The aim of this studentship project was to investigate the incidence of root-lesion nematodes (RLN), their impact on potato yield and to improve the diagnostic tests available to detect the nematodes.
Key findings
- 200 potato fields from fifteen counties in England with the highest area of potato production were sampled between September and November, in 2017 and 2019.
- Root Lesion Nematodes (RLN) were detected in 88% of samples.
- Identification of RLN species from positive survey samples showed that
- P. neglectus (31%) and P. thornei (19%) were the most common, mainly in East of England and the South East
- P. penetrans (18%) was mainly found in the East and South East of England
- P. crenatus (9%) in the East and West of England.
- Eighteen samples from Scotland were also included and 94% fields showed the presence of RLN. Pratylenchus neglectus and crenatus were the most present and abundant species.
- In controlled environment studies, P. penetrans at densities from 2 to 32 nematode g-1 soil had no effect on potato yield
- Molecular diagnostics for the identification and quantification of the 4 main Pratylenchus species were improved and validated
Date:
01 October 2016 - 30 April 2021
Project leader:
Valeria Orlando and Matt Back
Downloads
11120009 Final Report 2021