, the mission team was informed that until the beginning of 1998, when seed certification stopped because of ring rot, farmers received free nematicides for their seed fields.

Other nematodes

No systematic surveys have been carried out for Meloidogyne chitwoodi, M. fallax or Dithylenchus destructor. The mission team was informed that suspect samples from the annual C.m.s./R.s.-surveys or sent in by extension officers or farmers are regularly analysed visually at the Benaki Institute. However, this testing could not be quantified. None of the three mentioned nematodes has ever been found in Greece.

Potato wart disease (Synchytrium endobioticum)

Potato wart disease has never been recorded in Greece. According to EPPO Data Sheets on Quarantine Pests, the climate in Greece must be regarded as unfavourable for this disease, although survival would be possible, once introduced.

Other diseases

Potato stolbur phytoplasma has never been recorded in Greece.

6.3. Potatoes other than seed in Greece

6.3.1. Production methods of ware and other potatoes

The potato production in Greece is based on a large number of small production units, however, no statistical data were provided to quantify this. All production is under irrigation. The water sources are both ground and surface water. Cutting of seed before planting is common.

The mission team visited two major production areas of potatoes in the prefectures of Lasithi (Crete) and Achaia (Peloponnes) respectively. A common feature of these two production areas is the very short crop rotation, with potatoes at least every third year and often every second or even every year.

6.3.2.

The economy of this low-income area is highly dependent on agriculture, which in turn is highly dependent on potato production. Only one main crop is possible per year. Yields in potatoes are around 25t/ha. Cereals are used in the rotation, but they do not give an economic return comparable

8 to that of potatoes. Some vegetables are grown, but marketing is a limiting factor. The total arable area on the Plateau is around 2,500ha. According to the regional plant protection centre, about half of this is planted with potatoes, while according to the municipality of Lasithi Plateau, the annual area under potato is around 1,700ha. The number of farms is around 1700; thus, the average size of a farm is less than 1,5ha. The farms are divided into very small fields of 900-1200m2.

6.3.3. Potato growing area in Achaia

This area is characterised by larger farms in the order of 10-50ha. Potatoes are grown in rotation with e.g. two crops of cereals or one period of fallow. There are two main growing periods for potatoes. A spring crop is planted in December and harvested in May-June; and a winter crop is planted in August-September and harvested in November. The facilities for cold storage are limited, so the winter crop is often left in the soil until marketing is feasible, e.g. in March. For the spring crop, imported certified seed is widely used and for the winter crop, own seed multiplied once from imported seed is often used. The farmer visited used imported basic seed for this multiplication. He was well informed of disease problems and practised disinfection of e.g. cutting equipment.

6.3.4. General organisation of plant health surveys

Surveys for C.m.s. and R.s. are co-ordinated by the central service, which sends out instructions for the surveys every year. The collection of samples is done in teams recruited from the regional services or from the plant health staff posted in the prefectures. The instructions for the year 2000 state that sampling must be during harvest or from storage and done randomly, preferably from potato crops with wilting symptoms or tubers with symptoms. Brief guidance for recording of data and handling of samples is also given; however, it is left to the local officers to decide on the total number of samples to be taken.

For Crete, the samples are tested for the two bacterial diseases at the local laboratory facilities in Heraklion. For the rest of Greece, the analyses are carried out at the Benaki Institute.

6.3.5. Situation of specific quarantine pests

6.3.5.1. Brown rot/R.s.

All samples taken for C.m.s are also analysed for R.s.

In Crete

In 1997, 443 samples of ware potatoes were taken in Crete, in 1998, 937, and in 1999, 420. In addition targeted sampling of tomatoes and testing for R.s. has been carried out since 1993 in the order of 30-40 samples per year. No water sampling has been done and it is not envisaged, as the

9 water sources in Crete are mainly well water or seasonal streams. R.s. has never been encountered in Crete.

Rest of Greece

In 1997, 29 samples of ware potatoes were taken outside Crete (5 from the prefecture of Evros, 13 from Drama, 6 from Serres and 5 from Messinia).

