Surveys on Globodera pallida and G. rostochiensis in Norway
During 2009-2016, all production areas of ware potato (Solanum tuberosum) in Norway were surveyed for the presence of potato cyst nematodes, Globodera pallida and G. rostochiensis (both EPPO A2 List). During this period, a total of 18 846 soil samples were collected and tested. Most samples were taken from fields used for ware potato production, but 4 895 samples were also taken from packing houses handling ware potatoes. Potato cyst nematodes were found in 995 samples, representing 5.2 % of the tested samples. 946 samples tested positive for G. rostochiensis and 92 for G. pallida. Mixed populations of both species were found in 73 samples. Globodera spp. were not found in samples from the counties of Hordaland, Nordland, Troms and Finnmark, and they were found in less than 1 % of the samples from Nord-Trøndelag, Sør-Trøndelag, Møre og Romsdal and Hedmark. Counties where findings of Globodera spp. had been made in earlier surveys had the highest percentage of infested samples in the 2009-2016 survey: Østfold (18 %), Rogaland (17 %), Aust-Agder (8.5 %) and Vest-Agder (8.1 %). G. pallida was found in samples from Rogaland (89 samples), Aust-Agder (2) and Vest-Agder (1). In the past, G. pallida had only been found in these 3 counties and based on the new information provided by the 2009-2016 survey, it is considered that G. pallida had not spread to new counties.
Phytosanitary measures were taken to prevent any further spread of Globodera species. In the case of G. rostochiensis, measures include a prohibition of removing soil from the farm, restrictions concerning the production and use of farm-saved seed potatoes, a duty to communicate about the pest status, and to clean all machinery and equipment to be used outside the farm. In the case of G. pallida, measures include a prohibition of removing soil and farm-saved seed potatoes from the farm, a prohibition to grow potatoes on the field where G. pallida was detected, restrictions concerning the production and use of farm-saved seed potatoes, a duty to communicate about the pest status, and to clean all machinery and equipment to be used outside the farm.
Finally, the NPPO added that the Norwegian seed potato production is also tested annually for Globodera spp., but these activities are not part of the present survey. It is stressed that both G. pallida and G. rostochiensis have never been found in seed potato production in Norway.
The pest status of Globodera pallida in Norway is officially declared as: Present, only in some areas (present only in few counties, restricted distribution), subject to official control.
The pest status of Globodera rostochiensis in Norway is officially declared as: Present, only in some areas (present in many counties, widespread in some and with restricted distribution in others), subject to official control.
Sources
NPPO of Norway (2018-06).