Eradication of Meloidogyne enterolobii on potted plants at 4 places of production in the Netherlands

The Dutch NVWA has confirmed the eradication of findings of Meloidogyne enterolobii on ornamental potted plants at 4 places of production in the Netherlands. All four outbreaks reported in February 2026 have been eradicated.

At the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026, Meloidogyne enterolobii was again detected in ornamental potted plants at four different retail companies. These findings are similar to the findings detected in the course of 2022 and 2023 which have all been eradicated by the end of 2023. Most new findings were detected following post-import checks at the retail companies.

The first finding in 2025 concerned ornamental potted plants of Chrysalidocarpus lutescens originating from El Salvador. Post-import investigations were triggered by an interception notified by a third country. No symptoms were observed on the plants nor on the roots of the plants. Laboratory analysis of root samples of the plants revealed high concentrations of M. enterolobii.

The second and third findings in 2025 concerned ornamental potted plants of Ficus microcarpa originating from China. Root knots were observed on the roots of the plants.

For all three outbreaks of 2025 all affected plants have been destroyed and eradication has been confirmed.

The fourth recent finding early 2026 concerned ornamental potted plants of Syzygium buxifolium originating from China. Root knots were observed on the roots of the plants.

Measures for all outbreaks concerned destruction of all infected lots of plants. Other lots of plants within the same water distribution system were subjected to a 10 week incubation period after which the roots are again inspected. No further infections were detected.

Download the full report here.

Source: Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority