Potato cyst nematode: A hidden enemy of potato cultivation in hills

Potato cyst nematode is the most devastating pest and is one of the most important problem in potato production in India as well as worldwide. Recently, govt. of India kept quarantine regulations in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand besides Tamil Nadu which shows the seriousness of this problem. In absence of host this nematode can survive in a protective and hard cyst. Under favourable environmental and crop conditions the nematode infects the roots and gets their nourishment for development and reproduction. As a result of this plant shows yellowing and stunted growth which ultimately cause yield reductions. To get rid of this problem integrated nematode management measures such as disease free seeds, resistant varieties, crop rotation, intercropping, biological control and chemical control should be practiced to maintain the population of cyst nematode below economic threshold level.