First report of Globodera rostochiensis in Kenya
In 2014, surveys of potato crops were initiated in Kenya to investigate the possible presence of potato cyst nematodes. Soil samples were collected from 5 potato-growing areas of Nyandarua county and nematode cysts could be recovered from them. Some potato crops (Solanum tuberosum cv. ‘Cangi’ and other unidentified farmer varieties) in the surveyed area had patches of poor growth with plants showing severe stunting, yellowing, wilting and reduced size of the tubers. Close examination of the root system showed tiny white, yellow or brownish cysts. Second stage juveniles (J2) could also be recovered from the analysed soil. Morphological and molecular methods confirmed the presence of Globodera rostochiensis (EPPO A2 List). This is the first time that this nematode is reported from Kenya. Further studies will be carried out to better understand the origin and distribution of this pest in Kenya.
The situation of Globodera rostochiensis in Kenya can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2014 in Nyandarua county.
Sources
Mwangi JM, Kariuki GM, Waceke JW, Grundler FM (2015) First report of Globodera rostochiensis infesting potatoes in Kenya. New Disease Reports 31, 18. [http://dx.doi.org/10.5197/j.2044-0588.2015.031.018