NAME OF THE ORGANISM: Meloidogyne incognita (MELGIN)

Evaluation continues

No PM4 for Ficus carica. Remark: M. incognita is only mentioned in PM4/017(3) olive trees and rootstocks, not in the PM4 certification schemes available for all Prunus spp. These schemes post-date the first mentioning of M. incognita in Europe. However, PM 4 certification schemes for Prunus spp. require that the higher grades are produced in sterilized growing medium.

Candidate

Main transmission modes (in addition to plants for planting) is through soil (EPPO, 2022; PM4/017)
Meloidogyne arenaria, M. javanica and M. incognita are the most common species in warmer conditions of southern Europe, but also in glasshouses in northern Europe (Wesemael et al., 2011).
Meloidogyne incognita is probably the most widely distributed and economically important species of plant parasitic nematode in tropical and subtropical regions. Two-thirds of the root-knot nematode samples obtained from a number of tropical countries were of M. incognita (Sasser, 1979). In India alone, 232 plant genera have been reported as hosts to M. incognita (Krishnappa, 1985) and worldwide the species is a parasite of a wide range of crop plants (cited from CABI, 2021).
Eggs and juveniles can travel with soil, so anything which has soil attached is a potential pathway including agricultural equipment and containers, tools, vehicle tires, and workers clothing or boots (CABI, 2021). The nematodes can also be transported by water; down river flooded fields can become infected (Clavero-Camacho et al., 2024).
Meloidogyne spp. are not transmitted with seeds (in Wesemael et al., 2011).

Yes

Although Meloidogyne is considered worldwide as the most important genus of plant-parasitic nematodes, information in the scientific literature on the economic impact of root-knot nematodes in Europe is scarce (Wesemael et al., 2011).
In Mediterranean and warm temperate climates, the perennial crops most affected by root-knot nematode species include Prunus spp. and, to a lesser extent fig (Ficus carica) (Saucet et al., 2016).
In fig trees, root-knot nematodes are reported to cause reduction in growth and yield. Heavily infected roots may die (CABI, 2022). In Spain, practical experience from the field shows that Meloidogyne species cause considerable damage in all areas where this fruit tree is grown. In Extremadura, the species M. arenaria has been identified. There is currently no authorised nematicide against these pathogenic nematodes, so they must be controlled by solarisation or biofumigation (Casadomet et al., 2015).
Meloidogyne is also considered as a yield- and production-limiting pest of fig in Brazil (Sherb, 1993). Species associated with this crop around the world include M. arenaria, M. javanica and M. incognita (McSorley 1981), the latter in higher frequency. The presence of this nematode in the crop also affected commercial production in the past in the United States i(Knight Jr 1980), France (Scotto La Massèse et al. 1984) and Brasil (Ferraz et al. 1982, Campos 1997), countries with the highest yields in the world (references in Perraza-Padilla et al., 2013).
These nematodes are also one of the limiting factors for the cultivation of fig in India where it caused considerable yield losses (Jagdev and Mhase, 2019). Jagdev and Mhase (2019) conducted a field experiment to assess the yield losses due to M. incognita in fig (cv. Poona). Their results indicated that the loss in yield of fig in untreated trees ranged from 16.57 to 31.60%.

Medium

No

Candidate

For Ficus carica no effective control strategy based on resistance has yet been implemented, although Ficus racemose seems to be highly resistant and is graft compatible (Saucet et al., 2016).

Candidate

Use of clean soil: The propagation material is kept either in containers of sterilized growing medium or in soil that has been tested and found free from Xiphinema diversicaudatum (see EPPO Standard PM4/35), Meloidogyne arenaria, M. incognita, M. javanica, Pratylenchus vulnus and Verticillium dahlia (EPPO 2022)

