Potato cyst nematodes in England and Wales - occurrence and distribution

Potato cyst nematodes (PCN) have been known to occur in the UK for nearly a hundred years. They are the most problematic pests of potatoes and can cause severe yield losses. Previous work has shown the two species, Globodera rostochiensis and G pallida, to be distributed throughout the UK. This paper reports the results of the first structured and statistically unbiased survey undertaken to assess their occurrence and distribution in the potato growing land of England and Wales. The survey showed that PCN were present in 64% of sites sampled. Of the populations found, 67% were G pallida, 8% were G rostochiensis and 25% contained both species. The results show an increase in the incidence of PCN since previous studies were completed and confirm the perceived shift towards G pallida as the predominant species. Of the infestations found, 62% had a population density of less than 10 eggs g(-1) soil.