In 1998, again 29 samples were taken (9 from Evros, 14 from Drama, 1 from Serres and 5 from Florina).

The results of the sampling in 1999 were not yet available. For 1997 and 1998 (and for previous years), all samples were negative for R.s.

A limited number of water and weed samples has been taken, around 10 in Ioannina in 1998 and around 10 in Peloponnes in 1999, where a case of bacterial wilt in tomatoes occurred in 1995. All were negative for R.s.

No systematic sampling of tomatoes for R.s. has been carried out.

6.3.5.2. Ring rot

In Crete11

In Crete there are three main production areas for potatoes: Lasithi Plateau (as described in 6.3.2 above), Mallia, an area on the north coast, 30km west of Heraklion, where around 200ha of mainly early potatoes are produced, and Messara, a plain 40km south of Heraklion, where potatoes are produced around the year. The spring crop in Messara is of around 400ha.

In 1997, an outbreak of C.m.s. occurred in the Lasithi Plateau. Since then a large number of samples has been taken there and in the other two areas: in 1997, 443 samples; in 1998, 937; and in 1999, 420. Sampling is not targeted towards infected farms; nevertheless, the percentage of positive samples has increased each year, most dramatically on the Lasithi Plateau, where over 50% of the samples in 1999 were positive. In the two other areas, over 25% of the samples in 1999 were positive12.

The ring rot situation in Crete is regulated by special Ministerial Decisions. The first one was issued in January 1998. Amongst other

11 The Greek authorities have in their comments to the draft mission report stated: “Measures to reduce and eradicate the bacteria Clavibacter michiganensis spp. Sepedonicus in Crete will continue and will receive more publicity (an information sheet has already been published and distributed); transport checks will also be stepped up.” 12 The Greek authorities have subsequently to the mission informed the FVO that “the results of the macroscopic and laboratory checks on new potatoes (70 samples) in the region of Mallia were negative.”

10 issues, it prohibited transportation of potatoes from Crete to the rest of Greece. It also banned commercial seed potato production in Crete. A new order was issued in March 1999. It strengthened the requirements for use of healthy seed, prohibiting marketing and planting of uncertified seed. It also introduced the possibility of exporting early potatoes from Mallia after inspection and laboratory testing. The mission team was informed, however, that this possibility had not been used, and that it would be removed in a new order, which is on the way.

When a sample is positive, the farmer is informed by a letter describing the biology etc. of the organism and recommending a series of measures to be taken on the farm. The farmer is thus recommended to: use certified seed only, avoid cutting of seeds, disinfect all equipment, have 2-3 years without Solanaceae in the rotation, and control volunteer plants. The recommendations do not, however, include any requirements for disposal of the contaminated potatoes. The farm is not visited by the plant health authorities and no official demarcation of contaminated or probably contaminated material is carried out. In the years following infection, no systematic follow up is done to supervise the farmer, to verify the correct application of the required measures and to sample his new potato crop.

In Lasithi, the mission team met a number of farmers in a large meeting and visited one who had infected fields in 1999. In his storage facility, infected potatoes were stored in bulk on the floor and his home-grown seed potatoes for planting spring 2000 were stored in bulk on shelves above. He had not disinfected the storage, the seed cutting equipment, the planter or any other items, and he had no plans to do so.

The use of certified seed has been promoted, and the import of certified seed directly to Crete has increased from around 300t in 1998 to over 1,000t in 1999. 1,300t are expected to arrive May 2000. In addition, smaller amounts are imported via mainland Greece. The plant health authorities thus estimate that the use of farm saved seed on the Lasithi Plateau has dropped to 10-20%. However, from holding up the estimated seed imports against the total requirements for Crete, it can be derived that this percentage must be much higher for Crete as a whole. Furthermore, the regional inspectors expressed concern that the wide use of certified seed in Lasithi would not continue, since there is no obvious benefit for the farmers who follow the advice. These have higher production costs, while the farmers who use their own seed are not punished. According to the local authorities, the disease has not resulted in any loss in yield so far, probably because the climate is a little too hot for severe symptom formation. Nevertheless, when ring rot was first noticed in Crete in 1997, it was by a customer who complained about potatoes having dark vascular bundles after some months of storage.

