Upgrading NemaDecide to Detect Virulent Potato Cyst Nematode Populations

A team of NEM-EMERGE researchers at Stichting Wageningen Research are enhancing the decision support system NemaDecide to include the detection of newly emerging virulent populations of potato cyst nematodes (PCN). This upgrade will help farmers and advisors to improve nematode management strategies and protect potato production across Europe.

NemaDecide is a Dutch decision support tool developed over a decade ago and continuously updated since then. It builds on more than 60 years of nematology research, translating scientific insights into practical guidance for growers. The latest improvement aims to integrate parameters that allow the system to identify virulent PCN populations—those capable of overcoming resistant potato cultivars.

Resistant cultivars remain the most effective control measure against PCN, especially when combined with early detection methods and tailored management strategies. However, after 2012 the number of potato-growing fields infested with PCN started to increase across Europe, which indicate the introduction of virulent populations. Once these populations establish in the field, eradication is no longer possible, making early detection the only effective way to limit their spread.

NemaDecide was lacking of this functionality, but researchers saw this tool could be adapted, by adding the required parameters to detect the emergence of virulent populations of PCN in the field. Specifically, parameters of the new populations’ dynamics were needed. By some pot trials, and in-field validations, the research team are developing new parameters for the detection of virulence by NemaDecide.