United States Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Golden Nematode
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Golden Nematode
Golden nematode (GN), Globodera rostochiensis, is considered to be potentially more dangerous than any of the insects and diseases affecting the potato industry. Once it is established, potato production is impractical except in long crop rotations or when planting GN resistant potato varieties. Potatoes and tomatoes are the principal crops of economic importance that are attacked by this pest. The nematode also reproduces on the roots of eggplant and on some wild solanaceous weeds. Damaging populations of the nematode develop when susceptible crops are planted in a monoculture or rotation.
GN is recognized as a major potato pest in Europe. In England approximately 75 percent of potato production land is now infested resulting in severe crop restrictions. GN was first discovered in the U.S. in 1941, when it was found to be responsible for serious crop damage in a potato field on Long Island NY.
Canada, Mexico and the United States all have imposed domestic and foreign quarantine restrictions to prevent artificial spread of the golden nematode from known infested areas to uninfested areas within their borders and prevent introductions from areas known to be infested outside of their borders.
GN is controlled using a crop rotation of GN resistant potato varieties and non-host crops. Over 43 new potato varieties have been developed which are GN resistant. Recently a second race of GN known as Ro2 has been detected in a few fields. Efforts are underway to increase the number of potato varieties that are resistant to both races, Ro1 and Ro2. Use of resistant varieties is preferable to chemical nematicides which have several negative aspects.
Pest/Disease Identification
Regulation
Federal Orders
- Removal of 193,782 acres from the golden nematode regulated area in Cayuga, Seneca, Steuben, Suffolk, and Wayne Counties in New York (2/21/18)
- Removal of Golden Nematode (Globodera rostochiensis) Regulated Areas in Orleans, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties in New York (09/17/2014)
- Revisions to the golden nematode regulated areas in Steuben and Livingston Counties in New York State (02/13/12)
- Removal of the townships of Elba and Byron in Genesee County, New York, from the golden nematode regulated area (12/22/10)
Quarantine Information
- Golden Nematode Quarantine Map (JPEG; 74 Kb)
- Golden Nematode Regulated Articles (PDF; 10 Kb)
- Worldwide Distribution of Nematodes
Pest Management
- Environmental Documents
- Best Management Practices (PDF; 96 Kb)
- Golden Nematode Program Manual (PDF; 11.82 Mb)
- Potato Cyst Nematode National Survey Plan (PDF; 262 Kb)
- Potato Cyst Nematode Guidelines - Guidelines on Surveillance and Phytosanitary Actions [Updated May 7, 2014] (PDF; 696 Kb)
- Clarification to the Definition of "Field" - [Updated May 19, 2015]
- Amendment to Facilitate Research and Field Trials [Effective May 17, 2019]
- Potentially Actionable Suspect Samples and Cyst Nematodes Affecting Potatoes (PDF; 23 Kb)
- Steam Treatment of Golden Nematode (PDF; 55 Kb)
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