It should be stated that nematodes are present in Europe and South America. They learned to deal with nematodes. That is, they developed resistant strains, they rotate crops more often, they manage. In a few years, if it is discovered that nematodes are present throughout North America, as it is in Quebec, Idaho, Vancouver and New York, we will need to learn how to deal with it. That said, we’re not there yet.
Some studies have revealed new ways for combating nematodes. Long-term measures, that is, those for the 2007 harvest, have yet to be determined. There are still a lot of unknowns. We need to reflect seriously on these questions. Can we live with nematodes? Can we control them? Can we leave fields bare for a few years, or rotate crops more often? These are the types of questions that we have yet to think much about. We’ll have to get the experts involved.
When I am talking about the long-term, I am talking about 2007. The committee, which is spending a lot of time reflecting on the short and medium-term economic impacts, should reorient itself towards the study of this parasite and methods we can use to manage it.