From the meeting with the farmers, it appeared that the co-operation between the authorities and the farmers has not been ideal in all cases.

Rest of Greece

11 In 1997, 29 samples of ware potatoes were taken outside Crete (5 from the prefecture of Evros, 13 from Drama, 6 from Serres and 5 from Messinia).

In 1998, again 29 samples were taken (9 from Evros, 14 from Drama, 1 from Serres and 5 from Florina).

The results of the sampling in 1999 were not yet available. For 1997 and 1998 (and for previous years), all samples were negative for C.m.s.

6.3.5.3. Potato cyst nematodes

In both areas visited by the mission team, potato cyst nematodes are in general not regarded as quarantine pests in the ware potato production – neither by farmers nor by the authorities. The nematodes are controlled by systematic use of nematicides (e.g. enamiphos or oxamyl) as a preventive measure before planting. In the area visited in Arkadia, agrochemical companies are performing soil testing for nematodes, providing advice on the use of, and selling nematicides. There is no co-operation or sharing of information between these companies and the plant protection services in this respect.

A national survey for potato cyst nematodes was carried out 15 years ago. Of 1,300 samples, 700 were positive with 10% containing only G.p., 70% G.r. and 20% mixed. In Crete, a targeted survey was carried out in 1999. All 85 samples were positive. The highest population found was 1 cyst/2 grams of soil. In the years 1991-1994, sampling was carried out in fields with export potatoes in the areas of Mallia and Massara. During this period, 255 samples were taken of which 30 were positive. In addition to this, 50 samples were taken after harvest of eligible crops and found negative. None of these surveys in Crete distinguished between the two species of Globodera.

6.3.6. Marketing of ware potatoes

The mission team visited a wholesale fruit and vegetable market near Athens. The market is run by an independent organisation and handles around 70,000t of potatoes a year of which 90% is Greek production. It was estimated that around half of the Greek production of ware potatoes is traded through such markets. At the time of the mission, the potato trade was dominated by imported potatoes from other EU Member States, Syria and Egypt. These potatoes all carried labels on each bag. A limited amount of potatoes from various regions of Greece was available from a number of traders. In total about 10 lots were observed by the mission team. None of these potatoes were labelled. The traders could from their invoices show where they had bought the potatoes. However, the potatoes were often bought from other traders in the region of origin.

Registering of potato packers is done on a regional level by the Centres for Plant Protection and Quality Control. The mission team was provided

12 with a collection of such lists. These lists do not include registration numbers. However, the team was informed that the Ministry of Development keeps exact registers.

6.4. Inspection of imported potatoes

6.4.1. Imported seed potatoes

As mentioned before, Greece imports about 20,000t of seed potatoes per year from other Member States. Around 1,000 samples per year are taken from these potatoes and analysed for C.m.s. and R.s. All results have been negative so far.

6.4.2. Imported ware potatoes

The major sources of Third Country imports are Egypt and Syria, which in 1999 each supplied Greece with around 35,000t of early potatoes, which to a large extent arrive ungraded. From the Egyptian potatoes, 896 samples were taken of which 20 were positive for R.s. Of these 20 positive, 9 were found infected already during the visual inspection. From the Syrian potatoes, 668 samples were taken with 20 positives.

This year, up to the time of the mission, 162 samples of Syrian potatoes and 93 Egyptian have been analysed. One sample of Syrian potatoes was found positive for R.s.

The mission team visited the harbour of Kiato, near Korinth, which received the largest amount of Egyptian potatoes in the 1998/1999 season (~16,000t). Seven of the positive visual samples from that season and one of the positive laboratory samples were taken there. At the time of the visit, two vessels were being unloaded. One with 700t of Syrian potatoes, and one with 1,000t of Egyptian potatoes. Systematic inspection is not carried out at the harbour, but on arrival at the packing/grading house of the importer. The team was informed that two inspectors are always present when ships are being unloaded.

