Posted on Mon, 28 Apr 2025, 08:08

Deadline on Thu, 15 May 2025, 23:59

Issued by the IPPC Secretariat under the Pest Outbreak and Alert Response Systems (POARS)

Background and purpose

Clavibacter nebraskensis, the causal agent of Goss’s bacterial wilt and blight of maize, has recently been reported for the first time outside its previously known distribution (see IPPC Pest Alert, 03 March 2025). This development signals a potential expansion of the pest into new regions and raises concerns about its impact on global maize production.

Maize is a staple crop of major economic and food security importance across many countries. In light of this, and under the framework of the Pest Outbreak and Alert Response Systems (POARS), a preliminary technical assessment has been conducted to evaluate whether Clavibacter nebraskensis could be considered an emerging pest of global concern. C. nebraskensis is recognized as potentially seed-borne, which poses a particular risk for long-distance dissemination. However, studies suggest that transmission rates via seed are relatively low. The main point of debate centers on its actual capacity for long-distance spread through seed.

Based on current evidence, the pest has been added to the POARS Watching List, allowing for enhanced monitoring and follow-up. However, additional data and technical information are needed to support a more comprehensive assessment.

This call aims to gather relevant surveillance, regulatory, scientific, and economic data on Clavibacter nebraskensis to inform future decisions on collective prevention, preparedness and response actions.

What kind of information is needed?

We are seeking technical and phytosanitary information on Clavibacter nebraskensis across the following areas:

• Pest Risk Analyses (PRAs)
  All relevant PRA-related information—whether complete or in draft form (at national or regional levels)—is welcome, particularly information about:

  • Known or suspected pathways of introduction
  • Evidence of spread, including long-distance dissemination or latent infections

• Surveillance Protocols and Diagnostic Tools

  • Methods and tools for surveillance and diagnosis

• Biological and Ecological Information

  • Environmental and agroecological conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, cropping systems) that may favor survival, establishment, or outbreaks

• Economic Impact Data

  • Yield losses and productivity reduction in maize
  • Trade restrictions or market access issues
  • Socioeconomic impact on farming communities

• Regulatory and Phytosanitary Measures

  • National/regional regulations or quarantine status
  • Containment, exclusion, or eradication protocols
  • Emergency response frameworks or pest-free declarations

Who Can Contribute?

This call welcomes contributions from all individuals and organizations involved in plant health, including public, private, academic, research and civil society sectors.

How to Submit

Please send your contributions by email to:

[email protected]

CC: [email protected]

Use subject line: “Clavibacter nebraskensis – Resource Submission”

Submissions may include attachments (PDF, Word, Excel, etc.) or links to online repositories or datasets.

Deadline

All submissions must be received by 15 May 2025 (COB, Rome time).

Early contributions are encouraged.

Together, we can close critical information gaps, protect global maize production, and reinforce early warning systems under the IPPC framewor