Potato cyst nematodes: Diaspora in India, from introduction and current status to future predictions using MaxEnt analysis

Article Type

Research Article

Publication Title

Nematology

Abstract

Potato cyst nematodes (PCN, Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida) are believed to have been introduced into India with seed potatoes from Britain. They were first detected in 1961 in the Nilgiri Hills (South India), with infestation then restricted to about 4000 ha. In 2015, PCN were reported in North India on the farm of ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Simla, Himachal Pradesh. The basic seed potato produced at CPRI farms is multiplied at Government Potato Seed Multiplication Farms (GPSMFs) in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand for further distribution across the country. High PCN populations at GPSMFs may be attributed to continuous potato cropping. These farms might have contributed to dissemination of PCN to farmers' fields. Populations of PCN at lower altitudes (<2000 m a.s.l.) may consist primarily of G. pallida, identified morphologically. The distribution pattern of PCN in the northern hilly states and union territories of India, in contrast to south India (the Nilgiris), shows significant differences. In the Nilgiris, most fields harbour high cyst populations, whereas in the north, high populations are observed mainly in the GPSMFs. Probably, PCN were introduced to the northern hilly states from the south even before domestic quarantine regulations were enforced in 1971. However, independent and multiple introductions of PCN with seed potatoes from Europe cannot be ruled out. Some potato cultivars resistant to PCN have been developed. Besides advisory and regulatory measures aimed at preventing or reducing their further spread, an at-source disinfestation of seed potato tubers using 2% NaOCl solution has been introduced. Inferences fromMaxEnt modelling predict that similar geographies in the northeastern parts of India and Western Ghats are also conducive to G. rostochiensis and G. pallida, warranting priority investigations. The potential impact of climate change on PCN distribution within India is also discussed.

First Page

481

Last Page

490

DOI

10.1163/15685411-bja10402

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS