OCCURRENCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF GLOBODERA SPP. IN BOLIVIA

Resumen

Potato is an important crop for thousands of small-holder farmers in Bolivia. The potato cyst nematodes (Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida) have been reported in most cultivated areas of Bolivia and are a significant constraint to the production of potato in the country. A survey was conducted in 2022 to provide a current understanding of the identity, distribution, and occurrence of Globodera spp. in Bolivia. Soil samples were collected from 144 potato fields and Globodera spp. cysts were found in 82% of the samples. There were significantly (P < 0.001) higher population densities of Globodera spp. in the departments of La Paz, Cochabamba, and Chuquisaca (297 to 1,008 cysts/250 cm³ soil) compared to Potosí and Tarija (~85 cysts/250 cm³soil). Based upon molecular identification, both G. rostochiensis and G. pallida were found, with G. rostochiensis being the most prevalent species in Bolivia found in 87% of infested fields. These findings provide an updated assessment of the current status of Globodera spp. in Bolivia.