The mission team also visited the packing/grading station to which the Syrian potatoes were being transported. This station also handles substantial imports from Egypt. No special facilities such as, table, chairs, lighting etc. had been made available for the inspectors. The two inspectors responsible for the plant health inspection were escorting the mission team and the systematic sampling and inspection were not carried out during the visit. However, the mission team was informed that for Egyptian potatoes, systematic sampling for visual inspection (1 sample/25t) and laboratory testing (5-20 samples/ship) is normally carried out as the potatoes are received from the harbour. After this, the lots are officially sealed until the results of the laboratory are received. For Syrian potatoes, a similar regime is applied, but with somewhat less dense sampling.

13 6.5. Laboratories for quarantine diseases of potato

All 8 regional centres have or will soon have their own laboratory facilities. Testing of quarantine diseases of potato, however, is carried out at the Benaki Institute in Kifissia, Athens and in the case of C.m.s. and R.s. also at the laboratories in Heraklion, Crete. The mission team visited the Benaki Institute and the laboratories in Heraklion.

6.5.1. Benaki Phytopathological Institute

The Benaki Plant Pathology Institute was founded in 1929 as a private institute. It has now 4 scientific departments and 18 laboratories. The Institute works for the Ministry of Agriculture in the following areas:

- basic research on diseases and pests - control of diseases and pests - diagnosis on samples from all over the country - advice to growers, agricultural services and private individuals - Phytosanitary control of imports and exports

6.5.1.1. Testing for bacterial potato diseases

From imported seed potatoes, each year ca. 1,000 samples are tested for ring rot and brown rot. From imported ware potatoes, 7-900 samples are tested per year. Cases of brown rot have been regularly found by the Benaki Institute and reported to the Commission.

From the domestic production, 150-200 samples of seed potatoes are analysed annually and 100-150 samples of ware potatoes.

Water and weed testing for R.s. has been performed on a very limited scale since 1998 (see chapter 6.3.5.1 above).

6.5.1.2. Nematology

Currently the staffing for nematology is not complete, and in general, nematological diagnosis takes place only at a limited scale. A professor from the University of Athens supports the Institute as a consultant nematologist, and he presented the issues to the mission team. Dithylenchus destructor (not present in Greece) and D. dipsaci (common) are identified by morphology and cultivation in agar.

Melodoigyne chitwoodii and M. fallax were found in imported potatoes only. Identification was done on basis of morphology or 2D electrophoresis, which has just become operational.

6.5.1.3. Virology and Mycology

The Institute has tested imported potato material for quarantine viruses twice. The material was plantlets (around 1,000) from Romania and from

14 Belgium respectively. 9 potato viruses were tested by ELISA and Potato Spindle Tuber Viroid by PCR.

6.5.1.4. Bacteriology

Of the laboratories under the Institute, the mission team visited the bacteriology laboratory.

Potato samples to be tested are stored outside the laboratory under plastic, clearly separated from samples that are pending (waiting for immuno-fluorescence test result. Samples are labelled with a number (label in and on sack). The number is unique and anonymous. When samples are not sealed properly, or otherwise inadequate, they are rejected. The PCR test is performed as an additional test for both organisms. PCR-manipulations are separated in different laboratories. Suspect cases are confirmed using a pathogenicity test on tomato or eggplant according to EU standard methods. For isolation of R.s., the SMSA-selective medium as prescribed is used.

Data registration of samples and tests was found to be well performed and well kept. All contaminated plant material and contaminated disposable lab material is autoclaved. Precautions to handle quarantine bacteria are in place and personnel instructed accordingly.

The capacity of the lab in peak periods is around 30 samples per day. Three permanent lab-staff and six temporary staff process the samples. Two permanent staff, of whom one is the director of the institute, read the IF slides. During peak periods, this staffing is a constraint, but in general, IF-results are available after 3 to 7 days.

