Delivering New Solutions to Sustainably
Manage Potato Nematodes
PAPAS is on a mission to create better tools and strategies to fight one of the most destructive pests affecting potato crops: plant-parasitic nematodes.
Plant-Parasitic Nematodes Threaten the US Potato Industry
Potato nematodes are microscopic roundworms that can significantly reduce crop yield, marketability, and processing quality.
The potential economic and agricultural impact of potato nematodes can be so severe that an infestation may result in regulatory restrictions.
Damage Caused by Potato Nematodes
Unchecked, nematode infestations can cause severe damage to potato crops, leading to significant economic losses.
Root-Knot Nematodes
(Meloidogyne spp.)
Tuber damage and blemishes
Potato Cyst Nematodes
(Globodera spp.)
Reduced yield and uneven growth
Lesion Nematodes
(Pratylenchus spp.)
Increased incidence of disease
Stubby Root Nematodes
(Paratrichodorus spp.)
Root damage and reduced quality
Nematode Management is Challenging for Commercial Potato Growers
There is no “silver bullet” for controlling potato nematode infestation, and management options for growers are limited for several reasons:
- Many commercial potato varieties lack nematode resistance
- Control is heavily reliant on nematicides, but fewer chemistries are available
- Depending on the type of nematode, eradication efforts can be difficult and expensive
Once established in a field, potato nematodes infestations are much more difficult to control – prevention and early detection efforts are critical.
PAPAS Benefits Potato Growers Worldwide
The long-term goal of PAPAS is to develop multiple proven methods to better control plant-parasitic nematodes and reduce their economic damage in potato crops. This project supports ongoing eradication efforts for potato cyst nematode in Idaho and New York while also strengthening global confidence in the U.S. potato industry.
The specific objectives of our USDA NIFA-funded project include:
Deploying improved diagnostics and predictive models to provide growers with decision support and economic thresholds for potato nematodes.
Accelerating development of commercial potato varieties with nematode resistance through traditional breeding methods.
Exploring novel nematicide production from compounds of litchi tomato (Solanum sisymbriifolium).
Delivering information to the industry for more effective, sustainable nematode management and more productive potato crops.
Pop Quiz
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NEMATODE NEWS
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