Soil nematodes and potato crop in Argentina.

DOUCET, M.E.; RONDAN DUEÑAS, J.C.; CORONEL, N.; PICCA, C.; ANDRADE, A. J.; VELÁSQUEZ, B.; LUQUE, O.; LAX, P.

La Serena

Congreso; XLV Reunión Anual de la Organización de Nematólogos de los Trópicos Americanos (ONTA).; 2013

ONTA

In Argentina, potato crop is affected by diverse soil nematodes. Species of the genus Meloidogyne and the species Nacobbus aberrans have a wide geographical distribution and parasitize the varieties most commonly used for consumption. Furthermore, the genus Globodera would be restricted to the Andean region in the north of the country, associated with Andean potato. So far, the incidence of the three genera on the different producing regions is unknown. These nematodes not only parasitize the root but also can infect the tubers, with the consequent problem involved in the use of seed potato. Therefore, avoiding tuber dispersal and contaminated soils is of great importance; in some cases, ancestral traditions favor this dispersal, hindering nematode eradication. The presence of weeds that ensure the persistence of these parasites makes management difficult, especially in the case of Meloidogyne spp. and N. aberrans, due to their polyphagous habits. Enhancing the knowledge of the biology of these nematodes is essential for designing adequate management strategies and defining phytosanitary policies.