Globodera pallida found in Malta
In Malta, during a recent soil survey for nematode pests carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Globodera pallida (EPPO A2 quarantine pest) was positively identified (ELISA test) in one field. Although Globodera rostochiensis had been identified in the past in Malta, G. pallida had never been identified in Malta before. It is noted that although G. rostochiensis had been found in Malta for a long time, it has never constituted a major concern as there was never a large build-up of nematode populations in the soil. Apparently, Malta stands on the borderline for the survival of potato cyst nematodes. The hot summer temperatures seem to control the numbers of these harmful organisms. The situation of G. pallida in Malta can be described as: Present: only in one field.
Sources
NPPO of Malta, 2000-11.