First report of Meloidogyne chitwoodi in the United Kingdom
The NPPO of the United Kingdom recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first report of the root knot nematode Meloidogyne chitwoodi (EPPO A2 List) on its territory. The pest was detected on the 1st of July 2025 in one field in eastern England which was pre-emptively tested for free-living nematodes by the grower, prior to any crop being planted.
Subsequent official sampling and testing has confirmed the presence of M. chitwoodi. Eradication measures are being applied, including the removal and destruction of infested plant material - comprised in part of the field of unharvested strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) plants and weeds, prohibition of planting hosts in the infested field, cleaning machinery and vehicles leaving the infested field, and enhancement of biosecurity procedures. Trace-back and forward investigations (including sampling and testing) were conducted and showed that the outbreak is limited to one field. Over the next two years, further monitoring and sampling will be carried out in the infested field and margins, to verify the effectiveness of the eradication measures. The results of monitoring will inform the continuing monitoring and eradication measures.
The pest status of Meloidogyne chitwoodi in the United Kingdom is officially declared as: Present: not widely distributed and under official control.
Sources
NPPO of the United Kingdom (2025-07). |