January 5, 2003
From: EPPO Reporting Service 2003, No. 10 [edited]

Survey on potato cyst nematodes in England and Wales

A survey was carried out in England and Wales (United Kingdom) for the presence of potato cyst nematodes (_Globodera rostochiensis_ [Gr], _G. pallida_ [Gp] - both on the EPPO A2 list). The aim was to estimate the proportion of potato fields infested with potato cyst nematodes [PCN] and to determine the relative abundance of the 2 species.

From 1997 to 1998, soil samples were collected from fields where potato had been grown the previous year. 284 potato growers agreed to participate to this study. PCN were found in 64 percent of tested samples (a similar study done in 1996 had given 42 percent). Gp is the predominant species found in England and Wales: 8 percent of the populations were Gr, 67 percent were Gp and 25 percent were mixed populations. In most cases, population densities were low (62 percent of the infestations had a density of less than 10 eggs/g of soil).

Gp was mainly found in the eastern counties of Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, and Cambridgeshire, where many potatoes are grown. Gr was present in eastern and western counties, almost equally, frequently in the same locations as Gp. Significant relationships were observed between species of PCN found and the use of resistant and non-resistant potato cultivars.

It is concluded that priority should be given to preventing further spread of these nematodes to potato-growing land and that integrated management strategies (use of resistant cultivars, nematicides, longer crop rotations, and possibly trap cropping) should be recommended to growers.

Source: Minnis, S.T.; Haydock, P.P.J.; Ibrahim, S.K.; Grove, I.G., Evans, K.; Russell, M.D. (2002) Potato cyst nematodes in England and Wales - occurrence and distribution. Annals of applied Biology, 140(2), 187-195.

[Potato cyst nematodes attacks potato roots, causing very significant yield reduction (up to 70 percent) over time. The cysts can remain viable for up to 30 years in some instances. They are worldwide in distribution and are considered one of the most difficult plant diseases (pests) to manage. - Mod.DH]