Potato Golden Cyst Nematode

📖 Description

Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) is one of the most devastating pests of potato worldwide and a growing threat to Indian potato production, particularly in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal (plains), Assam and Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris) where potato is grown on over 2 million hectares. The pest is particularly problematic because (a) cysts persist in soil for 20+ years, making eradication impossible, (b) the pest is microscopic and often not detected until population densities are very high, (c) once introduced, the pest spreads via soil on equipment, boots and seed tubers, and (d) chemical nematicides are highly toxic and increasingly restricted. Two species occur: Globodera rostochiensis (golden cyst nematode) and Globodera pallida (white cyst nematode). Both are quarantine pests in many countries, including India. IPM with long crop rotation (5-7 years without Solanaceae), resistant varieties, biocontrol (Paecilomyces lilacinus), organic amendments and strict quarantine of new fields provides effective suppression. The pest is most severe in cool, temperate potato-growing regions and in continuous potato monoculture. Quarantine is critical — preventing introduction into new fields through clean seed, equipment sanitation and soil testing is far more effective than attempts at eradication.