Potato Cyst Nematodes
Golden nematode and pale cyst nematode do not pose a risk to human health. These two 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 per cent. 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, Quebec and Alberta. 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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The key acts and regulations we enforce are:
- Plant Protection Act
- 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
Information we provide to the general public includes:
Information we provide to the plant industry and scientific community includes:
- 2012-03-08 - Notice to Industry - 2011 Survey Finds No Detections of Potato Cyst Nematode
- Pest Fact Sheet
- Policy Directives
- D-08-04 - Plant Protection Import Requirements for Plants and Plant Parts for Planting: Preventing the Entry and Spread of Regulated Plant Pests Associated with the Plants for Planting Pathway
- D-01-02 - Import Requirements for Packages of Flower Bulbs Purchased in The Netherlands by Travellers Returning to or Visiting Canada
- D-00-04 - Plant protection import requirements for earthworms
- D-98-01 - Import Requirements for Seed Potatoes and other Potato Propagative Material
- D-96-20 - Canadian growing media program (CGMP), prior approval process and import requirements for plants rooted in approved media
- D-96-05 - Import Requirements for Packaged Potatoes for Consumption (table stock) and Bulk Potatoes for Processing and Repacking
- D-95-26 - Phytosanitary requirements for soil and related matter, alone or in association with plants
- D-94-34 - Import requirements for grapevines from countries other than the United States (U.S.)
- D-94-26 - The plant protection import requirements for edible roots for consumption or processing
- D-94-25 - Plant protection import requirements for ginseng (Panax spp.
- Science at Work: Safeguarding Canada’s Food Supply and Our Plant and Animal Resources
- Simplifying Vehicle Inspection Activities in Newfoundland
- Surveillance and Phytosanitary Measures for Potato Cyst Nematodes
- What you can do to prevent the spread of potato cyst nematodes
Additional government and industry information can be found at:
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
- Date modified: