1. Potato Cyst Nematode
Globodera pallida (Pale Cyst Nematode = PCN) & G. rostochiensis (Golden Nematode)
Handoo
-Globose to spherical in shape Prominent anterior neck is present No posterior vulval cone Mature cysts are colored red-brown to red-gold Cyst wall is elastic when probed gently Cyst cracks cleanly when probed firmly Eggs &/or juveniles are often visible inside the cyst
Webb
PCN cysts in a typical debris field - Cysts are shiny when wet and when illuminated under microscope Round shape ‘stands out’ against most other objects in the debris field Intact cysts will float in cold water
Christopher Hogger, Swiss Federal Research Station for Agroecology and Agriculture,
Globodera spp.
Heterodera avenae (Cereal Cyst Nematode)
Heterodera schachtii (Sugarbeet Cyst Nematode)
Compare Globodera (PCN) cysts with two other common cyst nematode species
Craig Webb, Ph.D USDA-APHIS-PPQ
Plant Pathologist – Identifier

2. Potato Cyst Nematode IMPOSTERS
* = Discriminating characteristics vs. PCN
McDonald
Cereal cyst nematode Shiny in appearance Similar in color to PCN *Lemon-shaped cyst* *Posterior vulval cone present* *Short/curved neck* Elastic when probed gently
Sugar beet cyst nematode Shiny in appearance *Tan to brown in color* *Lemon-shaped cyst* *Posterior vulval cone present* Elastic when probed gently
G. Caubel/INRA Rennes
McDonald
Seeds Some are shiny in appearance Relatively large in size Some similar in color to PCN *No neck/eggs/juveniles visible inside* *Very hard when probed firmly*
McDonald
Fungal sporocarps (fruiting body) *Generally a matte or dull appearance* *Smaller than PCN (~70 ųm vs ~535 ųm)* Similar in color to PCN ’Stem’ looks like a neck *Elastic when probed gently but often shatters when probed firmly*