First report of Meloidogyne luci in Portugal
In 2013, during a field survey conducted in Portugal on potato (Solanum tuberosum) in the framework of a research project, an unusual esterase phenotype was detected in a root-knot nematode collected from potato roots near Coimbra. In April 2016, further analysis revealed the presence of Meloidogyne luci in 1 plot (2000 m²) located in the municipality of Cantanhede. The pathogenicity of M. luci was assessed in 16 potato commercial cultivars and compared with M. chitwoodi. All tested potato cultivars were found to be susceptible to both Meloidogyne species. The NPPO was informed of this finding in August 2017. In order to evaluate the distribution and potential impact of this nematode, a survey programme will be established around the infested plot, as well as at national level. The NPPO added that within the framework of the official potato cyst nematode survey carried out in potato fields, samples were also tested (103 in 2016 – 57 in 2017) for the possible presence of Meloidogyne species but all results were negative. The official pest status of Meloidogyne luci in Portugal is officially declared as: Present, only in specific parts of the area concerned.
Sources
Maleita C, Esteves I, Cardoso JMS, Cunha MJ, Carneiro MDG, Abrantes I (2017) Meloidogyne luci, a new root-knot nematode parasitizing potato in Portugal. Plant Pathology (early view) DOI: 10.1111/ppa.12755
Maleita C, Esteves I, Cardoso JMS, Cunha MJ, Carneiro MDG, Abrantes I (2017) First report of Meloidogyne luci in Portugal – a potential threat to the potato crop. Abstract of a paper presented at the 32nd Symposium of the European Society of Nematologists (Braga, PT, 2016-08-28/09-01).
NPPO of Portugal (2017-11).