Updated situation of Meloidogyne chitwoodi and Meloidogyne fallax in France
The NPPO of France recently sent to the EPPO Secretariat several updates about the situation of Meloidogyne chitwoodi and Meloidogyne fallax (both EPPO A2 List) on its territory. In 2012, new outbreaks have been found in France as a result of the national surveillance programme on potato root-knot nematodes. Although the origin of these outbreaks could not be determined, it is suspected that they are linked to imports of infested plants for planting. Phytosanitary measures were taken to prevent any further spread of these root-knot nematodes and included: delimitation of infested areas, prohibition to move plant material and soil from infested areas, access to infested areas restricted to authorized persons, disinfection of all machinery which may have been in contact with infested material.
- Meloidogyne chitwoodi
In 2008, M. chitwoodi was found for the first time in Picardie region on black salsify (Scorzonera hispanica) and ware potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), together with M. fallax. In 2009, an outbreak of M. chitwoodi (together with M. fallax) was detected in Bretagne in greenhouse crops (tomato, lettuce, etc.). In 2010, an outbreak of M. chitwoodi (alone) was found in Aquitaine in outdoor vegetable crops. In September 2012, the nematode was found in Ile-de-France in a 400 m² glasshouse of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum). M. chitwoodi was detected in a soil sample, but tomato plants were not showing any root galls. Finally in October 2012, it was also found in Basse-Normandie. It was detected in a soil sample which had been collected from a field of red beet (Beta vulgaris var. esculenta cv. ‘Braco’). No root galls were observed in red beet plants.
The pest status of Meloidogyne chitwoodi in France is officially declared as: Present, restricted distribution.
- Meloidogyne fallax
As explained above, M. fallax was first detected together with M. chitwoodi in Picardie in 2008, and then in Bretagne in 2009. In October 2012, M. fallax was found in region Nord-Pas de Calais. It was detected in a soil sample associated with a crop of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).
The pest status of Meloidogyne fallax in France is officially declared as: Present, restricted distribution.
Sources
NPPO of France (2012-10, 2012-11).