EPPO Workshop on Meloidogyne chitwoodi and Meloidogyne fallax (2011‐03‐08): importance for potato production and experience of management in EPPO countries

Abstract

Prior to the meeting of the Panel on Phytosanitary Measures for Potato in 2011, a one-day workshop on Meloidogyne chitwoodi and Meloidogyne fallax was held. Several additional experts, including nematologists, attended the workshop. The objectives were to review current knowledge on these Meloidogyne nematode pests; to share experiences of dealing with outbreaks; and to consider what further work, if any, should be undertaken by EPPO. There were four presentations by experts followed by discussions of several key issues. The conclusions of the workshop are presented. Meloidogyne nematodes are extremely polyphagous, difficult to detect and difficult to eradicate. In view of the regulatory status of both M. chitwoodi and M. fallax, there is a need for more systematic surveillance of these nematodes in the EPPO region to investigate their distribution and the feasibility of phytosanitary measures for the longer term. The participants at the EPPO workshop concluded that, based on current knowledge, M. chitwoodi and M. fallax do not pose a major threat for potato production. However, to promote awareness and surveillance, a national regulatory control system is needed to assist countries in taking action in case these nematodes are found. The experiences shared during this workshop will be used to develop a National Regulatory Control System for M. chitwoodi and M. fallax (EPPO PM 9 Standard). Mr Niere (Julius Kuhn-Institut, DE) gave a general introduction to Meloidogyne nematodes with emphasis on M. chitwoodi and M. fallax. Root-knot nematodes are the most important group of plant parasitic nematodes. In 1949, the first five species were described by B. Chitwood; by 2009, nearly 100 species had been described. The decreasing use of nematicides, coupled with more intensive host cropping systems, may explain why these nematodes have become a more prominent problem for growers. Meloidogyne nematodes are extremely polyphagous and damaging and have a worldwide distribution. The origin of these nematodes is not known. The species that have traditionally been recognized as major pests are M. incognita, M. arenaria, M. javanica and M. hapla. New species are emerging, however, including M. enterolobii, M. paranaenis, M. fallax, M. chitwoodi and M. minor, which also pose a major threat. Meloidogyne species are especially damaging in tropical regions for numerous vegetable crops, and can cause complete loss of harvest. Root-knot nematodes damage root systems and can induce the formation of galls, thereby weakening root systems, but rarely cause plant death. Necrotic lesions can also occur in the cortex. In