Candidate

The root knot nematode M. incognita is known to infect olive trees. Plant parasitic nematodes move only short distances and, thus their dissemination can occur via water, wind and human activities such as the introduction of infected planting material or diffusion of infested soil with nursery practices.
Hamza et al. (2017) and Nico et al. (2002) suggested that the use of infected rooted plantlets was one of the likely major sources of root-knot nematode inoculum in the field. In Spain, a study in olive nurseries reported a high-percentage of root-knot nematodes in infected plantlets [Meloidogyne incognita (14.7%), M. javanica (11.2%), and M. arenaria (2.7%)] (Nico et al., 2002).
These nematodes occur in sporadic distributions in established orchards. Notably, three major parameters drive the distribution of Meloidogyne spp. in cultivated olives: cover vegetation on alley, irrigation and soil texture; but different species respond differently to them. In particular the presence of M. incognita is highly correlated with sandy loamy soils, the presence of M. javanica with irrigated soils and cover vegetation, while the presence of M. arenaria is correlated with the absence of cover vegetation on alley and absence of irrigation. These parameters likely influence the selection of each particular Meloidogyne species from a major dispersal source, such as the rooted plantlets used to establish the orchards (Archidona-Yuste et al., 2018).
Different management measures allow to reduce the importance of other pathways than plants for planting such as the use of new pest-free production sites to establish the planting material, management via soil disinfestation with fumigants prior to planting, soil solarization, use of special amendments (biofumigation), establishment of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in plant root systems (to protect plants against soilborne diseases through improvement of phosphorus (P) absorption), direct competition etc., the use of good practices to avoid moving soils between different production sites etc. (Castillo et al., 2010). Taking all these measures into consideration, plants for planting is considered to be a major pathway compared to others.

Yes

The root knot nematodes M. arenaria, M. incognita and M. javanica are known to damage cultivated olive trees, especially in nurseries where optimum irrigation conditions favour root proliferation and increased nematode population, and which have been shown to be more susceptible than older plants (Castillo et al., 2010; Ali et al., 2014). Pathogenicity assays under controlled environmental conditions demonstrated the potential of M. arenaria, M. incognita and M. javanica to damage olive rootstocks as well as self-rooted olive cultivars (Castillo et al., 2010). Meloidogyne sp. cause heavy root galling on olive trees, distorted feeder roots as well as plant growth retardation. At low infection levels, no disease symptoms are observed on the stems or leaves of nematode-infected planting stocks as compared with non-infected ones (Nico et al., 2002). On specific cultivars, e.g. Picual (one of the olive cultivars most extensively grown in the Mediterranean Basin), these nematodes can show a distinct yellowing affecting the uppermost leaves followed by partial defoliation (Castillo et al., 2010; Ali et al., 2014). Controlled experiments showed that root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne (e.g., M. arenaria, M. incognita and M. javanica) may be responsible for 5 to 10% crop losses, while the damage is often difficult to assign to plant parasitic nematodes (Ali et al., 2014). Studies on the pathogenicity of Meloidogyne spp. to olives suggest that main stem diameter is a highly sensitive parameter for assessing damage caused by M. arenaria and M. javanica (Castillo et al., 2010).
In Argentina, the etiology of a generalized olive drying syndrome (designated “seca”) was attributed to a disease complex involving M. javanica and several species of the soilborne fungus Fusarium, although a causal relationship has not been established (Castillo et al., 2010).
Indirect root damages are also reported to be related to nematode infection, whose penetration opens pathways to other soilborne pathogens (bacteria, fungi). The best example is the association of plant pathogenic nematodes such as M. incognita with the fungal pathogen Verticillium dahliae (Verticillium wilt). The presence of nematodes enhances the symptoms induced by the fungus (Ali et al., 2014).

Medium in nurseries (but appears to be lower in orchards)

No

Candidate

Damage to established olive orchards by nematode parasitism may not be clearly perceived because olive is an extremely vigorous plant able to thrive in relatively dry areas, which may obscure expression of symptoms from nematode attacks. However, modern olive production is based largely on the establishment of new high-input orchards intended to increase yields while reducing the time for investment recovery. This model, broadly adopted in new olive-producing areas of the Southern Hemisphere and the Mediterranean Basin, creates an environment conducive to diseases caused by or involving nematodes (Ali et al., 2014). The economic importance of these nematodes in olive cultivation has also increased in recent years because most chemical agents for the control of plant-parasitic nematodes have been banned due to environmental and health concerns (Castillo et al., 2010).

