PAPAS Team Travels to South Africa for Nematology Symposium

Nematode management is a global challenge, and growers worldwide face similar concerns about yield loss, market impacts, and long-term soil health. To better understand the challenges of farmers and share their research, three PAPAS researchers recently traveled to South Africa to meet with nematologists from around the world.

Drs. Louise-Marie Dandurand, Inga Zasada, and Cynthia Gleason attended the Nematological Society of Southern Africa Annual Symposium in Mpumalanga, taking place from September 28 to October 1, 2025. Hosted by colleagues Dr. Meike Daneel and Dr. Driekie Fourie, the event brought together scientists focused on nematode threats to agriculture throughout the region.

Dr. Inga Zasada, Dr. Louise-Marie Dandurand, Dr. Cynthia Gleason, Dr. Meike Daneel

Dr. Cynthia Gleason and Dr. Meike Daneel, Nematology Senior Researcher at Agricultural Research Council, South Africa

At the symposium, the team presented several key pieces of PAPAS research, including:

New findings on litchi tomato (Solanum sisymbriifolium) and its potential as a sustainable nematode control strategy.
An introduction to the PAPAS project and its multi-state approach to potato nematode management.
An overview of the pale cyst nematode (PCN) management program in Idaho.

Their presentations sparked discussions about integrating alternative control strategies into potato production systems and opportunities to collaborate across continents.

Understanding nematode threats and management success in South Africa

Dr. Cynthia Gleason presenting about PAPAS research at NSSA Symposium

Beyond the formal sessions, the symposium offered valuable conversations with other nematologists about emerging pests, diagnostic innovations, and region-specific management strategies.

The team noted many parallels between potato production in South Africa and the United States, from reliance on high-value varieties to the increasing demand for sustainable pest management tools.

As the PAPAS team continues working to support growers and protect potato crops, opportunities like this underscore a simple truth: the fight against nematodes is global, and progress depends on working together.