Plant quarantine in relation to nematodes, in India Sanwal K. C. National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi-12. Presented at Nematology Symposium held at Coimbatore, India in February, 1981 Abstract The world wide distribution of several plant parasitic nematodes has now been definitely attributed to the movement of plants and planting material from one country to another. With the recognition of several plant parasitic nematodes as destructive pests of crops, most countries are now paying greater attention to quarantine inspection of imported material for detection of nematode infestation, than was done in the past. In view of the large quantities and the wide variety of plants and planting material (seeds, bulbs, corms, suckers, tubers, rhizomes, rooted plants, nursery stock etc.) being imported into India during the past few years, it has become necessary to assess the plant quarantine operations in India in relation to nematodes. Problems of undertaking quarantine for nematodes in India are related to the level of knowledge about nematodes; nature of import policy for plants and planting material; administrative pattern of Plant Quarantine System; research on plant quarantine aspects of nematology; availability of post-entry quarantine facilities, and trained staff; communication between quarantine workers, and also io public awareness of the importance of nematodes in plant quarantine. Basic information on the occurrence, exact distribution, host range and pathogenicity of nematodes existing in India (with the exception of a few species like Heterodera avenae, Anguina Iritici) is far from complete. Only when such information on the indigenous nematode fauna is available, can the exclusion of a particular nematode species be justified on scientific grounds. Quarantine organizations also require compiled and easily retrievable information on plant parasitic nematodes occurring in other countries of the world, for effectively regulating (restricting, prohibiting, imposing special requirements) the importation of plants and planting material on the basis of pest-risk involved in imports from different countries. Considering the variety of planting material entering India, research effort on quarantine aspects-of nematology (fumigants, fumigation dosages; hot water, vapour heat, hot air treatments; nematicidal dips; techniques of detection and extraction of nematodes; fabrication of special equipment etc.) is practically non-existent. Post-entry quarantine facilities at the disposal of Plant Quarantine organizations, for growing certain types of material in isolation are limited. To check further spread of nematodes like Radopholus similis, Aphelenchoies besseyi, Ditylenchus angustus, Heterodera avenae, Globodera rostochiensis etc., the simple step of enforcing domestic quarantines may not achieve even a low degree of success until scientifically documented and precise distribution of these nematodes in the country is worked out, and, until suitable modifications and/or additions are made in the administrative pattern of the Plant Quarantine Organization in India. At present, there are no regular State Plant Quarantine Organizations in India. It is important however, that State Departments of Agriculture of all States and Union Territories of India should be actively involved not only in fulfilling the objectives of Plant Quarantine (i.e. preventing the entry of new pests, and preventing further spread of those which are localized) within the boundaries of the State, but also in carrying out the centrally sponsored quarantine projects of national importance. Other modifications pertain to ihe expansion of existing staff and facilities of the Central Plant Quarantine Organization, coupled with a certain degree of decentralization of the organization, perhaps on a regional basis, for facilitating the administration and implementation of Plant Quarantine in a large country like India. Conducting of short term, in service training courses in nematological techniques and nematodes of quarantine significance etc., for staff working at Quarantine Inspection Stations, enhancing communication between workers of Quarantine Organations, and a programme of educating the public about dangers of intoducing harmful nematodes through imported planting meterial are also considered important for effectively carrying out plant quarantine operations in relation to nematodes. Top |