The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii was first detected at a Dutch cultivation company in January 2023. This pest organism is regulated as a quarantine organism in the EU. The nematode is highly harmful to tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, but also affects potato tubers. In ornamental plants, the nematode can hinder growth. The nematode is not harmful to humans and animals. Since the first detection, 13 outbreaks have been confirmed at ornamental horticulture companies in the Netherlands.
Recent findings from the NVWA confirm earlier suspicions that this nematode may occur on more plant species and in more countries than currently known. It also appears that symptoms are not always visible on infected plants. Therefore, your alertness is needed, and the NVWA has tightened import controls.
Meloidogyne enterolobii more widely spread and symptomless in golden palm
Last month, we imposed measures at a company where the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii was found. This concerns findings in golden palm, or Chrysalidocarpus lutescens (synonym: Dypsis lutescens and Areca lutescens) from El Salvador.
In previous findings in 2023 and 2024 in particular Ficus microcarpa, infected plants showed root galls. In the recent finding on golden palm, these symptoms were not observed. Moreover, El Salvador was not known as a country where M. enterolobii is present.
This finding indicates that the risk of this nematode entering is greater than expected: Not all exporting countries are aware that the nematode occurs in their regions. Additionally, almost all plant species can be infected, where sometimes, as with golden palm, no galls on the roots are visible. In such cases, symptomless sampling and testing of root material is necessary to demonstrate an infection.
Tightening of import controls due to finding of root-knot nematode
As of August 21, 2025, we have tightened the import control for golden palm plants with roots from El Salvador. This means that from this date, a mandatory symptomless sampling applies to 100% of the import shipments of Chrysalidocarpus from El Salvador. The costs for sampling and diagnosis are borne by the importer.
Measures in case of a finding during import
If M. enterolobii is found in an import batch, the entire batch will be refused for import into the EU and must be destroyed under the supervision of the Naktuinbouw or the KCB or brought outside the EUs borders.
Measures in case of a finding within the Netherlands
In case of a finding of M. enterolobii in the Netherlands, the impact for your company can be significant. The nematode cannot be controlled during cultivation. Because Meloidogyne enterolobii has a very broad range of host plants, measures may apply to almost all plants with roots. We will explain what the measures mean for you in the event of a finding.
What can I do as an importer or grower of potted plants from third countries?
Request good guarantees from your supplier: this nematode can occur on almost all plant species and in many more countries than currently known. Also realize that not all plant species with this infection develop root galls. In third countries of origin, cultivation where these roots have never come into contact with the open ground provides the best guarantee that the plants are free from M. enterolobii.
After import, keep the plants physically separated from other batches for at least 10 weeks. Ensure that the water systems are also separated and provide for filtration of recirculated water. This prevents the spread of the nematode on your farm. Check the roots thoroughly afterwards. You can also randomly test root material from plants for the presence of root-knot nematodes, especially when you doubt the development of symptoms in your crop, such as in Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, and if the plants were originally grown in the open ground in third countries. Finally, detailed record-keeping and labeling of the plants ensure that different batches can be well distinguished from each other. This means that in the event of a finding of the root-knot nematode on your farm, we can impose measures as specifically as possible.
Report a suspicion of M. enterolobii in your plants to us as soon as possible.
More information
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