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Plants > Plant Pests > Golden Nematode / Pale Cyst Nematode

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Potato Cyst Nematode
Golden Nematode (Globodera rostochiensis)
Pale Cyst Nematode (Globodera pallida)

The cyst, the protected resting stage of this group of nematodes, contains eggs - Doctor. A. Morgan Golden, United States Department of Agriculture

Golden Nematode and Pale Cyst Nematode do not pose a risk to human health. These two species of Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) are considered quarantine pests because they can reduce yields of potatoes and other host crops such as tomatoes and eggplants by up to 80 per cent. These pests infest the soil and are very difficult to eradicate because they can persist, dormant in the soil, for several decades.

Both of these quarantine Potato Cyst Nematodes have been confirmed in 65 countries worldwide, including the United States. In Canada, Golden Nematode is present in Newfoundland, Vancouver Island and now in Quebec. Pale Cyst Nematode is only present in Newfoundland. Strict quarantine measures are in place to prevent the potential spread of these PCNs.

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