6.5.2. Facilities in Heraklion, Crete

In Crete two laboratories are involved in the testing of potatoes. The laboratory of the regional plant protection office carries out the main work, including IF-testing. The other laboratory (under the ETHIAGE) provides the technical supervision, re-reads all positive IF slides, and carries out the confirmation tests for C.m.s. and R.s.

6.5.2.1. Laboratory of the regional plant protection office

Potato samples are labelled with a unique, anonymous number on labels both inside and on the outside of the bag. Samples are stored at ambient temperature before and after testing. Positive samples are also stored at ambient temperature.

Infected potato material is disposed of at a landfill for household waste with no contact of percolation water to surface water. Other disposable contaminated material is disinfected by autoclave sterilisation.

15 The maceration and filtration method is used. Two step centrifugation (at 180 r.p.m to remove potato debris and at 7,000 r.p.m. for 10 min) is applied. Non-disposable erlenmeyer-glass flasks and centrifuge tubes are used for the samples. They are disinfected by chlorine, washed thoroughly with soap and disinfected once more with alcohol. Samples are processed and IF readings made the same day.

A form accompanies IF-slides where numbers and observations can be administrated. Results are also noted in a file.

The only deviation from the standard method was the absence of the use of a negative control (application of conjugate only on potato sample- extract). Sera from the ETHIAGE laboratory are used. The potato extract is diluted 1:10 and 1:20. Observation is with a Nikon Immuno-fluorescent microscope fitted for epi-fluorescent light and FITC filters at a magnification of 1500, i.e.100 oil immersion objective and 15x ocular. The capacity of the lab is 15 samples per day. Every set of samples is given one or two positive control slides prepared by the ETHIAGE laboratory.

6.5.2.2. ETHIAGE laboratory

Strains of R.s. are kept in tubes with sterile water at room temperature and strains of C.m.s on glucose nutrient-agar slants at 5º C. There are no freeze-drying facilities.

The sera used routinely have been produced in the lab by the bacteriologist and are used at a titre of 1:800. This seems somewhat low, however, cross-reactivity has been checked with a number of related and non-related plant pathogenic bacteria and a number of saprophytic bacteria. When an IF positive sample is found, it is re-tested with another serum (Agdia, USA for C.m.s and Sanofi, France.) Conjugate is from Pasteur Institute and used at a dilution of 1:100. Observation is by a modern Nikon fluorescence microscope fitted for epifluorescent light. The team observed a positive control slide as routinely prepared by the lab, showing good fluorescence at a titre of 800 and typical cells. In some cases an ELISA test is performed. For R.s. suspect samples the selective medium SMSA is used for isolation of the bacterium. The proper antibiotics are used, except chloramphenicol, which is from Merck Company.

Notation on forms of IF-observations was found in order.

About 20% of the IF positive samples (including all positives from (imported) seed) are further tested for confirmation in an eggplant or tomato host plant test. There were no data on the percentage of cross- reactions in routine samples. PCR-facilities for presumptive confirmation of IF are not available yet. For the host test usually only 5-10 plants are used, due to space limitations in laboratory and greenhouse. Test plant material when it shows symptoms is kept properly labelled in a freezer at -

16 20 º C in plastic bags. After symptom formation, isolation on agar media or an IF test confirms the inoculation.

The greenhouse facilities (a few hundred meters from the lab) were also visited. The space and facilities were limited. Disinfection means were not apparent. There was only one table for test plants and possibilities for sample/control plants separation not obvious.

Record keeping was found to contain essential data, but could contain more detail (date of inoculation, appearance of symptoms, etc. However, it was possible to trace back positive cases. Apart from a file of addresses for letters to growers where ring rot has been found, there is no computerised storage of data.

7. CONCLUSIONS

7.1. Plant health system in the potato sector

The structure of the plant health system provides a good geographical coverage of the country. The staff is well educated and has access to technical training.

