Potato cyst nematode (PCN), Globodera rostochiensis and Globodera pallida, is the most important nematode threat to potato production worldwide. If left uncontrolled, PCN is capable of causing severe losses in potato yields. Potato cyst nematode has a remarkable ability to survive unsuitable conditions. Thus, it is the subject of strict quarantine regulations in many countries. In Canada, G. rostochiensis is known to be confined to a small area on the Sannich Peninsula, British Columbia (1965), in Saint-Amable, Québec (2006), and in Alberta (2007). Furthermore, both PCN species are present near Botwood, Newfoundland (1962).

Nematology research team at HRDC, Saint-Jean-sur-RichelieuThe Horticulture Research and Development Centre (HRDC) is one of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s network of 19 research centres. Located in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec, the Centre’s mandate is to conduct research in the areas of sustainable production, pest management and preserving the quality of crops and horticulture after harvesting.

Nematology research team • Guy Bélair, M.Sc., Researcher & Nematologist • Louis Simard, Ph.D., Nematologist agr. • Nathalie Dauphinais, M.Sc. • Éléonore Tremblay, M.Sc. • Catalin Cebuc, B.Sc.

Quarantine laboratory and greenhousesResearch quarantine laboratory and greenhouses are used at HRDC to perform experiments on PCN. Laboratory is fully equipped with dissecting microscopes to estimate PCN densities. Resistance screening trials are conducted in the greenhouses all year long enhancing the efficacy of the breeding program.

Integrated Management of Potato Cyst NematodesHorticulture Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC, J3B 3E6, Canada

Globodera rostochiensis on ‘Snowden’ potato roots

Experiment process related to PCN

Microplots

Fall 2008 harvesting

Fenwick can

Field research facilities, QuébecGlobodera rostochiensis infested fields in regulated area in Québec are available for the research team to conduct experiments related to the development of an integrated management program against PCN. The area of more than 10 hectares represents the most important facilities in North America.

In 2008, more than 400 microplots were installed to make the following research activities on G. rostochiensis:

• Screen potato clones and cultivars for resistance to G. rostochiensis. • Evaluate crop rotation and non-host plant strategies to reduce G. rostochiensis populations.• Determine the life cycle of G. rostochiensis, the winter survival, and the natural G. rostochiensis depletion in Québec. • Compare the efficacy of soil sampling methods in detecting G. rostochiensis. • Assess the potential of various soil amendments and treatments to reduce G. rostochiensis populations.• Determine the potential of trap cropping and tuber-forming sticky nightshade (Solanum sisymbriifolium) for suppression of G. rostochiensis. • Establish the PCN host weeds present in the infested fields.

Soil PCN extraction facilities were set up in the infested research area:

• Soil drying room and equipments.• Fenwick cans to extract PCN by flotation from dry soil.• Biosecurity equipments to decontaminate water and soil used for research purpose.

Soil drying room

Other fields to evaluate PCN resistant cultivarsResistant potato cultivars and clones to G. rostochiensis are agronomically evaluated in different fields across the province of Québec:

• Regulated area (PCN infested)• Sainte-Croix de Lotbinière (non infested)• Baie-Comeau, Centre de recherche Les Buissons inc. (non infested)

In 2008, more than 350 potato cultivars and clones were screened for resistance to G. rostochiensis.

Globodera pallida infested field in Newfoundland

Screening of potato cultivars and clones for resistance to G. rostochiensis was performed in 2008 in Newfoundland with the collaboration of Steven Wood from CFIA.

Starting in 2009, screening for resistance against G. pallida will be included.

PCN resistance trial

G. rostochiensis and G. pallida infested field, Long Pond, NL

Varieties / Clones (2007 trial)

Ambra Resistant

Andover (tolerant) Resistant

Aquilon Resistant

Argos Resistant

Atlantic Resistant

Boulder Resistant

Castle Resistant

FL1867 Resistant

Hudson Resistant

Mozart Resistant

Reba (tolerant) Resistant

Rosara Resistant

Roselys Resistant

Steuben Resistant

B7 Susceptible

Goldrush Susceptible

Provento Susceptible

Shepody Susceptible

Snowden Susceptible

Superior Susceptible

Current research1- Selection of resistant material to G. rostochiensis and G. pallida. 2- Production and evaluation of new potato varieties/clones adapted to Canadian climatic conditions and market. 3- Development of an integrated short- and long-term management program for PCN in Canada. 4- Identification and introduction of new resistant genes to G. pallida.

Research collaborators • Georges Laplante, PCN specialist, CFIA, Québec, QC. • Steven Wood, Biologist, CFIA, St-John’s, NL. • Agnes Murphy, Ph.D., Potato breeder, AAFC, Fredericton, NB. • Pierre Turcotte, Ph.D., Potato breeder, MAPAQ, St-Mathieu-de-Beloeil, QC. • André Gagnon, M.Sc., Potato specialist, ProgesT 2001 inc., Québec, QC. • Benoit Pharand, Centre de recherche Les Buissons inc., Pointe-aux-Outardes, QC. • Thomas Been, Ph.D., Nematologist, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands. • Corrie Schomaker, Ph.D., Nematologist, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands. • Walter S. De Jong, Ph.D., Potato breeder, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA. • Susan J. Turner, Ph.D., Nematologist, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Northern Ireland, UK.

Financial support• Canadian Food Inspection Agency • Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada • Conseil pour le développement de l’agriculture du Québec

For more information please contactGuy Bélair, M.Sc., Researcher & Nematologist Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 430 Gouin Blvd, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec J3B 3E6 450 515-2006 / belairg@agr.gc.ca

– Written by Louis Simard & Guy Bélair

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2009

Cat. No. A52-138/2009E-PDF ISBN 978-1-100-11810-9AAFC No. 10867E

Aussi offert en français sous le titre :Gestion intégrée des nématodes à kyste de la pomme de terre

SPCS (S. Hindson)