NEMÁTODES DE QUISTO DA BATATEIRA – O USO DE VARIEDADES RESISTENTES COMO ESTRATÉGIA DE CONTROLO

Abstract

Potato cyst nematodes (PCN), Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida, are considered harmful quarantine organisms and can be devastating to potato fields if not controlled in a timely manner. Its designation derives from the fact that the female body, after their death, turns into a spherical cyst con- taining the eggs, which are protected from adverse conditions even in the absence of hosts. PCN are present in all potato pro- ducing regions of the country, including the Madeira and Azores islands. PCN control involves their opportune detection, cor- rect identification and appropriate control measures. Tests already carried out proved that the use of resistant varieties is effective for the management of these organisms. However, there is insufficient choice of par- tially resistant cultivars for growers, espe- cially for the control of G. pallida.