Introduction
Potato cyst nematode (PCN) is the name commonly given to two species of cyst nematode that attack potato, namely Globodera pallida and G. rostochiensis. It is one of the most important pests of potato in the UK, particularly in England and Wales. Several agricultural sectors are affected either because of the damage the pest causes (to potatoes), or because of costs attributed to contamination by this pest (transplanted crops such as bulbs, nursery stock and fruit plants).