Effective May 9, 2014, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is reclassifying 92 regulated acres as infested for Globodera pallida (pale cyst nematode or PCN) in Bingham County, Idaho. APHIS is taking this action in response to the recently confirmed detection of PCN cysts in a potato production field in Bingham County on April 29. As a result, the number of PCN-infested fields is increased to 22 and the infested area to 2,392 acres. The total area in Idaho under regulation remains at 8,478 acres.
In accordance with the PCN regulations, APHIS is applying safeguarding measures on the interstate movement of PCN-regulated articles from these areas. APHIS will follow up with a notice of this change to the regulated area in the Federal Register. The specific PCN regulated areas can be found on the PCN Program website.
The cysts were collected by APHIS during routine delimiting surveys of suspect fields. All infested fields are located within a five-mile area that spans a portion of northern Bingham County and southern Bonneville County.
PCN is a destructive parasitic pest of potatoes and other solanaceous crops. PCN was first discovered in the United States in northern Bingham County, Idaho, in April 2006. All detections have been limited to a five-mile area in Bingham and southern Bonneville Counties. Control, delimitation, and eradication efforts are ongoing.
For more information regarding the PCN program, please call Jonathan Jones, National Policy Manager, at 301- 851-2128.
Source: The Prairie Star