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Larry Hawkins, APHIS (916) 930-5509

Wayne Hoffman, ISDA (208) 841-1305

**POTATO CYST NEMATODE TRACED TO SINGLE IDAHO FIELD**

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2006--Scientists looking for evidence of potato
cyst nematode (PCN) in Idaho today confirmed the presence of the pest in
one eastern Idaho field.

The cysts were discovered in soil samples collected by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
(APHIS) and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA). The soil
was collected as part of the investigation into the April 19, detection
of the pest, which was found in routine samples taken at a potato
grading station in Idaho. The nematode does not pose any threat to human
health, but can reduce the yield of potatoes and other crops. There is
no sign that the quality of tubers grown in Idaho has been affected.

The soil samples that tested positive for PCN were collected from a
45-acre field located in northern Bingham County, south of Idaho Falls.
Production in the area is for fresh market and processed potatoes, not
seed potatoes. The field is not within an Idaho Seed Potato Crop
Management area, where safeguards assuring quality are monitored. As
part of the investigation, more than 2,500 samples representing numerous
fields associated with the grading station were tested. All other
samples collected as part of the investigation have tested negative for
PCN. Additionally, more than 3,000 Idaho soil samples taken since last
fall as part of the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) have
been negative for PCN. Based on these survey results, the PCN
infestation appears to be isolated, but additional surveillance will
continue.

APHIS and ISDA are implementing a regulatory program at the positive
site designed to prevent the pest's spread to other fields. The program
will restrict the movement of plants and soil, and require sanitation
procedures for equipment used on the regulated field. Aggressive
delimiting surveys are being conducted in areas associated with the
PCN-positive field. Associated areas include those areas with geographic
nearness, common usage of tillage equipment, common seed sources, common
irrigation water or other means.

The potato cyst nematode, *Globodera pallida,* is a major pest of potato
crops in cool-temperate areas. It primarily affects plants within the
potato family including tomatoes, eggplants and some weeds. Potato cyst
nematode infestations may be associated with patches of poor growth.
Affected potato plants may exhibit yellowing, wilting or death of
foliage--none of which has been observed in Idaho potato fields. If left
unmanaged, nematodes can cause significant yield loss. The PCN is widely
distributed in many potato-growing regions throughout the world. In
North America, the nematode is also known to be present on the island of
Newfoundland, Canada.

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Early detection of pests minimizes agricultural production costs and
enhances product quality and marketability. Crop rotation and the use of
certified seed and nematicides (fumigants or granular systemic
compounds) are effective and practical means of suppression.

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