Finding Solutions to Global Potato Nematode Challenges
On June 2, 2026, the PAPAS project and international partners NEM-EMERGE and PCN Action Scotland presented a first-of-its-kind joint stakeholder workshop at the European Society of Nematologists (ESN) Symposium.
The Potato Nematode Stakeholder Workshop brought together researchers, plant breeders, diagnostic specialists, policymakers, and potato growers from Idaho to discuss sustainable management strategies and development of a systems approach to nematode control.
“The big advantage, to me, of being able to meet with people from across the world to talk about nematodes is to realize that we all kind of have a common problem,” said Dr. Inga Zasada, PAPAS Project Co-Director and Nematologist/Owner of Nema Solutions. “Trying to find new chemicals to manage nematodes, resistant varieties, IPM tools, and education are all common themes that we all need to address.”
The workshop allowed researchers to gather feedback from farmers to align future academic research with practical and farming needs. Discussions centered on the systems approach to nematode control, including:
- Crop rotation with non-host plants
- Field efficacy of alternative management tools
- Trap crops to naturally reduce nematode densities and lower grower reliance on chemical nematicides
- Progress in breeding commercial varieties with resistance to nematodes
- Economic thresholds growers need to make sound on-farm decisions
Idaho growers appreciated gaining firsthand insight into the current global focus of potato nematode research.
“It was very helpful to see where the focus of research is and how our input can help influence research for the needs of the farmers,” said Eric Jemmett, Jemmett Consulting and Research Farm (Parma, Idaho). “It was great meeting everyone and thank you for this opportunity.”
Participants also valued connecting with international experts and peers with diverse perspectives on nematode regulation and management.
“The meetings, workshops, and activities were all well-structured and informative,” said Sam Chavoshi, Director of AgNema and advisory committee member of PAPAS. “I particularly appreciated the opportunity to network with individuals who had different experiences and perspectives.”
Watch the ESN workshop recap video below to hear directly from researchers and participants about their experience.
PAPAS will continue to build on the insights gained at ESN 2026 as the project moves into its next phase of work — bringing knowledge back to the U.S. growers and industry stakeholders this research ultimately serves.
For the latest PAPAS research updates and nematode management resources for U.S. potato growers, explore PotatoNematodes.org.
