Epidemiology of a Tobacco Cyst Nematode (Globodera solanacearum) in Virginia. Dean A. Komm, Assistant Professor, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Southern Piedmont Center, Blackstone 23824. John J. Reilly, Assistant Professor, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Southern Piedmont Center, Blackstone 23824, and A. P. Elliott, Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Pathology and Physiology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061. Plant Dis. 67:1249-1251. Accepted for publication 19 May 1983. Copyright 1983 American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-67-1249.

The detection and spread of a tobacco cyst nematode (TCN), Globodera solanacearum, was traced from 1961 through 1982. A total of 148 farms (1,230 ha) in a 10-county area of Virginia were verified to have TCN. In 1982, losses reported on 339 ha of infested land amounted to an estimated $700,000 compared with $13,000 in 1980. Yield of tobacco grown on infested land was reduced by an average of 15%. The disease progress curve shows this epidemic in the exponential phase of growth. Continuous tobacco production is the main factor leading to yield reductions caused by TCN. Control practices are discussed.