Potato (Solanum tuberosum) - a new host for the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne inornata

The tropical root-knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne inornata infects soybean, tobacco, yacon, common bean and Anthurium andreanum. This species was reported as the cause of damage in commercial yacon production in Brazil, and has potential to cause losses to common bean crops. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cv. Desiree infected with M. inornata exhibited typical RKN galls on roots and tuber surfaces, similar to those caused by the two quarantine pathogens M. chitwoodi and M. fallax, and the non-quarantine M. luci. This study has indicated that M. inornata has considerable potential to cause severe damage to potato tubers. The potential spread of this pathogen into new areas should be assessed, as it can damage potato tubers and could be a problem for economically important crops. Ensuring pest-free seed potatoes is important to prevent dissemination and establishment of M. inornata in uninfested areas. Phytosanitary measures and monitoring programmes developed to prevent spread of this pest in Europe may be warranted.