Potato Cyst Nematodes: A New Threat to Potato Production in East Africa

• DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00670
• Publication Date: 2020-05-25T04:30:15Z
• Authors: Harrison Mburu; Laura Cortada; Solveig Haukeland; Wilson Ronno; Moses Nyongesa; Zachary Kinyua; Joel L. Bargul; Danny Coyne
• Keywords: Globodera rostochiensis; Potato cyst nematode; Globodera pallida

Potato cyst nematodes (PCN), such as Globodera rostochiensis and pallida, are quarantine restricted pests of potato causing major yield financial losses to farmers. G. was first reported from Kenya's key growing area in 2015. We sought determine the diversity, prevalence distribution PCN species across country by conducting a country-wide survey between 2016 2018, which included more focused, follow-up assessment three counties. A total 1,348 soil samples were collected 20 Information regarding local farming practices, cultivar use, their diversity availability also recorded. cysts obtained 968 (71.8%) all counties surveyed, with Nyandarua County recording highest field-incidence at 47.6%. The majority populations, 99.9%, identified rostochiensis, while pallida recovered just one field, mixed population rostochiensis. Inconsistencies PCR amplification efficiency observed for using recommended EPPO primers, compared ITS primers AB28/TW81, indicates that this protocol cannot be entirely relied upon effectively detect PCN. Egg density varied 30.6 - 158.5 viable eggs/g soil, an average egg viability 78.9 ± 2.8% (min = 11.6%, max 99.9%). PCN-susceptible named Shangi most preferred used 65% farmers due its shorter dormancy cooking time, imported cultivars (Destiny, Jelly, Manitou, Markies) resistance 7.5% unavailability and/or limited access seeds. Thus, own farm-saved seeds opposed purchasing certified Establishing elucidating practices could promote spread is necessary precursor implementation any containment or management strategy ultimately region.