SN/T 4873-2017 in English

Standard Background and Scope of Application

SN/T 4873-2017 is an industry standard for entry-exit inspection and quarantine issued by the General Administration of Customs of China. It establishes technical specifications for the detection and identification of the Spanish root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne hispanica) (Hirschmann, 1986). This nematode is a major plant quarantine pest that can harm over 50 economic crops in 22 families, including the Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae families.

Core identification characteristics

Morphological indicators of female insects

Comparison of male characteristics

Technical process of detection

1. Sample processing: Use Behmann funnel method or centrifugal flotation method to separate nematodes
2. Morphological identification: Measure the key parameters of the perineal pattern of 20 female insects
3. Molecular verification: Use SCAR marker primers for PCR amplification

Quarantine treatment recommendations

When an epidemic is discovered, the following measures should be taken:
1) Fumigation treatment: Seal the plant material with 48g/m³ of methyl bromide for 24 hours
2) Heat treatment: Soak the plant material in 50℃ hot water for 30 minutes
3) Chemical treatment: Irrigate the roots with 1.5% avermectin

Key points for the implementation of the standard

Special attention should be paid to southern root-knot nematode, Identification of peanut root-knot nematodes:
• Differences in the dorsal arch angle of the perineal pattern
• Morphological characteristics of the male copulatory spines
• Screening of specific molecular markers