Pinto Bean Yield Increased by Chemical Control of Pratylenchus spp.

Pinto bean yields and Pratylenchus spp. (nematode) population densities are reported for field plots pro-plant treated with nematicides in 1966 and 1968. Vidden-D (1,3-dichloropropene, 1,2-dichloropropane and related chlorinated hydrocarbons), Vortex (20% methyl isothioeyanate plus 80% chlorinated Ca-hydrocarbons), Telone PBC (80% dichloropropenes, 15% chloropicrin, and 5% propargyl bromide), Dasardt (0,0-Diethyl 0-[p-(methylsulfmyl)phenyl] phosphorothioate, and Dowfume MC-2 (98% methyl bromide plus 2% chloropierin) were used in 1966. Vorlex, Dasanit, and D-D (1,3-dichloropropene, 1,2-dichloropropane and related chlorinated hydrocarbons) were each used at two rates in 1968.Fumigated plot yields ranged 32-56% higher than control plots in 1966 and 11-80% higher in 1968. Significant yield increases were obtained for all fumigants except Telone PBC in 1966. In 1968 significant increases were obtained from use of the high rate (374 liters/ha) of Vorlex and low rate (8.4 liters/ha) of Dasanit. There was an inverse relationship between yield and numbers of Pratylenchus spp./g root on four sampling dates in 1968. A correlation coefficient of -.39 (P ≤ 0.05) was obtained for samples taken 36 days after planting and -.52 (P ≤ 0.01) for samples taken 30 days later. There was no significant correlation between yield and numbers of Pratylenchus spp. recovered from the soil.     

Role of Nematodes and Soil-borne Fungi in Cotton Stunt

The nematodes, Pratylenchus brachyurus, Trichodorus christiei, and T. porosus and the soil-borne fungi, Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium debaryanum, P. irregulare, P. ultimum, and Fusarium spp. were the pathogens most frequently found in the roots and rhizosphere of field-grown cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) showing "stunt" symptoms. Field-plot application of the nematicide D-D (l,2-dichloropropane, 1,3-dichloropropene) at 373.4 liter/ha (40 gal/A) significantly increased plant growth and yield. A fungicidal mixture of Dexon (p-dimethylaminobenzenediazo sodium sulfonate at 23.5 kg/ha (2l lb/A) and Terraclor (pentachloronitrobenzene at 25.2 kg/ha (22.5 lb/A) was phytotoxic, but combined nematicide/fungicide treatments were not. Greenhouse temperature-tank experiments in soils from two locations showed significantly improved root and shoot growth following methyl bromide fumigation at both 25 C and 18 C and more severe "stunt" at the lower temperature.     

Transfer and Development of Pasteuria penetrans

Pasteuria penetrans isolate P-20 has been attributed as the cause of soil suppressiveness to peanut root-knot nematode in Florida. In this study, P. penetrans was transferred from a suppressive site to a new site and established by growing susceptible hosts to the peanut root-knot nematode during both summer and winter seasons. When two soil fumigants, 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) and chloropicrin, were applied broadcast at the rate of 168 liters/ha and 263 kg/ha, respectively, the bacterium was not adversely affected by 1,3-D but was adversely affected by chloropicrin. In autumn 2005, after the harvest of the second peanut crop, the greatest number of J2 was recorded in the chloropicrin-treated plots, followed by the non-fumigated plots and 1,3-D-fumigated plots. The percentage J2 encumbered with endospores, endospores per J2 and percentage of P. penetrans-infected females were greatest in the non-fumigated plots, followed by 1,3-D- and chloropicrin-fumigated plots. This study demonstrates that P. penetrans can be transferred from a suppressive site to a new site and increased to suppressive densities against the peanut root-knot nematode.     

Soybean Yield as Related to Rates of 1,3-Dichloropropene Applied at Planting for Management of Root-Knot Disease

1,3-Dichloropropene (1,3-D) at rates of 17.2 to 51.6 liters/ha applied 3 days preplant or at planting significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the amount of galling on roots of soybean grown in sites infested with Meloidogyne incognita or M. arenaria. Populations of M. incognita second-stage juveniles at harvest were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by all treatments. Only the 51.6-liters/ ha treatments and a 3-day preplant 34.4-liters/ha application significantly reduced at-harvest juvenile infestations of M. arenaria. Equations (P < 0.001) relating soybean yield and 1,3-D dosage indicated soybean phytotoxicity at the upper range of the nematicide rates. The maximum yield response was predicted at 40 liters/ha applied 3 days preplant at both infestation sites. Maximum yield response was predicted with 30 liters/ha applied at planting to M. incognita-infested soil and from 25 liters/ha applied at planting to M. arenaria-infested soil. Application of economic factors suggested that management of M. incognita may be cost effective with at-plant treatments of low rates of 1,3-D. Yield responses of M. arenaria-infected soybean exposed to similar treatments were insufficient to justify their use at prevailing prices.     

