First report of Meloidogyne luci in the Azores (Portugal)
In Portugal, the nematode Meloidogyne luci (EPPO Alert List) was first found in 2013 near Coimbra (in the continental part of Portugal) in a potato field (EPPO RS 2017/217). The NPPO of Portugal recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first finding of M. luci in Pico Island which is part of the Azores islands.
Samples were collected in July 2019 as part of the survey program for Meloidogyne fallax and M. chitwoodi. Nematodes were found in a small plot (500 m2) of ware potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) for personal consumption in the municipality of Santo António. The plants were symptomless. The identity of the pest was confirmed by the national reference laboratory (INIAV) with biochemical and molecular tests, as well as with bioassays.
Eradication measures have been taken. They include the prohibition of growing solanaceous plants in the infested field and the requirement to disinfect equipment and tools before using them in other plots. Surveys will be intensified around the infested plot.
The pest status of Meloidogyne luci in Portugal is officially declared as: Present, under eradication, only in some parts of the Member State concerned, at low prevalence.
Sources
NPPO of Portugal (2020-07).