Surveys of beet cyst nematode in England 1977–80

Abstract

Surveys of sugar beet crops for beet cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii Schmidt) in seven selected areas of England have provided data on distribution of the pest and on some factors affecting its occurrence. These data were mapped by CAMGRID computer program.Infestations occurred mostly on the East Anglian fenland (14% of fields infested) and in this area were more frequent nearer the sugar beet processing factory. In the remaining areas the few infested fields (5% or less) were generally scattered but a small concentration of infestation occurred in the West Midlands in an area of intensive horticulture with frequent brassica crops. The survey data did not support the view that beet cyst nematode infestations occur more frequently near access points to the crop. In the surveyed areas frequency of host crops appears to be more important than soil type in determining the likelihood of infestation.