Pilot studies for amending the management system of potato cyst nematodes (PCN) Globodera spp.(197906)

Potato cyst nematodes (PCN) are worldwide potato pests. The yellow species (yPCN) G. rostochiensis, and the white species (wPCN) G. pallida are quarantine pests subjected to national regulations. For farmers, PCN infestations result in costly production s ystem and loss in sales value of farms. Societal consequences by far exceed yield losses. The occurrence of populations (all wPCN and virulent yPCN pathotypes) capable of breaking the resistance in potato cultivars in current use, and the long persistence of PCN in soil without host plants complicate management. In this pilot project biotests will identify the pathotypes of some populations (up to 10) from different potato regions, and will be supported by morphological and biochemical (IEF) methods for s pecies confirmation. Fungi parasitic on PCN may contribute to nematode decline. A preliminary study on the occurrence and pathogenicity of such fungi will be an objective of the pilot project. Effective management requires reliable information on virulenc e and decline of PCN in soil Knowledge on both these aspects is needed for optimal decisions on control measures. The agronomical performance of Solanum sisymbriifolium, which is studied in the project, will be important for its future use as trap crop fo r PCN. The results of this pilot project will provide basic information for further studies for improving management systems for PCN. Julius Kühn-Institut (before Institute for Nematology and Vertebrate Research of the BBA) in Germany will be an important research partner. A project reference group represented by farmers, advisers, industry and authorities will take part in discussions and evaluation of the project progression.