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Potato cyst nematode
About PCN I DPI management program I Management zones I On-farm hygiene I PCN detection at Thorpdale I Media releases I Reporting
Latest information
PCN detection at Thorpdale: Updated arrangements for interstate movement of potatoes
Local workers vital in tackling potato pest (media release)
Thorpdale potatoes set to be exported interstate (Ministerial media release)
About potato cyst nematode (PCN)
Potato cyst nematode (PCN) is a microscopic, worm-like organism which feeds on the roots of potatoes, tomatoes and other plants of the Solanaceae family. It lives in the soil and can easily be spread by the movement of host plants or the soil attached to plants, bulbs, advanced trees and agricultural equipment.
PCN can reduce crop yields, increase production costs and result in trade restrictions for potatoes.
PCN is not a human health issue.
Further details can be found in the PCN Information Note.
To view this document you will need a copy of Adobe Acrobat, available from the Adobe website (external link). | PCN cysts can survive for many years on soil or organic matter. They are about 0.5mm in diameter. |
DPI management program
DPI's role in PCN management is based on:
- establishing controls and advising on practices to limit the spread of PCN to unaffected districts and from affected districts
- improving the knowledge of PCN distribution in risk areas
- developing effective legislation
- developing state and regional market access programs
- improving industry awareness of PCN issues.
DPI works closely with Victorian potato industry groups and other stakeholders in conducting the PCN management program. | |
PCN management zones in Victoria
Three Plant Protection Districts (PPDs) have been declared to prevent the entry of PCN into the specified areas:
The Toolangi Plant Protection District also includes provisions for preventing the entry of PCN into that area - see map (PDF 135KB) and order (PDF 110KB).
Four Control Areas (CAs) have been declared by Order (PDF 44KB) to prevent the spread of PCN from the following areas:
PCN has also been detected in metropolitan areas - see overview map (PDF 119KB).
For information about the conditions of movement of plant materials, soil, machinery and other equipment into or out of PCN management zones, please contact DPI Plant Standards on (03) 8371 3500 or email plant.standards@dpi.vic.gov.au
On-farm hygiene for PCN management
To reduce the risk of spreading PCN, on-farm hygiene practices need to be followed with respect to vehicles, people and used machinery and equipment.
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PCN detection at Thorpdale October 2008
Interstate movement of potatoes (May 2009)
Following further negotiations with South Australian, Queensland and New South Wales authorities, the existing interim arrangements for the interstate movement of Thorpdale potatoes (established in December 2008) will remain in place until 31 August 2009. In the meantime, conditions for interstate movement of Thorpdale potatoes for next year will be negotiated.
See the Industry Update May 2009 (PDF 1.3MB)
The Thorpdale PCN Control Area came into effect on 12 February 2009.
Interstate movement of potatoes (December 2008)
DPI Plant Standards and its interstate counterparts have negotiated interim arrangements for the interstate movement of potatoes (PDF 1.4MB). These arrangements apply to potatoes sourced from within 20km of the Thorpdale PCN detection and will be effective until 31 May 2009.
See also Ministerial media release Thorpdale potatoes set to be exported interstate (PDF 38KB)
Updates
Wednesday, 18 February - PCN News 8 (PDF 691KB)
Wednesday, 14 January 2009 - PCN News 7 (PDF 61KB)
Tuesday, 2 December 2008 - PCN News 6 (PDF 62KB)
Wednesday, 19 November 2008 - PCN News 5 (PDF 61KB)
Wednesday, 12 November 2008 - PCN News 4 (PDF 61KB)
Wednesday, 5 November 2008 - PCN News 3 (PDF 56KB)
Tuesday, 28 October 2008 - PCN News 2 (PDF 57KB)
Thursday, 23 October 2008 - PCN News 1 (PDF 59KB)
See also media releases:
Local workers vital in tackling potato pest (PDF 46KB)
Promising start in efforts to control potato pest (PDF 38KB)
Potato cyst nematode detected in Gippsland (PDF 45KB)
Monday, 20 October 2008
A suspected detection of PCN was found at Thorpdale during routine soil testing required by Victoria's certified seed potato scheme. The detection was confirmed as being PCN (Globodera rostochiensis) at DPI's Knoxfield diagnostic laboratory on Thursday, 16 October.
DPI convened a meeting with potato industry leaders in the Thorpdale region on Friday morning (17 October) to develop a joint strategy.
PCN was most likely present in the paddock where it was detected before the current owners purchased the paddock. The current owners have not engaged in any practices to cause a build-up of the pest, nor breached any quarantine regulation.
Media Releases
Local workers vital in tackling potato pest (PDF 46KB) 23/01/09
Thorpdale potatoes set to be exported interstate (PDF 38KB) 17/12/08
Promising start in efforts to control potato pest (PDF 38KB) 14/11/08
Potato cyst nematode detected in Gippsland (PDF 45KB) 17/10/08
Potato Plant Protection Districts - a reminder (PDF 41KB) 18/06/08
Warragul potato growers upgrade pest protection (PDF 43KB) 14/04/08
Reporting
If you suspect you may have PCN on your property, please contact the Exotic Plant Pests Hotline on Freecall 1800 084 881 or the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186, or email plant.standards@dpi.vic.gov.au
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