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Golden Nematode

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Jonathan D. Eisenback, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

and Christopher Hogger, Swiss Federal Research Station for Agroecology

and Agriculture respectively. Bugwood.org.

Golden nematode (Globodera rostochiensis; GN) is a soil-dwelling roundworm that

feeds on the roots of potatoes. When a mated female dies, her body hardens and
becomes a cyst that contains 300 to 500 viable eggs. These cysts can remain

dormant and viable for 30 years.

The United States positively identified golden nematode in 1941 in the State of New

York. The scientific community speculates that it was likely introduced when

contaminated military vehicles returned from Europe. Golden nematode is native to

the Andes Mountains of South America.

What To Look For

When golden nematode population levels are high, they can cause crop losses,

increase pest control costs, and devalue infested land. When population levels are

low, the pest may go undetected for years.

Here's what to look for in potato fields:

Field symptoms

Potato plants appear stunted with wilting and yellowed foliage. When

nematode populations are high, potato fields appear patchy or clustered

with plants showing poor growth.

Cysts

Microscopic round, spherical objects that appear to have a spout or

protrusion. Cysts can be golden, orange, brown, or black in color. Several

cysts will fit on a pinhead.

View the following images of golden nematode and the damage it causes.

Golden Nematode Photo Gallery

Tap any image to view larger size.





Show Info

Potato plants infected with Globodera rostochiensis. [Photo Source: Bonsak

Hammeraas, NIBIO - The Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research,

Bugwood.org]

Potato plant on right infected with Globodera rostochiensis compared to healthy

plant on left. [Photo Source:Christopher Hogger, Swiss Federal Research Station for

Agroecology and Agriculture, Bugwood.org]

Painting of the life cycle of the golden nematode, Globodera rostochiensis. [Photo

Source: A.D. Cushmon, Nemapix picture set, Bugwood.org]

A crushed cyst of Globodera rostochiensis with numerous eggs. [Photo Source: Ulrich

Zunke, University of Hamburg, Bugwood.org]
Second-stage juveniles and eggs of Globodera rostochiensis. [Photo Source: Ulrich

Zunke, University of Hamburg, Bugwood.org]

How To Prevent This Pest

Growers should plant golden nematode-resistant potato varieties and strongly

adhere to and participate in the golden nematode management program (for

example, surveys and stringent cropping practices). Additionally, the following best

practices will help to prevent the spread of golden nematode, pale cyst nematode,

and other soil-borne organisms:

Clean all farm machinery, trucks, construction and other equipment between

fields. Do not allow equipment in your fields unless it has been thoroughly

cleaned. This is especially important when renting land, as you may not have

records of previous crop history.

Check the condition of any trucks or other vehicles entering your farming

operation. For example, a grower should check to see where vehicles have

been previously and what sanitation treatments have been undertaken. Seed

potato shipments are a particular concern for possible spread of golden

nematode and pale cyst nematode where a truck may make more than one

stop.

Do not spread waste from potato grading, processing, or storage operations on

farmland or place it in an area where it can be spread to farmlands.

Leave hedgerows, sod barriers, or sod strips between fields and along

highways.
Prevent infestations by buying only certified seed that comes from fields that

have been tested and found to be free of golden nematode and pale cyst

nematode.

Grow non-host crops (corn, small grain, and alfalfa) in rotations with potatoes

and never plant pale cyst nematode-susceptible crops (potato, tomato,

eggplant, pepper) back-to-back.

Plant a potato cyst nematode-resistant variety, if available, in your non-infested

fields at least once every 4 years.

Plant cover crops as soon as possible when land is not in use because wind and

water erosion can spread golden nematode and pale cyst nematode cysts.

Inform people in your operation of the seriousness of golden nematode, pale

cyst nematode, and potato diseases. Be sure they follow all precautions.

Provide equipment needed to conduct proper cleaning and disinfection

procedures.

Segregate potatoes in storage—each field should have a definite separation.

Do not re-use previously used bags or containers when transporting potatoes.

Be sure all commercial transport vehicles are free of soil.

Do not allow temporary help, custom applicators, or utility companies to bring

their vehicles onto your farmland without proper sanitation. Do not allow them

to bring into the field any bags or other items they might place on the ground

because they could become contaminated.

Do not use common headlands, farm roads, and public roads as turning areas.

Prohibit non-authorized entry onto farmlands using “No Trespassing” signs.

Do not assume that non-regulated fields are free of the pathogen.

How It Is Treated

Early detection and rapid response are key to controlling golden nematode. Pest

management strategies include soil solarization, fumigation, crop rotation, and

resistant cultivars.

Solarization can be used if the infested area is small and newly affected.

Fumigation is effective in reducing nematode populations while giving plants

the opportunity to establish a good root system.

Resistant cultivars with crop rotation is most effective. Golden nematode can

be controlled by implementing an approved crop rotation schedule.
Report Plant Pests and Diseases

Have you seen this pest or signs of pest damage? Immediately report your findings.

Find your State plant regulatory official

Find your State plant health director

Controlling Golden Nematode

Current Status

Golden nematode is a quarantine pest that has been confined to portions of eight

counties in New York through a coordinated Federal, State, and Industry led pest

management program.

Golden Nematode Quarantine Map

APHIS' Response

Pale Cyst Nematode National Survey Plan

Regulatory Information

Golden Nematode Domestic Quarantine Regulations

Regulated Areas

Map of Regulated Area

Regulated Articles and Exempted Articles

Federal Orders

October 20, 2022, APHIS updates the Golden Nematode (Globodera

rostochiensis) Regulated Area in Suffolk County in New York

North American Plant Protection Organization Phytosanitary Alert System–View

official pest reports from the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Information for Producers

Potato Cyst Nematode Guidelines - Guidelines on Surveillance and

Phytosanitary Actions (May 2014)

Clarification to the Definition of "Field" (May 2015)

Amendment to Facilitate Research and Field Trials (May 2019)
Golden Nematode Program Manual

Steam Treatment of Golden Nematode

The Golden Nematode Handbook: Survey, Laboratory, Control, and Quarantine

Procedures. Agriculture Handbook Year, 1968, Volume No. 353, U.S. Dept. Of

Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service

Part 1

Part 2

Spread the Word

Potato Cyst Nematodes Pest Alert

Additional Online Resources

National Potato Council

USDA AgResearch Magazine

Battling the Nematodes That Threaten Potatoes

Contact Us

Lynn Evans-Goldner

National Policy Manager

Email: lynn.evans-goldner@usda.gov

Phone: 301-851-2286