Candidate

The appropriate application of exclusion principles should lead to nematode-free nursery stock. Disinfestation of soil by any means cannot achieve total nematode control. The use of potting mixtures that are not fully disinfested reduces nematological risk, but could mask the presence of pathogen nematodes in seemingly healthy stock (Castillo et al., 2010).

Candidate

Evaluation continues

Remarks: M. incognita is only mentioned in PM4/017(3) olive trees and rootstocks, not in the PM4 certification schemes available for all Prunus spp. These schemes post-date the first mentioning of M. incognita in Europe. However, PM 4 certification schemes for Prunus spp. require that the higher grades are produced in sterilized growing medium.
The assessment performed covers the given host species as well as interspecific hybrids with other Prunus species.

Candidate

Main transmission modes (in addition to plants for planting) is through soil (EPPO, 2022; PM4/017)
Meloidogyne arenaria, M. javanica and M. incognita are the most common species in warmer conditions of southern Europe, but also in glasshouses in northern Europe (Wesemael et al., 2011).
Meloidogyne incognita is probably the most widely distributed and economically important species of plant parasitic nematode in tropical and subtropical regions. Two-thirds of the root-knot nematode samples obtained from a number of tropical countries were of M. incognita (Sasser, 1979). In India alone, 232 plant genera have been reported as hosts to M. incognita (Krishnappa, 1985) and worldwide the species is a parasite of a wide range of crop plants (cited from CABI, 2021).
Eggs and juveniles can travel with soil, so anything which has soil attached is a potential pathway including agricultural equipment and containers, tools, vehicle tires, and workers clothing or boots (CABI, 2021). The nematodes can also be transported by water; down river flooded fields can become infected (Clavero-Camacho et al., 2024).
Meloidogyne spp. are not transmitted with seeds (in Wesemael et al., 2011).

Yes

Although Meloidogyne is considered worldwide as the most important genus of plant-parasitic nematodes, information in the scientific literature on the economic impact of root-knot nematodes in Europe is scarce (Wesemael et al., 2011).
The four major Meloidogyne species, M. incognita, M. javanica, M. arenaria, and M. hapla can cause economic damage to stone fruits (Marull et al., 1992) and yield losses (McKenry, 2004) in different parts of the world. Root-knot nematodes cause a 15% loss in vigour and yield of Prunus crops (nurseries and orchards) on a worldwide basis. The economic importance of Meloidogyne spp. to stone fruits was shown with the use of nematicides and rootstocks with nematode resistance. Sharpe et al. (1993) showed that pre-plant fumigation with methyl bromide to control Meloidogyne spp. in peaches increased the cumulative yield over 3 seasons by 2535Kg per hectare. Nematicides have been used to increase yield on many different crops.
In Mediterranean and warm temperate climates, the perennial crops most affected by root-knot nematode species include Prunus spp. and, to a lesser extent fig (Ficus carica) (Saucet et al., 2016).

Medium

No

Candidate

For most Prunus spp., root-stocks resistant against root knot nematodes are available (Saucet et al., 2016); however, the Fruit SEWG considered that these rootstocks are only rarely used. The economic impact is rated as Medium in absence of resistant rootstocks.

Candidate

Rootstocks with a wide resistance spectrum for Meloidogyne spp. have been developed using the Myrobalan plum, P. cerasifera, as a parental (Saucet et al., 2016).
Use of clean soil: The propagation material is kept either in containers of sterilized growing medium or in soil that has been tested and found free from Xiphinema diversicaudatum (see EPPO Standard PM4/35), Meloidogyne arenaria, M. incognita, M. javanica, Pratylenchus vulnus and Verticillium dahlia (EPPO 2022)
Woody crops are generally grown in long-term specialized production systems that remain in place for decades. It is not possible, therefore, to control polyphagous root-knot nematode species by crop rotation (Saucet et al., 2016).

Candidate

Evaluation continues

Remarks: M. incognita is only mentioned in PM4/017(3) olive trees and rootstocks, not in the PM4 certification schemes available for all Prunus spp. These schemes post-date the first mentioning of M. incognita in Europe. However, PM 4 certification schemes for Prunus spp. require that the higher grades are produced in sterilized growing medium.
The assessment performed covers the given host species as well as interspecific hybrids with other Prunus species.

