Potato cyst nematodes in England and Wales ‐ occurrence and distribution

Abstract

Potato cyst nematodes (PCN) have been known to occur in the UK for nearly a hundred years. They are the most problematic pests of potatoes and can cause severe yield losses. Previous work has shown the two species, Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida, to be distributed throughout the UK. This paper reports the results of the first structured and statistically unbiased survey undertaken to assess their occurrence and distribution in the potato growing land of England and Wales. The survey showed that PCN were present in 64% of sites sampled. Of the populations found, 67% were G. pallida, 8% were G. rostochiensis and 25% contained both species. The results show an increase in the incidence of PCN since previous studies were completed and confirm the perceived shift towards G. pallida as the predominant species. Of the infestations found, 62% had a population density of less than 10 eggs g -1 soil.

Dynamics and management of the white potato cyst nematodeGlobodera pallidain commercial potato crops

“…However, as our knowledge and understanding increases, it may become possible to identify the appropriate parameters for different cultivars and soil types without having to undertake trials in every field or on every farm. Minnis et al (2002) found that c. 60% of potato land is detectably infested with wPCN and much more is probably infested with more recently introduced populations that are still below the level of detection. Trudgill et al (2003) analysed the threat posed by wPCN and concluded that we are in the middle of an epidemic that, on many, perhaps most farms, is not being controlled by current management strategies.…”

“…This increase started in the 1970's and was a consequence of the reduction in competition from the yellow species of PCN (yPCN; Globodera rostochiensis) following the widespread growing of potato cultivars resistant only to yPCN. Minnis et al (2002) found PCN in 64% of the potato fields they surveyed, with wPCN present in >90% of infestations. However, because of the difficulty of detecting small infestations and the long time required for populations to become damaging, many farmers are not sufficiently aware that they are in the middle of a wPCN epidemic (Trudgill et al, 2003).…”

“…The white potato cyst nematode (wPCN; Globodera pallida) has been steadily increasing in both numbers and distribution in potato growing land in England and Wales (Minnis et al, 2002). This increase started in the 1970's and was a consequence of the reduction in competition from the yellow species of PCN (yPCN; Globodera rostochiensis) following the widespread growing of potato cultivars resistant only to yPCN.…”

Modifications in the potato rhizosphere during infestations of Globodera rostochiensis and subsequent effects on the growth of Rhizoctonia solani

“…In the UK, PCN are recognised as the most important pests faced by potato growers (Haydock and Evans 1998). With the exception of England and Wales (Minnis et al 2002), G. rostochiensis is generally more frequent in Europe than G. pallida (EPPO/CABI 1997). Both species of PCN hatch from encysted eggs as second-stage juveniles (J2) in response to multiple hatching factors (HF) produced in host root exudates (Devine et al 1996) and have an absolute requirement for host roots to feed and reproduce (Back et al 2006).…”

Interactions between field populations of the potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida and Rhizoctonia solani diseases of potatoes under controlled environment and glasshouse conditions

“…A survey showed that G. pallida is dominant in most potato growing areas in the UK (Minnis et al, 2002). It is considered that this is due to the slow rate of decline of G. pallida in the al.…”