The export of fresh ginger from Fiji is an important source of income for farmers, workers involved in its production and processing, and exporters. However, expansion into the Australian market is hampered by concerns over the possible presence of microscopic nematode pests of quarantine concern to Australia. This report provides details of a PHAMA funded training program delivered by New Zealand’s Landcare Research to build the capacity of the Fijian Ministry of Agriculture and the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji in the field sampling and identification of nematodes from ginger production sites. None of the samples taken were found to have the nematode of quarantine concern to Australia (the burrowing nematode or Radopholus similis).

The field sampling included collecting over 20 soil and rhizome samples from ginger production sites. Following extraction and identification of nematodes from these samples it was confirmed that none of the nematodes that are of biosecurity concern to Australia (the burrowing nematode or Radopholus similis) were found.

Key words: Differential Interference Contrast microscopy, Radopholus similis, PCR preparation, gel imaging, DNA extraction, plant parasitic nematodes, Koronivia Research Station, Landcare Research NZ

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