Du Pont calls fro EU wide potato cyst nematode survey

Sustainable potato production across the EU could be under threat from potato cyst nematodes (PCN) and free living nematodes (FLN) without a comprehensive review of sampling and management options. This is the message from Dr Wilbert Flier, Nematicide Product Development Manager, DuPont Crop Protection Europe, Middle East and Africa, who says his company fully backs the recent call by the EFSA Panel on Plant Health’s for an EU-wide survey to determine the distribution of Globodera rostochiensis and Globodera pallida. DuPont is also encouraging Member States to adopt a full IPM approach to ensure responsible and appropriate management practices are put in place.

According to the EFSA report, G. rostochiensis is present in all EU Member States, whereas G. pallida is present in all Member States except Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia. It can be concluded that almost a century after they were first reported both PCN species have become well established within the EU. “Free living nematodes are also widespread in most agricultural soils,” adds Dr Flier. “The quality and yield of potato crops are not sustainable in the presence of large populations of plant parasitic nematodes.”

The EFSA report also identifies problems with existing control measures, suggesting that the reduction in soil sampling rate under specified conditions provided by derogation in Council Directive 2007/33/EC may actually enhance rather than reduce the spread of PCN. “PCN ‘hot spots’ can develop when soil sampling is not done or if insufficient samples are taken to identify a nematode presence,” explains Dr Flier.
“This can make any existing problems significantly worse by allowing an uncontrolled and potentially exponential multiplication in nematode numbers.”

Dr Flier stresses the importance of responsible IPM practices that include consistent soil sampling to correctly identify nematode species and population levels, extending rotations, cultural measures such as growing tolerant and/or resistant cultivars and, where appropriate, responsible use of nematicides, to ensure continued and sustainable potato production.

“It is imperative that the strategy of only producing seed potatoes in fields free from PCN remains in force. However, where full IPM is adopted, it is arguably time for a relaxation of the quarantine rules in countries that do not allow growers to produce commercial ware crops where nematodes have been identified,” advises Dr Flier. “We believe these rules can dissuade growers from soil sampling, which in certain situations can make an existing nematode problem much worse,” he adds.

“The ESFA’s report has highlighted problems with the current control measures to reduce the spread of PCN within the EU and it is widely accepted that FLN are present in most agricultural soils. The official bodies of each of the Member States must take responsibility for the adoption of the correct strategies for the control of PCN and FLN. Developing regional ICM programs to control both species will be crucial if we are to continue growing the quality and quantity of potatoes that we require in the EU,” concludes Dr Flier.

For more information:
Matthew Morton
Tel: +44 1264 735594.
[email protected]