However, there are no specific contingency plans, and in an emergency case like the ring rot outbreak on Crete, the authorities have not been able to mobilise adequate resources to eradicate or even control the disease.

7.2. Seed potatoes in Greece

There is no potato breeding in Greece, only multiplication of imported basic seed. The seed production is concentrated in few areas.

Providing that the sampling is representative, the production of less than 600ha is well covered with 130-150 samples for ring rot and brown rot.

Questions remain with regards to the sampling density for cyst nematodes. The required potato free time of three years following an infestation with nematodes is very short, especially in seed producing areas. (According to EPPO Data Sheets on Quarantine Pests, a common recommendation is 7 potato free years).

Meloidogyne chitwoodi, M. fallax, Dithylenchus destructor, Synchytrium endobioticum and Potato stolbur phytoplasma have never been found in Greece. Neither have systematic surveys for these organisms been carried out.

7.3. Potatoes other than seed in Greece

Ring rot

17 Outside Crete, ring rot has never been found, but the survey density there is low with major ware production areas left out. Council Directive 93/85/EEC requires systematic official surveys for the organism on tubers. This is even more important when taking into account that the disease is already established in the country.

In Crete, substantial surveying has taken place since the outbreak in 1997. On the Lasithi Plateau, potatoes are grown on very small farms by resource poor farmers with few alternatives to potato growing in very tight rotation. The co-operation from these farmers has not always been ideal, which has added to the difficulties with collection of information and proper implementation of control measures.

The disease has steadily spread and is now established in all the main potato growing areas of the island. The authorities have taken steps to confine the outbreak to Crete by banning transportation of potatoes out of Crete. The widespread infestation in Crete, nevertheless, constitutes a permanent risk for the rest of Greece and the EU.

The authorities have not systematically applied the measures of the ring rot directive, contrary to the recommendations of the previous FVO mission in January 1998, which read, inter alia: “..the measures taken by the Greek authorities at the time of the mission do not seem strong enough to prevent the spread of the bacteria and FVO recommends that statutory appropriate measures, in line with Council Directive 93/85/EEC be taken quickly”. Thus again, a number of non-compliances with this directive were noted, in particular with:

Article 5 (demarcation of contaminated material): the authorities do not officially demarcate contaminated material or systematically determine the extent of probable contamination, only a letter of recommendations is sent to the involved farmers.

Article 7 (disposal of contaminated or probably contaminated material and restrictions on contaminated farms): contaminated lots can be sold as ware potatoes without restrictions; disinfection of premises and machinery is not enforced; use of certified seed only on contaminated farms is not enforced; three potato-free years on contaminated fields is not enforced; no systematic follow up is carried out on the farms in the years following contamination.

Brown rot/Ralstonia solanacearum

In the annual surveys for ring rot, all samples are also analysed for brown rot. Thus, for Crete the production is well covered, while in the rest of the country, the survey density is low, especially when taking into account that the Ralstonia solanacearum has been present in the country in several locations.

18 Only a limited number of tomato (Crete only) and water/weed (around 20) samples have been taken.

Potato cyst nematodes

There are no recent data available to indicate the individual distribution of the two species. However, the potato cyst nematodes appear to be widespread in the ware potato growing areas. There, they are controlled by systematic use of nematicides, often without the involvement of the official services. This is a non-compliance with the potato cyst eelworm directive (69/465/EEC), which subjects G.r. to official control. Furthermore, it can be questioned whether the use of nematicides is “disinfection by appropriate means” as mentioned in Article 8(d) of the said directive as a requirement for allowing potato growing in a contaminated field. In any case, soil disinfection is only foreseen as an exceptional measure under derogation.

Marketing of ware potatoes

Greek potatoes observed in the Athens whole sale market were all un- labelled. This is a non-compliance with Council Directive 77/93/EEC, Annex IVAII, point 19.5

7.4. Inspection of imported potatoes

A very comprehensive testing of imported seed potatoes for ring rot and brown rot is carried out. Imports of ware potatoes from Egypt are inspected and tested for brown rot as required; and a similar regime, although less dense, is applied to imports from Syria.

