OCCURRENCE OF POTATO CYST NEMATODE (GLOBODERA ROSTOCHIENSIS) IN BATA KUNDI AREA

Abstract

Potato cyst nematode (Globodera rostochiensis) was first recorded in Pakistan by Maqbool (1981) from NWFP region. Later on Khan et al., (1986) reported this species in high population from Utrore Gabral areas of Kalam valley in District Swat. Since then this nematode has not been reported from any where out of this area. In August, 1988 during a visit to Bata Kundi area which is situated 15 miles in the north from Naran in Kaghan Valley (Long. 70o and 73o, Lat. 35o and 36o, potato crop growing Bata Kundi Potato Research Station and farmers field were surveyed for detection of potato cyst nematode. Out of 35 soil and plant samples collected mature cysts were detected from the three soil samples taken from the experimental field of Bata Kundi Potato Research Station. The cysts were identified as G. rostochiensis on the basis of spherical shape of the cyst, with no protruding vulval cone, anal fenestra smaller than the vulval fenestra, number of cuticular ridges from anus to fenestra axis 21-23, second stage larvae body length 435-480 µm and stylet length 20-22 µm with stylet knob sloping backwards. It appears that this pest has now spread to other potato growing areas out of the Swat Valley in NWFP. Effective control measures should therefore be taken to prevent the further spread of the nematode.