Ring testing methods for identification and resistance testing (Globodera)

Potato cyst nematodes (PCN) Globodera pallida and Globodera rostochiensis cause serious damage to potato crops world-wide by restricting root growth and uptake of nutrients, leading to losses in tuber yield. They are considered quarantine organisms in many countries. In the EU, a control directive is active against these nematodes: the EU directive 2007/33/EC. The do’s and don’ts are described in this directive, especially for seed potatoes. This document also describes how the resistance level of potatoes against these nematodes has to be assessed before cultivars are allowed on the market and be used as a management tool. Resistant cultivars play the most important role in the management of PCN. The main goal of the project was to investigate if the consortium partners can identify the potato cyst nematode to species level and that the standard resistance testing method, described in the new control directive EU directive 2007/33/EC, can be performed. The aim of this project was twofold: to learn and validate test protocols for (1) identification and for (2) resistance testing.