Candidate

Main transmission modes (in addition to plants for planting) is through soil (EPPO, 2022; PM4/017)
Meloidogyne arenaria, M. javanica and M. incognita are the most common species in warmer conditions of southern Europe, but also in glasshouses in northern Europe (Wesemael et al., 2011).
Meloidogyne incognita is probably the most widely distributed and economically important species of plant parasitic nematode in tropical and subtropical regions. Two-thirds of the root-knot nematode samples obtained from a number of tropical countries were of M. incognita (Sasser, 1979). In India alone, 232 plant genera have been reported as hosts to M. incognita (Krishnappa, 1985) and worldwide the species is a parasite of a wide range of crop plants (cited from CABI, 2021).
Eggs and juveniles can travel with soil, so anything which has soil attached is a potential pathway including agricultural equipment and containers, tools, vehicle tires, and workers clothing or boots (CABI, 2021). The nematodes can also be transported by water; down river flooded fields can become infected (Clavero-Camacho et al., 2024).
Meloidogyne spp. are not transmitted with seeds (in Wesemael et al., 2011).

Yes

Although Meloidogyne is considered worldwide as the most important genus of plant-parasitic nematodes, information in the scientific literature on the economic impact of root-knot nematodes in Europe is scarce (Wesemael et al., 2011).
The four major Meloidogyne species, M. incognita, M. javanica, M. arenaria, and M. hapla can cause economic damage to stone fruits (Marull et al., 1992) and yield losses (McKenry, 2004) in different parts of the world. Root-knot nematodes cause a 15% loss in vigour and yield of Prunus crops (nurseries and orchards) on a worldwide basis. The economic importance of Meloidogyne spp. to stone fruits was shown with the use of nematicides and rootstocks with nematode resistance. Sharpe et al. (1993) showed that pre-plant fumigation with methyl bromide to control Meloidogyne spp. in peaches increased the cumulative yield over 3 seasons by 2535Kg per hectare. Nematicides have been used to increase yield on many different crops.
In Mediterranean and warm temperate climates, the perennial crops most affected by root-knot nematode species include Prunus spp. and, to a lesser extent fig (Ficus carica) (Saucet et al., 2016).

Medium

No

Candidate

For most Prunus spp., root-stocks resistant against root knot nematodes are available (Saucet et al., 2016); however, the Fruit SEWG considered that these rootstocks are only rarely used. The economic impact is rated as Medium in absence of resistant rootstocks.

Candidate

Rootstocks with a wide resistance spectrum for Meloidogyne spp. have been developed using the Myrobalan plum, P. cerasifera, as a parental (Saucet et al., 2016).
Use of clean soil: The propagation material is kept either in containers of sterilized growing medium or in soil that has been tested and found free from Xiphinema diversicaudatum (see EPPO Standard PM4/35), Meloidogyne arenaria, M. incognita, M. javanica, Pratylenchus vulnus and Verticillium dahlia (EPPO 2022)
Woody crops are generally grown in long-term specialized production systems that remain in place for decades. It is not possible, therefore, to control polyphagous root-knot nematode species by crop rotation (Saucet et al., 2016).

Candidate

Evaluation continues

Remarks: M. incognita is only mentioned in PM4/017(3) olive trees and rootstocks, not in the PM4 certification schemes available for all Prunus spp. These schemes post-date the first mentioning of M. incognita in Europe. However, PM 4 certification schemes for Prunus spp. require that the higher grades are produced in sterilized growing medium.
The assessment performed covers the given host species as well as interspecific hybrids with other Prunus species.

Candidate

Main transmission modes (in addition to plants for planting) is through soil (EPPO, 2022; PM4/017)
Meloidogyne arenaria, M. javanica and M. incognita are the most common species in warmer conditions of southern Europe, but also in glasshouses in northern Europe (Wesemael et al., 2011).
Meloidogyne incognita is probably the most widely distributed and economically important species of plant parasitic nematode in tropical and subtropical regions. Two-thirds of the root-knot nematode samples obtained from a number of tropical countries were of M. incognita (Sasser, 1979). In India alone, 232 plant genera have been reported as hosts to M. incognita (Krishnappa, 1985) and worldwide the species is a parasite of a wide range of crop plants (cited from CABI, 2021).
Eggs and juveniles can travel with soil, so anything which has soil attached is a potential pathway including agricultural equipment and containers, tools, vehicle tires, and workers clothing or boots (CABI, 2021). The nematodes can also be transported by water; down river flooded fields can become infected (Clavero-Camacho et al., 2024).
Meloidogyne spp. are not transmitted with seeds (in Wesemael et al., 2011).

