Notification of the change in status of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis, Goss’ Wilt on maize, in the Republic of South Africa

Publication Date

Wed, 08 Apr 2026, 10:39

Last Updated

April 8, 2026, 10:39 a.m.

Report Number

ZAF-61/1

Country

South Africa

Pest Id

Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis - (CORBNE)

Report Status

Final

Hosts

Zea mays

Pest Status (ISPM 8 - 2021)

• Present: not widely distributed and under official control

Geographical Distribution

Upon conducting a delimiting survey for Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. Nebraskensis, further infested provinces were discovered. Therefore, the geographic distribution of the disease in the country is as follows: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, and Western Cape.

Summary

In 2024, Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis was detected in the four (4) provinces in South Africa, namely the Free State, North West, Gauteng and Eastern Cape. Upon conducting a delimiting survey, to determine the extent of spread of the disease, the organism was detected in four (4) further provinces. The pest is currently considered present in eight (8) provinces, Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, and Western Cape.

Danger

Potential establishment of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis in the country may have negative impacts on maize production, which in turn may threaten food security. The Department of Agriculture (DoA) and its collaborators are continuing with research in developing management strategies for the pest to support local maize producers.

Contact for info

Ms Maria Mafadza Department of Agriculture Private BagX14 Gezina 0031

Report files

Notification of the change in status of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis, Goss’ Wilt on maize, in the Republic of South Africa

Website

Issue keywords

Delimiting survey Phytosanitary Measures Risk Management

Commodity keywords

Maize or corn