Golden nematode and pale cyst nematode do not pose a risk to human health. These 2 species of potato cyst nematode (PCN) are considered quarantine pests because if left unmanaged they can reduce yields of potatoes and other host crops such as tomatoes and eggplants by up to 80%. 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 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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What information is available
- Pest fact sheet
- What you can do to prevent the spread of potato cyst nematodes
- Questions and answers: Surveillance and phytosanitary measures for potato cyst nematodes
- Canada and the United States update Potato Cyst Nematode Guidelines
- Canada and the United States clarify the definition of "field" in the Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) Guidelines
Policy directives
- D-08-04: Plant protection import requirements for plants and plant parts for planting
- D-01-02: Import requirements for packages of flower bulbs purchased in the Netherlands by travellers returning to or visiting Canada
- D-98-01: Import Requirements for Seed Potatoes and Other Potato Propagative Material
- D-96-20: Canadian Growing Media Program, Prior Approval Process and Import Requirements for Plants Rooted in Approved Media
- D-95-26: Phytosanitary requirements for soil and soil-related matter, and for items contaminated with soil and soil-related matter
- D-94-34: Import Requirements for Grapevine Propagative Material
- D-94-26: Phytosanitary import requirements for root crops (other than potato), mushrooms, and vegetables with attached roots for consumption or processing
- D-94-25: Plant protection import requirements for ginseng (Panax spp.)
Regulations
- Golden Nematode Order (Central Saanich) – British Columbia
- Potato Production and Sale (Central Saanich) Restriction Regulations – British Columbia
- Eggplants and Tomatoes Production (Central Saanich) Restriction Regulations – British Columbia
- Plant Protection Regulations, Schedule II: Restricted Movement within Canada (Newfoundland)
- Golden Nematode Infested Places Order – Quebec
Additional government and industry information
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)