The distribution of pathotypes of the cereal cyst-eelworm Heterodera avenae in England and Wales

Two pathotypes of the cereal cyst-eelworm (Heterodera avenae), occurred commonly in England and Wales and a third pathotype was apparently present in low numbers in a few areas. Pathotype 1, which can breed on most cultivars of wheat, barley and oats, but not on Drost barley nor barley cultivars containing the gene for resistance from barley No. 191, was most common in the south west of England. Pathotype 2, which can breed on most cereals, including Drost barley but not No. 191, was common throughout England and Wales and mixtures of these pathotypes occurred in many places. Pathotype 3, which can breed on barley No. 191 and probably on Drost and most cultivars of cereals, was rare and was found only in low numbers together with either or both Pathotypes 1 and 2. In the initial tests it was present or suspected in only nine fields (6%), but when these soils were retested in more detail the following year, Pathotype 3 was confirmed at only one site.