Exotic Pest Alert: Potato cyst nematodes
January 2016 Primefact 1202 Second edition
Plant Biosecurity and Product Integrity Orange
Pale potato cyst nematode (Globodera pallida)
is an exotic plant pest not present in
Australia
Golden potato cyst nematode (Globodera
rostochiensis) is an exotic plant pest present
in some areas of Victoria but not in New
South Wales
These nematodes are a serious threat to
Australia’s potato industry
If found in NSW they must be reported
promptly to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline
1800 084 881
Potato cyst nematodes
Figure 1 Golden PCN cysts on potato roots
Potato cyst nematodes (PCN) are microscopic,
soil-borne plant pests which feed on the roots of
potato plants. Root development and tuber yield
is reduced and plant growth is stunted.
The biology and symptoms caused by both
species are similar.
The occurrence of PCN is related to the presence
of a host and not to soil type or soil temperature.
PCN is subject to stringent quarantine and
regulatory procedures wherever it occurs.
Symptoms
The symptoms of attack by Globodera species
are not specific. Symptoms may appear similar to
water or nutrient deficiencies or wilt diseases.
Figure 2 Crop damage by golden PCN
Infested potato plants have a reduced root
system which is abnormally branched and
brownish in colour. Growth is stunted, leaves
yellow early or turn a dull colour, flowering is
delayed and plants may wilt.
Crop damage may appear as patches of poorly
growing plants (Figure 2) and could extend to
complete crop failure.
During, or after, flowering very tiny white, yellow
or brown cysts about the size of a pin head
(0.5 mm) might be seen on the outside of roots
(Figure 1).
Damage
When infestations are light potato plants may
show no above ground symptoms although yield
and tuber size can be reduced.
When infestations are heavy both the size and
number of tubers are reduced.
Exotic Pest Alert: Potato cyst nematodes
Biology
PCN are wormlike pests less than 1 mm in size.
Juveniles hatch from cysts in the soil when
stimulated by the presence of susceptible host
roots. The nematode then invades the plant
roots.
Golden PCN is established in parts of Victoria
and has been eradicated from Western Australia.
All detections in Australia are of the golden PCN
(Globodera rostochiensis) Ro1 strain.
Control

Use resistant varieties
Eggs develop in the bodies of mated females.
The body of the female protrudes from the
surface of the potato roots or tubers. When the
female dies her body forms the resistant cyst.
Cysts may contain from 200-600 eggs.

Adhere to movement restrictions on soil and
things that might carry soil.

Keep fields free of volunteer potatoes and
host weeds.
Cysts may detach and lodge in the soil. Hatching
may occur immediately or cysts may remain
dormant but viable for many years.
Actions to minimise risks
Dormancy is commonly 7-10 years but may
exceed 20 years.
Put in place biosecurity best practice actions to
prevent entry, establishment and spread of pests
and diseases:

practice “Come clean, Go clean”

ensure all staff and visitors are instructed in
and adhere to your business management
hygiene requirements
Survival

monitor your plants regularly
PCN can survive as cysts in the soil for many
years in the absence of host plants.

source plant material of a known high health
status from reputable suppliers
Hosts

keep records
The preferred host of PCN is potato. PCN can
infest plants such as tomato, eggplant and some
solanaceous weeds.
Reporting
Laboratory analysis may be necessary to find
cysts in soil samples or females or cysts on host
roots.
Spread
PCN cysts can spread on anything contaminated
with infested soil. Examples include seed
potatoes, potted nursery stock and packaging,
soil, flower bulbs, unwashed root crops for
consumption or processing, footwear, livestock,
farming equipment and waste from potato
grading operations.
PCN has limited natural means of dispersal.
Juveniles can move short distances towards
roots in the soil. Cysts might be carried by water.
When a PCN infestation is found regulatory
controls are imposed on potato growers and all
businesses which involve the potential movement
of soil.
If you suspect potato cyst nematodes in NSW:
Call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on
1800 084 881
Take photos not samples to minimise the risk
of spreading this pest
Email clear photos with a brief explanation
and contact details to
[email protected]
An exotic plant pest is a disease causing
organism or an invertebrate not present in
Australia or NSW and which threatens
agricultural production, forestry or native and
amenity plants.
More information
Distribution
Pale PCN and golden PCN are both endemic to
the Andes Mountains in South America. PCN has
been introduced into Europe, North America,
Asia and Africa.
Pale PCN has been confirmed in New Zealand.
2
NSW Department of Primary Industries, January 2016
Primefact 1431 – Surveillance and management of
potato cyst nematodes in Australia, NSW DPI
Acknowledgments
Figures 1 and 2 courtesy of Bonsak Hammeraas,
Bioforsk - Norwegian Institute for Agricultural and
Environmental Research, Bugwood.org
Exotic Pest Alert: Potato cyst nematodes
© State of New South Wales through the Department of Industry 2016.
You may copy, distribute and otherwise freely deal with this publication
for any purpose, provided that you attribute the NSW Department of
Primary Industries as the owner.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is based on
knowledge and understanding at the time of writing (January 2016).
However, because of advances in knowledge, users are reminded of
the need to ensure that information upon which they rely is up to date
and to check currency of the information with the appropriate officer of
the Department of Primary Industries or the user’s independent
adviser.
Published by the NSW Department of Primary Industries.
PUB12/68
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NSW Department of Primary Industries, January 2016