First Report of the Potato Cyst Nematode (Globodera pallida) in the Czech Republic.

Potato cyst nematode, Globodera pallida, was detected in several soil samples collected from various areas of the Czech Republic. Globodera rostochiensis pathotype Ro1 is known to be widespread in the Czech Republic. G. pallida was reported from the neighboring countries of Austria, Germany, and Poland, and also was suspected to be present in the Czech Republic, but it has never been unambiguously proved (1). Recently, nematode isolates have been recovered that multiply readily on Ro1 resistant potato cultivars. These isolates were identified on the basis of three tests: (i) microscopic observations of cyst vulval area morphology and stylets of second-stage larvae; (ii) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a commercial kit; and (iii) a polymerase chain reaction method (2). A complete series of G. pallida and G. rostochiensis pathotypes from Scotland and Germany served as controls. Results were identical for all three methods used. One sample contained G. pallida only, five samples contained mixtures of G. rostochiensis and G. pallida, and one sample contained G. rostochiensis only. The origin of G. pallida contamination is unknown. Strict quarantine measures have been taken to prevent G. pallida from spreading into neighboring areas. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of the occurrence of G. pallida in the Czech Republic. References: (1) J. Potocek et al. EPPO Bull. 21:81, 1991. (2) M. Zouhar et al. Plant Prot. Sci. 36:81, 2000.