Bacterial wilt, caused by Pseudomonas solanacearum E.F. Smith, is the second most limiting phytopathological factor to potato production in the world. Resistant germplasm is available for temperate potato growing regions where Race 3 of the pathogen is prevalent. New tools of molecular biology have led to more precise analysis of the race spectrum of P. solanacearum, demonstrating that race 3 is homogenous throughout the world and that it can therefore have only one point of origin from where it probably spread through the seed potato trade. If the use of resistant germplasm is combined with agronomic measures and use of clean seed, successful potato production is, as a rule, possible, and race 3 can even be eliminated, as already demonstrated in some regions. Resistant commercial germplasm currently available has derived its resistance from the diploid cultivated Andean potato species Solanum phureja. New genetic material with resistance derived from wild species is showing promise in field tests. Wild species can be successfully utilized in a relatively brief period of time if major crossing and selection work is carried out at the diploid level. Non resistant European and possibly Indian tuberosum germplasm, well adapted to heat conditions, is often not affected by BW in the field because adaptation plays a major role in the expression of resistance. To grow potatoes under conditions of P. solanacearum infestation is a more or less successful co-existence with the disease. This co-existence is aided by crop rotation, inter-cropping, specific cultural practices, or flooding if potatoes are cultivated after wetland rice.

Bacterial wilt, caused by Pseudomonas solanacearum E.F. Smith, is the second most limiting phytopathological factor to potato production in the world. Resistant germplasm is available for temperate potato growing regions where Race 3 of the pathogen is prevalent. New tools of molecular biology have led to more precise analysis of the race spectrum of P. solanacearum, demonstrating that race 3 is homogenous throughout the world and that it can therefore have only one point of origin from where it probably spread through the seed potato trade. If the use of resistant germplasm is combined with agronomic measures and use of clean seed, successful potato production is, as a rule, possible, and race 3 can even be eliminated, as already demonstrated in some regions. Resistant commercial germplasm currently available has derived its resistance from the diploid cultivated Andean potato species Solanum phureja. New genetic material with resistance derived from wild species is showing promise in field tests. Wild species can be successfully utilized in a relatively brief period of time if major crossing and selection work is carried out at the diploid level. Non resistant European and possibly Indian tuberosum germplasm, well adapted to heat conditions, is often not affected by BW in the field because adaptation plays a major role in the expression of resistance. To grow potatoes under conditions of P. solanacearum infestation is a more or less successful co-existence with the disease. This co-existence is aided by crop rotation, inter-cropping, specific cultural practices, or flooding if potatoes are cultivated after wetland rice.