First report of Meloidogyne fallax in Sweden
The NPPO of Sweden recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first record of Meloidogyne fallax (EPPO A2 List) on its territory. M. fallax was discovered during an official survey which had been carried out in response to an outbreak of another nematode species, M. chitwoodi, which had been found in the municipality of Kristianstad in May 2018 (EPPO RS 2018/195). During this survey, M. fallax was found in a neighbouring farm. On this farm, 2 fields (5 and 7 ha) were sampled and M. fallax was detected in a 1 ha subplot of the 7 ha field. The infested field had been cultivated with ware potatoes for starch production. At the time of sampling (i.e. end of October 2018), these potatoes had already been harvested. Official phytosanitary measures will be taken to avoid any further spread of the pest.
The pest status of Meloidogyne fallax in Sweden is officially declared as: Present.
Sources
NPPO of Sweden (2018-12).