STUDIES ON THE DETECTION OF POTATO CYST NEMATODE (GLOBODERA SPP.) AND SOIL HEALTH STATUS IN POTATO CORE AREAS OF PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is considered as staple food and ranks fourth after wheat, rice and maize in Pakistan. Many biotic constraints affect potato production as potato cyst nematodes (Globodera spp.) are considered to be the most important quarantine pests of potato posing serious potential economic consequences throughout the world. Two hundred soil samples collected from Okara, Sahiwal, Kasur and Pakpattan districts were analyzed by floatation technique at Plant Pathology Research Institute, Faisalabad and were found free from potato cyst nematodes infestation. Soil health study was also carried out following standard analytical techniques and soil health indicators for arable land like organic matter, extractable potash, available phosphorus and microbial populations were found in sufficient levels to ensure healthy crop production.