Country: Canada

Title: Golden Nematode - Update on the Canadian Situation - Soil Testing of Canada's 2008 Seed Potato Crop Negative for Potato Cyst Nematodes.

Contact:
Alain Boucher, National Manager, Potato Cyst Nematode Section, Horticulture Division, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Moncton, New Brunswick, alain.boucher@inspection.gc.ca

Report:

This report provides an update to the previously posted official pest reports (OPR) for Canada reporting on the 2007 find of potato cyst nematode (PCN) in soil samples collected from two fields in northern Alberta (see NAPPO-PAS OPRs for Canada dated 11/23/2007 and 05/06/2008).

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has completed the testing of Canada's seed potato fields for the export certification of the 2008 crop and potato cyst nematode (PCN) was not detected. Soil samples were collected and tested for PCN as part of Canada's national PCN detection survey and to meet various countries' import requirements. The CFIA collected and tested approximately 12,500 soil samples from 81.5 per cent of the land across Canada used to produce the 2008 seed potato crop. PCN was not detected in any of the samples taken.

In addition to the national PCN detection survey, a delimiting survey was also conducted in Alberta in response to the 2007 detection of PCN in soil samples collected from 2 northern Alberta fields. Delimiting surveys use more intensive sampling methods than detection surveys in order to establish the boundaries of regulated areas where quarantine pests like PCN are thought to be present. In 2008 the CFIA collected and tested approximately 32,000 soil samples for the PCN delimiting survey and all results were negative for PCN.

Based on these 2 surveys, in 2008, the CFIA, with the support of Canadian seed potato growers and other stakeholders, have now tested approximately 44,500 soil samples for PCN and all have been negative.

The CFIA continues to work jointly with the United States Department of Agriculture and stakeholders on both sides of the border to revise the Canada-U.S. PCN phytosanitary guidelines and related national PCN detection surveys for 2009/2010 and beyond. Once a consensus is reached, details will be communicated to all stakeholders and interested parties.

The Golden nematode, Globodera rostochiensis, is considered to be present, only in some areas of Canada (Newfoundland, and in small areas of Vancouver Island (Saanich) and Quebec (Saint-Amable), and two fields in northern Alberta) and is under official control.

 

Posted Date: Feb. 24, 2009, 9 a.m.