Yes

Although Meloidogyne is considered worldwide as the most important genus of plant-parasitic nematodes, information in the scientific literature on the economic impact of root-knot nematodes in Europe is scarce (Wesemael et al., 2011).
The four major Meloidogyne species, M. incognita, M. javanica, M. arenaria, and M. hapla can cause economic damage to stone fruits (Marull et al., 1992) and yield losses (McKenry, 2004) in different parts of the world. Root-knot nematodes cause a 15% loss in vigour and yield of Prunus crops (nurseries and orchards) on a worldwide basis. The economic importance of Meloidogyne spp. to stone fruits was shown with the use of nematicides and rootstocks with nematode resistance. Sharpe et al. (1993) showed that pre-plant fumigation with methyl bromide to control Meloidogyne spp. in peaches increased the cumulative yield over 3 seasons by 2535Kg per hectare. Nematicides have been used to increase yield on many different crops.
In Mediterranean and warm temperate climates, the perennial crops most affected by root-knot nematode species include Prunus spp. and, to a lesser extent fig (Ficus carica) (Saucet et al., 2016).

Medium

No

Candidate

For most Prunus spp., root-stocks resistant against root knot nematodes are available (Saucet et al., 2016); however, the Fruit SEWG considered that these rootstocks are only rarely used. The economic impact is rated as Medium in absence of resistant rootstocks.

Candidate

Rootstocks with a wide resistance spectrum for Meloidogyne spp. have been developed using the Myrobalan plum, P. cerasifera, as a parental (Saucet et al., 2016).
Use of clean soil: The propagation material is kept either in containers of sterilized growing medium or in soil that has been tested and found free from Xiphinema diversicaudatum (see EPPO Standard PM4/35), Meloidogyne arenaria, M. incognita, M. javanica, Pratylenchus vulnus and Verticillium dahlia (EPPO 2022)
Woody crops are generally grown in long-term specialized production systems that remain in place for decades. It is not possible, therefore, to control polyphagous root-knot nematode species by crop rotation (Saucet et al., 2016).

Candidate

Evaluation continues

Remarks: M. incognita is only mentioned in PM4/017(3) olive trees and rootstocks, not in the PM4 certification schemes available for all Prunus spp. These schemes post-date the first mentioning of M. incognita in Europe. However, PM 4 certification schemes for Prunus spp. require that the higher grades are produced in sterilized growing medium.
The assessment performed covers the given host species as well as interspecific hybrids with other Prunus species.

Candidate

Main transmission modes (in addition to plants for planting) is through soil (EPPO, 2022; PM4/017)
Meloidogyne arenaria, M. javanica and M. incognita are the most common species in warmer conditions of southern Europe, but also in glasshouses in northern Europe (Wesemael et al., 2011).
Meloidogyne incognita is probably the most widely distributed and economically important species of plant parasitic nematode in tropical and subtropical regions. Two-thirds of the root-knot nematode samples obtained from a number of tropical countries were of M. incognita (Sasser, 1979). In India alone, 232 plant genera have been reported as hosts to M. incognita (Krishnappa, 1985) and worldwide the species is a parasite of a wide range of crop plants (cited from CABI, 2021).
Eggs and juveniles can travel with soil, so anything which has soil attached is a potential pathway including agricultural equipment and containers, tools, vehicle tires, and workers clothing or boots (CABI, 2021). The nematodes can also be transported by water; down river flooded fields can become infected (Clavero-Camacho et al., 2024).
Meloidogyne spp. are not transmitted with seeds (in Wesemael et al., 2011).

