PURPOSE: to replace existing legislation on the control of potato cyst nematodes in order to determine their distribution, to prevent their spread and to control them.
PROPOSED ACT: Council Directive.
CONTENT: since the adoption of Council Directive 69/465/EEC of 8 December 1969 on control of Potato Cyst Eelworm there have been significant developments in the nomenclature, biology and epidemiology of potato cyst nematode species and populations and their distribution pattern.
Potato cyst nematodes (Globodera pallida (Stone) Behrens (European populations) and Globodera rostochiensis (Wollenweber) Behrens (European populations)) are recognised as harmful organisms of potatoes. The provisions of Directive 69/465/EEC have been re-examined and, as a result of this re-examination, have been found insufficient. Therefore, the adoption of more comprehensive provisions is necessary. This is the aim of this proposal.
The new provisions shall take into account that official investigations are necessary to ensure that no potato cyst nematodes are found in fields in which seed potatoes intended for the production of seed potatoes, and certain plants intended for the production of plants for planting, are held or planted.
Official surveys should be carried out annually on fields used for the production of potatoes other than those used for the production of seed potatoes. Sampling and testing procedures should be set out for conducting such official investigations and surveys. Account should be taken of the means of spread of the pathogen. Decontamination measures are also provided for.