7.5. Laboratories for quarantine diseases of potatoes

Benaki Phytopathological Institute

There is a capacity for testing of quarantine viruses and for morphological diagnosis of nematodes.

The bacteriology lab is in general well organised and equipped. The analytic methods used for testing Clavibacter michiganensis sepedonicus and Ralstonia solanacearum closely follow the EU-Directives. The handling of samples is streamlined and data registration well kept. The current level of staffing could be a constraint in peak periods.

Laboratories in Crete

19 In general, both laboratories are well organised and properly equipped. Personnel appear to be skilled and carefully supervised. Basic, but adequate records are kept.

Tests for Ralstonia solanacearum and Clavibacter michiganensis sepedonicus are generally carried out according to the standards. A proper negative control, however, is not used in the IF testing. For samples from the domestic ware production, only 20% of the IF positives are further tested by a biological test. Thus, some false positives may slip through the system. This does not impede the control of the disease in Crete, but it could be challenged by parties whose economic interests are affected by the results.

The greenhouse facilities could be improved, and the number of test plants used is lower than required in the directives.

8. CLOSING MEETING

At the closing meeting held on 10 March 2000 at the Ministry of Agriculture, the main findings and conclusions of the mission were presented by the inspection team. The representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture offered the following comments on these findings and conclusions:

With regard to the ring rot outbreak on Crete, it was emphasised that C.m.s. had not been found in surveys carried out about 15 years ago. In 1997, C.m.s. was discovered in a small area, where basic seed potatoes imported from other Member States had been planted. Although the source of the infection could not be identified with certainty, the Greek authorities believe that it came from imported EU potato seed. For this reason, the Greek authorities regard this outbreak not only as the responsibility of Greece, but also of the EU, and thus ask the EU for financial assistance to implement the necessary measures.

The Greek authorities do not see a need to considerably increase the sampling density for C.m.s. in ware potatoes, but would rather continue to rely on thorough sampling of imported seed potatoes as a measure to control C.m.s..

The monitoring of R.s. does not include systematic surveys of tomato plants. Tomato plants are only checked on request of agronomists or farmers who observe symptoms.

The deficiencies in labelling ware potatoes on wholesale markets were acknowledged, however, the Greek authorities commented that this was the responsibility of a different Directorate within the Ministry of Agriculture.

With regard to the laboratories at the Benaki Phytopathological Institute, the team was informed that a decision had been taken to appoint more staff and that the required financial resources were available. In addition, laboratory assistants form other laboratories can be recruited in peak periods.

20 For the laboratory facilities in Crete DRS 800 million were released to improve the infrastructure (buildings and lab equipment). Furthermore, it is likely that the number of staff will be increased in the near future.

9. RECOMMENDATIONS

It is recommended to the competent authorities of Greece to:

– Implement in Crete all measures required by the Council Directive 93/85/EEC.

– Enforce the labelling of ware potatoes as required by the Council Directive 77/93/EEC.

– Increase the sampling density in ware potatoes for ring rot and brown rot outside Crete. All the main production areas should be included.

– Introduce already from the current growing season annual systematic official surveys for Ralstonia solanacearum in tomatoes, as required by Council Directive 98/57/EC.

– With the experience from Crete in mind, draw up contingency plans for such outbreaks. They should contain methods to communicate the measures required by the respective legal texts to the farmers. Since agriculture in Greece in many places is small scale and resource poor, additional complementary action (possibly including financial measures) by the stakeholders in the potato sector should be part of the contingency plans.

– Ensure, that in the laboratories in Crete:

– Proper negative controls are included in the IF testing

– The correct number of test plants is used in the confirmation tests

– Improve the management of potato cyst nematodes in line with the Council Directive 69/465/EEC.

The central competent authority in Greece is requested to report to the Commission by 31 October 2000 on action taken and planned on the above points.

21