Yes

Although Meloidogyne is considered worldwide as the most important genus of plant-parasitic nematodes, information in the scientific literature on the economic impact of root-knot nematodes in Europe is scarce (Wesemael et al., 2011).
The four major Meloidogyne species, M. incognita, M. javanica, M. arenaria, and M. hapla can cause economic damage to stone fruits (Marull et al., 1992) and yield losses (McKenry, 2004) in different parts of the world. Root-knot nematodes cause a 15% loss in vigour and yield of Prunus crops (nurseries and orchards) on a worldwide basis. The economic importance of Meloidogyne spp. to stone fruits was shown with the use of nematicides and rootstocks with nematode resistance. Sharpe et al. (1993) showed that pre-plant fumigation with methyl bromide to control Meloidogyne spp. in peaches increased the cumulative yield over 3 seasons by 2535Kg per hectare. Nematicides have been used to increase yield on many different crops.
In Mediterranean and warm temperate climates, the perennial crops most affected by root-knot nematode species include Prunus spp. and, to a lesser extent fig (Ficus carica) (Saucet et al., 2016).

Medium

No

Candidate

For most Prunus spp., root-stocks resistant against root knot nematodes are available (Saucet et al., 2016); however, the Fruit SEWG considered that these rootstocks are only rarely used. The economic impact is rated as Medium in absence of resistant rootstocks.

Candidate

Rootstocks with a wide resistance spectrum for Meloidogyne spp. have been developed using the Myrobalan plum, P. cerasifera, as a parental (Saucet et al., 2016).
Use of clean soil: The propagation material is kept either in containers of sterilized growing medium or in soil that has been tested and found free from Xiphinema diversicaudatum (see EPPO Standard PM4/35), Meloidogyne arenaria, M. incognita, M. javanica, Pratylenchus vulnus and Verticillium dahlia (EPPO 2022)
Woody crops are generally grown in long-term specialized production systems that remain in place for decades. It is not possible, therefore, to control polyphagous root-knot nematode species by crop rotation (Saucet et al., 2016).

Candidate

Evaluation continues

Remarks: M. incognita is only mentioned in PM4/017(3) olive trees and rootstocks, not in the PM4 certification schemes available for all Prunus spp. These schemes post-date the first mentioning of M. incognita in Europe. However, PM 4 certification schemes for Prunus spp. require that the higher grades are produced in sterilized growing medium.
The assessment performed covers the given host species as well as interspecific hybrids with other Prunus species.

Candidate

Main transmission modes (in addition to plants for planting) is through soil (EPPO, 2022; PM4/017)
Meloidogyne arenaria, M. javanica and M. incognita are the most common species in warmer conditions of southern Europe, but also in glasshouses in northern Europe (Wesemael et al., 2011).
Meloidogyne incognita is probably the most widely distributed and economically important species of plant parasitic nematode in tropical and subtropical regions. Two-thirds of the root-knot nematode samples obtained from a number of tropical countries were of M. incognita (Sasser, 1979). In India alone, 232 plant genera have been reported as hosts to M. incognita (Krishnappa, 1985) and worldwide the species is a parasite of a wide range of crop plants (cited from CABI, 2021).
Eggs and juveniles can travel with soil, so anything which has soil attached is a potential pathway including agricultural equipment and containers, tools, vehicle tires, and workers clothing or boots (CABI, 2021). The nematodes can also be transported by water; down river flooded fields can become infected (Clavero-Camacho et al., 2024).
Meloidogyne spp. are not transmitted with seeds (in Wesemael et al., 2011).

Yes

Although Meloidogyne is considered worldwide as the most important genus of plant-parasitic nematodes, information in the scientific literature on the economic impact of root-knot nematodes in Europe is scarce (Wesemael et al., 2011).
The four major Meloidogyne species, M. incognita, M. javanica, M. arenaria, and M. hapla can cause economic damage to stone fruits (Marull et al., 1992) and yield losses (McKenry, 2004) in different parts of the world. Root-knot nematodes cause a 15% loss in vigour and yield of Prunus crops (nurseries and orchards) on a worldwide basis. The economic importance of Meloidogyne spp. to stone fruits was shown with the use of nematicides and rootstocks with nematode resistance. Sharpe et al. (1993) showed that pre-plant fumigation with methyl bromide to control Meloidogyne spp. in peaches increased the cumulative yield over 3 seasons by 2535Kg per hectare. Nematicides have been used to increase yield on many different crops.
In Mediterranean and warm temperate climates, the perennial crops most affected by root-knot nematode species include Prunus spp. and, to a lesser extent fig (Ficus carica) (Saucet et al., 2016).

