Record of Potato Cyst Nematode, Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India Ganguly Sudershan, Singh M., Ganguly A.K. Division of Nematology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012, India Email: sg_nema@yahoo.com Abstract The present investigation reports the occurrence of two species of potato cyst nematodes, Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida in the Potato breeding Farms of Central Potato Research Institute located in Kufri, Shimla District of Himachal Pradesh. The potato fields at Lister House Farm and Main Farms were found to be heavily infested, supporting 58–548 cysts per 100 g soil. The species were identified based on the morphological features of cysts, cone-tops and second stage juveniles. The reported occurrence of potato cyst nematodes in Himachal Pradesh, confirming the earlier report of G. pallida in this state by EPPO (European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation), is a cause of serious concern. There is now an urgent need to take suitable steps for not only managing these species but also formulating strict quarantine regulations to check their further spread. Farm areas of IARI Regional Stations at Amartara and Tutikandi were found to be free from potato cyst nematodes. Top Keywords Potato cyst nematode, Globodera pallida, G. rostochiensis, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Top |