Eradication of Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) from Western Australia

 

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Publication Date

Tue, 30 Jun 2015, 06:10

Last Updated

June 30, 2015, 6:10 a.m.

Report Number

AUS-39/1

Country

Australia

Pest Id

Globodera rostochiensis - (HETDRO)

Report Status

Final

Hosts

Potato material

Pest Status (old values from ISPM 8 -1998 )

• Absent: pest eradicated

Pest Status (ISPM 8 - 2021)

• Absent: pest eradicated

Geographical Distribution

Western Australia

Summary

Following detection of PCN in Western Australia in 1986, eradication action was undertaken.

The 24 year PCN eradication program was completed in three phases. Phase 1 (1986-89) - Detection and Eradication PCN was detected on six properties in the Perth area between 1986-89.

The total area of infestation was about 15 hectares. The eradication program included quarantining the properties and testing all potato crops in Western Australia. All infested sites were intensively fumigated. Additionally, regulations were proclaimed to prevent spread. Phase 2 (1989-2010) - Verification of Eradication Fork and soil testing was carried out on all potato crops in the Perth area since 1989-90.

PCN sampling and testing regimes were intensive with soil samples taken on a 3m square grid across the whole property. PCN surveys carried out across Western Australia included soil tests, fork testing of plants and machinery and bin inspections. Over 31,000 PCN tests were carried out.

PCN has not been detected in Western Australia since 1989. Phase 3 (2006-10) - Confirmation of Area Freedom: Confirmatory work commenced in 2006. The intensity of sampling used provides 96-100% PCN detection probability. Over 2.9 tonnes of soil and about 27 kg of soil organic matter was processed and examined.

In addition, 180 kg soil was collected from the originally infested properties for bioassay tests over two potato crop seasons. A new molecular test was developed and used for detection of any low level PCN infestations.

Danger

Eradication of PCN from Western Australia was declared on 13 September 2010 following a 24 year eradication program.

Contact for info

Chief Plant Protection Officer Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry GPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601 Australia [email protected]

Report files

Website

Issue keywords

Pest status:Absent/Absence

Commodity keywords