Medium

No

Candidate

For most Prunus spp., root-stocks resistant against root knot nematodes are available (Saucet et al., 2016); however, the Fruit SEWG considered that these rootstocks are only rarely used. The economic impact is rated as Medium in absence of resistant rootstocks.

Candidate

Rootstocks with a wide resistance spectrum for Meloidogyne spp. have been developed using the Myrobalan plum, P. cerasifera, as a parental (Saucet et al., 2016).
Use of clean soil: The propagation material is kept either in containers of sterilized growing medium or in soil that has been tested and found free from Xiphinema diversicaudatum (see EPPO Standard PM4/35), Meloidogyne arenaria, M. incognita, M. javanica, Pratylenchus vulnus and Verticillium dahlia (EPPO 2022)
Woody crops are generally grown in long-term specialized production systems that remain in place for decades. It is not possible, therefore, to control polyphagous root-knot nematode species by crop rotation (Saucet et al., 2016).

Candidate

Evaluation continues

Remarks: M. incognita is only mentioned in PM4/017(3) olive trees and rootstocks, not in the PM4 certification schemes available for all Prunus spp. These schemes post-date the first mentioning of M. incognita in Europe. However, PM 4 certification schemes for Prunus spp. require that the higher grades are produced in sterilized growing medium.
The assessment performed covers the given host species as well as interspecific hybrids with other Prunus species.

Candidate

Main transmission modes (in addition to plants for planting) is through soil (EPPO, 2022; PM4/017)
Meloidogyne arenaria, M. javanica and M. incognita are the most common species in warmer conditions of southern Europe, but also in glasshouses in northern Europe (Wesemael et al., 2011).
Meloidogyne incognita is probably the most widely distributed and economically important species of plant parasitic nematode in tropical and subtropical regions. Two-thirds of the root-knot nematode samples obtained from a number of tropical countries were of M. incognita (Sasser, 1979). In India alone, 232 plant genera have been reported as hosts to M. incognita (Krishnappa, 1985) and worldwide the species is a parasite of a wide range of crop plants (cited from CABI, 2021).
Eggs and juveniles can travel with soil, so anything which has soil attached is a potential pathway including agricultural equipment and containers, tools, vehicle tires, and workers clothing or boots (CABI, 2021). The nematodes can also be transported by water; down river flooded fields can become infected (Clavero-Camacho et al., 2024).
Meloidogyne spp. are not transmitted with seeds (in Wesemael et al., 2011).

Yes

Although Meloidogyne is considered worldwide as the most important genus of plant-parasitic nematodes, information in the scientific literature on the economic impact of root-knot nematodes in Europe is scarce (Wesemael et al., 2011).
The four major Meloidogyne species, M. incognita, M. javanica, M. arenaria, and M. hapla can cause economic damage to stone fruits (Marull et al., 1992) and yield losses (McKenry, 2004) in different parts of the world. Root-knot nematodes cause a 15% loss in vigour and yield of Prunus crops (nurseries and orchards) on a worldwide basis. The economic importance of Meloidogyne spp. to stone fruits was shown with the use of nematicides and rootstocks with nematode resistance. Sharpe et al. (1993) showed that pre-plant fumigation with methyl bromide to control Meloidogyne spp. in peaches increased the cumulative yield over 3 seasons by 2535Kg per hectare. Nematicides have been used to increase yield on many different crops.
In Mediterranean and warm temperate climates, the perennial crops most affected by root-knot nematode species include Prunus spp. and, to a lesser extent fig (Ficus carica) (Saucet et al., 2016).

Medium

No

Candidate

For most Prunus spp., root-stocks resistant against root knot nematodes are available (Saucet et al., 2016); however, the Fruit SEWG considered that these rootstocks are only rarely used. The economic impact is rated as Medium in absence of resistant rootstocks.

