CURRENT STATUS OF THE GOLDEN POTATO CYST NEMATODE (Globodera rostochiensis Woll., 1923) IN THE HERZEGOVINA REGION – FIFTEEN YEARS AFTER THE FIRST DETECTION

Abstract

The first detection of the golden potato cyst nematode (Globodera rostochiensis Wollenweber, 1923) in Bosnia and Herzegovina was recorded in 2009 at the locality Zaside – Tihaljina. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, a special monitoring programme has been implemented for many years with the aim of determining the presence or absence of quarantine harmful organisms on potatoes at points of import and potato production sites, as well as in distribution centres and storage facilities. Within a two-year study, the presence and abundance of cysts of the golden potato cyst nematode, G. rostochiensis were assessed in soil samples collected in the areas of the Herzegovina Neretva and West Herzegovina Cantons. During 2022 and 2023, a total of 200 soil samples were collected from 100 fields across numerous localities. Soil samples were taken using a probe, with 50 individual sampling points per field at a depth of up to 5 cm. In addition to soil samples from production fields, sampling was also carried out in a processing centre, where soil residues were collected from a seed potato processing machine. During the vegetation period (flowering stage), visual field inspections were performed, and samples of “suspect” plants were collected for root examination. Washing of the collected soil samples, as well as samples from the processing centre, was performed in the Plant Protection Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Technology, University of Mostar, using a Spears flotation apparatus. Likewise, in the same laboratory, the roots of “suspect” plants from the field were washed and examined under a stereo microscope. Analysis of the collected soil samples, together with the visual inspection of potato roots, confirmed no presence of G. rostochiensis cysts in the investigated area.