First report of the proportionality of Potato Cyst Nematodes Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida in Jersey, Channel Islands.

The potato cyst nematodes Globodera rostochiensis and Globodera pallida are harmful pests of the potato (Solanum tuberosum) causing major yield loss to the cash crop central to Jersey’s agricultural economy. In the summer of 2022 a survey was conducted in 44 agricultural fields across the island and soil samples were processed in FERA’s nematology laboratory for genus and species level identification of potato cyst nematode (PCN) cysts as well as soil nutrient analysis performed by NRM laboratories. To our knowledge this is the first species-level analysis of proportionality of PCN in the Channel Islands. Despite earlier reports of both species’ presence on the Jersey, this study exclusively identified G. pallida across the 16 fields submitted for genetic analysis, and only one eastern field contained 0 detected PCN cysts. While no significant relationships between PCN density and soil chemistry or cover crops were reported, PCN density was significantly higher in bare fields and fields that were sown later in the year. These results are discussed in the wider context of global (primarily European) trends with regard to management practices, food security and climate change.