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United States Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Golden Nematode

Last Modified: May 28, 2020
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[Cysts of Globodera rostochiensis. Photo Source: Jonathan D. Eisenback, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org]Golden nematode (Globodera rostochiensis) is a serious agricultural and quarantine pest. The United States positively identified G. rostochiensis in 1941 in a potato field in New York that had been a staging area for military equipment returning from World War I. Mud on the tires of returning vehicles likely spread the nematode.  Cysts of the nematode can live in soil for 30 years and the nematode can cause direct crop losses, increase pest control costs, constrain cropping patterns, and devalue infested land. Potatoes and tomatoes are the principal crops of economic importance attacked by this pest. The nematode also reproduces on the roots of eggplant and on some wild solanaceous weeds. Quarantine measures and crop rotations of G. rostochiensis-resistant potato varieties with non-host crops are successful control strategies that have contained the nematode to portions of New York. There are no current impacts on interstate or international trade, other than certain survey and certification requirements, because the United States has G. rostochiensis under effective control and containment.  

Pest Identification

Regulation

Federal Orders

Quarantine Information

Pest Management

Program Publications

  • Golden Nematode (Fact Sheet)
  • Golden Nematode (Flyer) (PDF; 1.23 Mb)
  • The Golden Nematode Handbook: Survey, Laboratory, Control, and Quarantine Procedures. Agriculture Handbook Year, 1968, Volume No. 353, U.S. Dept. Of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service
  • Potato Cyst Nematodes (Pest Alert)
  • On-Line Resources
     

Contact

Lynn Evans-Goldner
National Policy Manager
Telephone: 301-851-2286
Email: lynn.evans-goldner@aphis.usda.gov

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