Description
ORIGIN AND GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION. Potato cyst nematodes originate from the Andean regions of Peru and Bolivia. Introduction to Europe probably occurred in the mid-19th century through the import of seed potatoes with adhering soil.
HOST PLANTS Globodera host plants include potato(Solanum tuberosum), tomato(Solanum lycopersicum) and aubergine(Solanum melongena).
BIOLOGY. Nematodes of the genus Globodera develop in the soil as larvae, penetrating the roots of host plants. Mature females form cysts containing eggs that can survive in the soil for long periods. The larvae can survive inside the cysts for years, waiting for favourable conditions to emerge and infect new plants.
SYMPTOMS AND DAMAGE. Symptoms of Globodera infestation include:
- yellowing and wilting of leaves during the hottest hours;
- reduced plant growth and development
- delayed flowering;
- formation of cysts on the roots.
The damage caused by Globodera can be significant, with yield reductions of up to 50%.
PATHWAYS OF SPREAD. This nematode has been spread via soil adhering to seed potatoes in almost all potato-growing areas of the world. Globodera sp. can also be disseminated via soil containing nematode cysts in substrates or on the roots of nursery stock grown in infested soil
CONTROL AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES. The main control method consists of long rotations (at least 7 years) with non-host crops, keeping in mind that this nematode mainly attacks potato but can also reproduce, although with less intensity, on other cultivated and volunteer Solanaceae. The use of resistant varieties, besides avoiding the economic damage caused by the nematode, can also significantly reduce the population of the nematode. However, it must be remembered that in the presence of mixed populations, i.e. composed of the two species or more pathotypes of the nematode, this control technique may cause selection phenomena that lead to the prevalence of those species or pathotypes for which the plant is not resistant and therefore aggravate the situation. As a preventive measure, the sowing of clean tubers without soil residues and a nematological analysis of the soil before planting is recommended.
REPORTING. To provide reports and receive information contact the Provincial Plant Protection Service (tel. 0461/495660; e-mail: serv.agricoltura@provincia.tn.it; pec serv.agricoltura@pec.provincia.tn.it).
REFERENCE LEGISLATION. Regulation (EU) 2016/ 2031; Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072; Legislative Decree no. 19/2021; Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1192 and subsequent amendments and supplements.