The host plant status of five potato cultivars (cvs
Asterix, Bintje, Nicola, Lady Rosetta and Première) for
M. chitwoodi, M. fallax and M. minor was determined
by evaluating egg mass formation. Seed potato tubers
of the different cultivars were washed, disinfected for
5 min in a 5% sodium hypochlorite solution, thoroughly
washed with water and left to sprout. The potatoes were
then planted in closed transparent containers (500 ml,
11 cm diam., 8 cm height) filled with 200 g sterilised
(130°C, 4 h) and dried white river sand and watered with
30 ml sterile water. The closed containers were stored
in an incubator (20°C) assuring a stable temperature