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Potato cyst nematode (PCN)

Potatoes attacked by Potato cyst nematode (PCN) – even at low infestation levels – causes damage to potato roots and might kill some of them.

Also known as:
Golden nematode
Golden eelworm
Yellow potato cyst nematode

Photo: Xiaohong Wang - CC Public Domain

Potato cyst nematode (PCN) (Globodera rostochiensis). PCN – even at low infestation levels – causes damage to potato roots and might kill some of the plants. Golden nematode is caused by the Potato cyst nematode. The cysts consist of roundworms full of eggs with inactive larvae that become active by attractants from the potato roots. Potato plants stop growing and die.

Affected plants

  • Potato

Control

Difficult to control. After a failed cultivation of industrial agriculture, the soil is disinfected.

Prevention

The growth of Potato cyst nematodes in the soil is inhibited by extensive crop rotation. Plant resistant potato varieties. Be careful when harvesting the potatoes: leftover potatoes will increase the number of nematodes (roundworms).

If the Potato cyst nematode has been found, wait at least six years before planting potatoes on that plot again. Trap crops for Potato cyst nematodes also helps against the multiplication of nematodes.