An Innovative and Environmental Benign Method to Control Potato Cyst Nematode

The feeding activity of potato cyst nematodes (PCN) causes severe yield losses to potato production. Once hatched, they locate roots and graze around the clock, resulting in detrimental impoverishment of the plant. Their control is based on a narrow range of active ingredients and existing solutions have significant problems; negative environmental impact, low efficacy and high cost, geographically specific and strengthening nematodes through survival of the fittest. Potato yield losses due to PCN infestations in the UK are estimated at £50m per year, over £380m in the EU and over £1.2b worldwide. Innovative and safer approaches are essential to reduce yield losses and ensure food security and environmental safety. This work aims at developing a novel and innovative system to control PCN by understanding the nature of the pest and its interaction with the potato plant. During growth, the roots of potatoes, will release chemical signals to cause PCN eggs to hatch. Preliminary work has suggested that applying the hatching compound when potatoes are not present can successfully control PCN. The project will test and identify candidate compounds responsible for the hatching signal and explore the potential for scaling up. The compound can then be used to hatch PCN eggs at any point of the crop rotation when potatoes are not present resulting in successful PCN control. This solution imitates the plants natural defence mechanism, providing an alternative solution which is innovative, environmental benign, flexible, cost-effective and user friendly. It will impact on the pressure to withdraw dangerous nematicides from the worldwide market, and as an environmental, consumer and user safer approach for the control of PCN, it is expected to capture a major share of the market, making this a financially attractive opportunity for the UK.