[1][2] C. sepedonicus is a high-profile alien plant pathogen of A2 Quarantine status affecting only potatoes.

C. sepidonicus is an economically important pathogen because it affects only potato, which was the 12th highest ranking commodity in 2009, generating $44,128,413,000 globally.

When diagnosing a C. sepidonicus infection in potato, look for discoloration of the vascular ring within the tuber that has been described as "glassy" or "water-soaked" with the ooze inside having a "cheese-like consistency".

[6][7] Symptoms of potato 'ring rot' are yellowing of the leaf margins which later turn brown and look like they are burned.

[8] The bacteria enters the host through wounds and invades the xylem where it multiplies via binary fission.

This poor ability to compete as a saprophyte in the absence of a susceptible host makes Clavibacter sp.

In the EU, quarantine facilities and licences are required to obtain, hold, and/or work with the bacteria and in the UK, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) export licences are required to export it to countries outside of the EU whether through a third party country or not.

If a tuber tests positive for Clavibacter sepidonicus, proper authorities should be immediately contacted as this is a quarantine disease in the United States as well Europe.

sepidonicus presents a danger of long-distance dispersal due to its ability to survive in seeds.