Country: United States

Title: Golden Nematode Globodera rostochiensis, Detection in Fremont, New York

Contact:
Vedpal S. Malik

Report:

Invasive Species and Pest Management staff 
Vedpal.s.malik@aphis.usda.gov
(301) 734-8247

The Golden nematode (GN), Globodera rostochiensis, has been detected in a 30-acre field in the Fremont Township of Steuben County, New York. This is the first time since 1986 that GN has been found outside the area quarantined for this nematode. This field had been systematically surveyed nine times since 1980. During the fall of 2002, survey of this field yielded four cysts in one soil sample. In a confirmation survey conducted on April 16, 2003, 51 cysts were recovered of which 43 were viable. The eggs and juvenile nematodes have been supplied to Cornell University for race biotyping.

Designated as I-11-D-5, this field has been operated by the same grower for nearly 50 years. The nearest GN quarantined area is approximately 10 miles west in Arkport, Steuben County, New York. The field has been rotated with potatoes and non-host crops and is presently planted with oats. GN susceptible potato varieties were planted in this field for 6 of the past 12 years. All production fields operated by this grower and in this township continue to be intensely surveyed for GN. All fields used for potato production in the surrounding town of Fremont as well as the entire county of Steuben have been surveyed for GN repeatedly over the past 25+ years. All fields outside the quarantined area have been surveyed and found negative for GN with this one exception. The grower does not produce potato seed but produces potatoes for potato chip manufacturers only. Hence, the risk of spread of GN by this grower now or in the past should not be cause for concern. 

APHIS is evaluating all information before amending CFR 301.85-2a to include this positive field in Fremont Township of Steuben County, New York, as an infested area. 

GN was first discovered in the United States in 1941 when it was found to be responsible for serious crop damage in a potato field on Long Island, New York. Because of an effective State-Federal quarantine which has been in existence for over 50 years, GN remains confined to portions of nine counties within the State of New York.

For more information about the Golden Nematode, see the following:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/ispm/nematode/
http://www.ceris.purdue.edu/napis/pests/gn/

Posted Date: June 12, 2003, 9 a.m.