Not known to transmit any human or animal pathogens.

Not known to vector any pathogens or other associated organisms.

This pest is is not known to be a vector and it is not vectored by any organism.

The approved survey method is soil sampling from fields according to the Canada and United States Guidelines on Surveillance and Phytosanitary Actions for the Potato Cyst Nematodes Globodera rostochiensis and Globodera pallida using Method B in Appendix 2. All soil samples are to be officially collected and submitted to and processed by a NPPO-recognized laboratory.

Soil surveys conducted soon after potato harvest are preferred to take advantage of the soil mixing that occurs when potatoes are harvested. However, because eggs in cysts remain viable for many years, soil surveys can be conducted at any time of year following production of a potato crop.

Survey certified seed potato acreage, commercial potato acreage, and other land used for potato research (universities, government and other research organizations). Seed potato fields are preferred.

Conduct visual inspection for symptoms indicating potato cyst nematodes by searching for stunting, yellowing, and crop failure. Symptoms will be patchy in the field, and affected areas tend to elongate in the direction of cultivation due to spread of the nematode by machinery. Sites that are more likely to be infested include dumping grounds containing debris from graders or storage areas, edges where equipment is turned during cultivation and plowing, entrances and exits, and low spots in the field.

Fields selected for survey must be sampled in their entirety using a fixed sampling pattern that does not exceed a 7 x 7-pace (1 pace = 2.5 ft) grid pattern, producing grids of approximately 36 yd2. One soil sample per acre must be collected per surveyed field that is comprised of at least 160 sampling points and a minimum of 2000cc (slightly more than 5 pounds). Sampling efficacy improves when the number of sampling points per acre increases and the size of each sample is reduced. The minimum acceptable standard is a 7 x 7-pace grid pattern, but smaller grid intervals incorporating additional samples per acre may be used to achieve greater sampling resolution. Samples may be collected using hand (long handled trowels or probes) or mechanical (wheel) sampling. Example operational guidance for surveys may be found in the Golden Nematode Program Manual.

Morphometrics for Globodera may be found in Skantar et al. 2007.

Work instructions for real-time PCR methods to detect G. pallida and G. rostochiensis are available from the S&T Plant Pathogen Confirmatory Diagnostics Laboratory (PPCDL). To request a copy of these protocols, email: APHIS-PPQCHSTBeltsvilleSampleDiagnostics@usda.gov and use the subject line "Diagnostic protocol request" or download from the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (see website for access request if not currently granted).

Globodera pallida, G. rostochiensis, and G. ellingtonae infect potato and have limited distributions in the United States. Females of G. pallida and G. rostochiensis are white when alive, but change to brown (G. pallida) or yellow/gold to brown (G. rostochiensis) as they mature and die becoming cysts. G. tabacum may also resemble other Globodera spp., but primarily infests tobacco and is unlikely to be associated with potato. Globodera species can be differentiated using morphological and molecular analyses.