The biological control of potato cyst nematodes using resistant potato clones within organic potato production

摘要

In recent years the levels of Globodera pallida in potato land has been steadily increasing, despite the continued use of nematicides and partially resistant G. pallida cultivars. Some land is now considered unproductive for continued commercial potato production. The concept of using Solanaceae potato clones as biological control agents for PCN was investigated. The criteria for such clones were that they have full resistance to all known PCN pathotypes (both G. rostochiensis and G. pallida), havethe ability to stimulate high levels of PCN hatch, and be tolerant to high levels of PCN invasion. A field trial was undertaken in 1999 that evaluated three clones that fulfilled these criteria and overall PCN population reductions were obtained of 26 percent (CPC 2488A), 54 percent (L3783/14) and 36 percent (Karaka) in conditions where the natural decline was 19 percent. This concept offers the organic potato producer a method to actively reduce field populations of PCN down to levels where land may again be considered economically viable for commercial potato production.