Candidate

Rootstocks with a wide resistance spectrum for Meloidogyne spp. have been developed using the Myrobalan plum, P. cerasifera, as a parental (Saucet et al., 2016).
Use of clean soil: The propagation material is kept either in containers of sterilized growing medium or in soil that has been tested and found free from Xiphinema diversicaudatum (see EPPO Standard PM4/35), Meloidogyne arenaria, M. incognita, M. javanica, Pratylenchus vulnus and Verticillium dahlia (EPPO 2022)
Woody crops are generally grown in long-term specialized production systems that remain in place for decades. It is not possible, therefore, to control polyphagous root-knot nematode species by crop rotation (Saucet et al., 2016).

Candidate

Evaluation continues

Remarks: M. incognita is only mentioned in PM4/017(3) olive trees and rootstocks, not in the PM4 certification schemes available for all Prunus spp. These schemes post-date the first mentioning of M. incognita in Europe. However, PM 4 certification schemes for Prunus spp. require that the higher grades are produced in sterilized growing medium.
The assessment performed covers the given host species as well as interspecific hybrids with other Prunus species.

Candidate

Main transmission modes (in addition to plants for planting) is through soil (EPPO, 2022; PM4/017)
Meloidogyne arenaria, M. javanica and M. incognita are the most common species in warmer conditions of southern Europe, but also in glasshouses in northern Europe (Wesemael et al., 2011).
Meloidogyne incognita is probably the most widely distributed and economically important species of plant parasitic nematode in tropical and subtropical regions. Two-thirds of the root-knot nematode samples obtained from a number of tropical countries were of M. incognita (Sasser, 1979). In India alone, 232 plant genera have been reported as hosts to M. incognita (Krishnappa, 1985) and worldwide the species is a parasite of a wide range of crop plants (cited from CABI, 2021).
Eggs and juveniles can travel with soil, so anything which has soil attached is a potential pathway including agricultural equipment and containers, tools, vehicle tires, and workers clothing or boots (CABI, 2021). The nematodes can also be transported by water; down river flooded fields can become infected (Clavero-Camacho et al., 2024).
Meloidogyne spp. are not transmitted with seeds (in Wesemael et al., 2011).

Yes

Although Meloidogyne is considered worldwide as the most important genus of plant-parasitic nematodes, information in the scientific literature on the economic impact of root-knot nematodes in Europe is scarce (Wesemael et al., 2011).
The four major Meloidogyne species, M. incognita, M. javanica, M. arenaria, and M. hapla can cause economic damage to stone fruits (Marull et al., 1992) and yield losses (McKenry, 2004) in different parts of the world. Root-knot nematodes cause a 15% loss in vigour and yield of Prunus crops (nurseries and orchards) on a worldwide basis. The economic importance of Meloidogyne spp. to stone fruits was shown with the use of nematicides and rootstocks with nematode resistance. Sharpe et al. (1993) showed that pre-plant fumigation with methyl bromide to control Meloidogyne spp. in peaches increased the cumulative yield over 3 seasons by 2535Kg per hectare. Nematicides have been used to increase yield on many different crops.
In Mediterranean and warm temperate climates, the perennial crops most affected by root-knot nematode species include Prunus spp. and, to a lesser extent fig (Ficus carica) (Saucet et al., 2016).

Medium

No

Candidate

For most Prunus spp., root-stocks resistant against root knot nematodes are available (Saucet et al., 2016); however, the Fruit SEWG considered that these rootstocks are only rarely used. The economic impact is rated as Medium in absence of resistant rootstocks.

Candidate

Rootstocks with a wide resistance spectrum for Meloidogyne spp. have been developed using the Myrobalan plum, P. cerasifera, as a parental (Saucet et al., 2016).
Use of clean soil: The propagation material is kept either in containers of sterilized growing medium or in soil that has been tested and found free from Xiphinema diversicaudatum (see EPPO Standard PM4/35), Meloidogyne arenaria, M. incognita, M. javanica, Pratylenchus vulnus and Verticillium dahlia (EPPO 2022)
Woody crops are generally grown in long-term specialized production systems that remain in place for decades. It is not possible, therefore, to control polyphagous root-knot nematode species by crop rotation (Saucet et al., 2016).

Candidate