Effects of Fumigants and Systemic Pesticides on Pratylenchus penetrans and Potato Yield

Replicated trials were conducted near Alliston, Ontario, in 1983 and 1984 to evaluate the efficacy of five chemical treatments in controlling the root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans on potato, Solanum tuberosum cv. Russet Burbank. The fumigants Vorlex, at 55 liters product/ha, and Telone II B, at 75 liters product/ha, were more effective in suppressing high initial population densities of 18,320 and 50,880 P. penetrans/kg soil in 1983 and 1984, respectively, than single applications of the systemic pesticides Temik 10 G at 22 kg product/ha, Vydate L at 18 and 9 liters product/ha, and Furadan 10 G at 33 kg product/ha. The combination of Vorlex + Temik resulted in greatest nematode suppression and lowest populations at harvest. In 1983, marketable tuber yield (> 7 cm) in the Vorlex + Temik plots was 20.7 t/ha, compared to 4.7 t for the untreated check. Vorlex alone and Telone II B plots yielded 17.3 and 15.9 t/ha, respectively; Temik with 7.5 t also yielded better than the check. Vydate and Furadan did not influence yields significantly. Total yields differed from the check in all treatments except with Furadan. In 1984, marketable yields ranged from 15.5 t/ha for the Vorlex + Temik treatment to 11.2 for the untreated check, but the differences were not statistically significant. Total yields, however, were significantly increased by the fumigants. The difference in response to chemical treatment in the 2 years was attributed to greater heat stress and lack of supplementary irrigation in 1983.     

Slit Injection of 1,3-Dichloropropene for Management of Belonolaimus longicaudatus on Established Bermudagrass

Belonolaimus longicaudatus is a serious problem on bermudagrass, a common warm-season turfgrass, in Florida. The cancellation of organophosphate nematicides necessitates that new management tools be identified for use on sports turf. Postplant application of 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) on bermudagrass was evaluated for management of B. longicaudatus on golf course fairways and driving ranges. A series of 10 experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of 1,3-D in reducing population densities of B. longicaudatus and enhancing bermudagrass recovery from nematode damage. In 5 of 10 experiments, 1,3-D injected at 46.8 liters/ha was effective in reducing population densities of B. longicaudatus (P < 0.05) compared to untreated plots 2 to 4 weeks after treatment. One month after treatment, population densities of B. longicaudatus ranged from 59% to 97% of those in untreated plots. Nematode suppression generally lasted 2 months or less. Turf visual performance was improved following injection with 1,3-D (P < 0.05) over untreated plots when other factors were not limiting. Turf root development also was enhanced following injection with 1,3-D. Postplant injection of 1,3-D could be a useful nematode management tool for certain sports turf applications.     

Control of Paratrichodorus allius and Corky Ringspot Disease in Potato with Shank-injected Metam Sodium

Corky ringspot disease (CRS) of potato produces necrotic areas in tubers that are considered quality defects that can lead to crop rejection. CRS is caused by tobacco rattle virus that is vectored by stubby-root nematodes (Paratrichodorus spp., Trichodorus spp.) at very low population densities, making disease management difficult and expensive. Fumigation with metam sodium (MS) is a common practice to control soil-borne fungi and increase potato yield. MS is generally applied in water via chemigation (water-run, WR) but is ineffective at controlling CRS when WR-applied, even at high rates. Therefore, WR MS is often used in combination with 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D), aldicarb or oxamyl to attain adequate CRS control. Between 1996 and 2000, fields with a history of CRS were treated with WR MS, shank-injected MS, and/or 1,3-D, and tubers were evaluated for symptoms of CRS. Shank injection of MS (SH MS) at depths of 41 cm, 15 and 30 cm, or 15, 30 and 45 cm controlled CRS over 3 years of testing. All rates of 280 liters/ha or greater were effective. Shank injection of metam potassium (MP) at rates of 448 liters/ha was also effective. 1,3-D controlled CRS alone or in combination with WR or SH MS. Proper shank application of MS or MP may adequately control CRS without the additional cost of other nematicides at low (<10 P. allius/250 g soil) to moderate (10 to 30 P. allius/250 g soil) populations of the nematode vector. Although SH MS was superior to WR MS, additional research is necessary to determine if this practice would be sufficient at higher CRS disease pressure or if addition of other nematicides would be necessary.     

Population Trends and Vertical Distribution of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes Associated with Vitis labrusca L. in Michigan

Nematode population trends and vertical distribution were monitored in a southwest Michigan vineyard (Vitis labrusca cv. Concord) from 1976 through 1983. Shallow (20 cm) and deep (90 cm) applications of 1,3-dichloropropene applied at 281 (shallow) plus 658 or 1,122 (deep) liters/ ha provided excellent control of Xiphinema americanum, Criconemella xenoplax, and Meloidogyne hapla. Populations of X. americanum remained below detectable levels for the entire 8-year experimental period where the fumigant was applied. X. americanum and C. xenoplax populations exhibited multiyear cycling in nonfumigated plots. M. hapla was first detected in 1978 and increased in prominence from 1980 through 1982. Criconemella spp. were commonly parasitized by an endoparasitic fungus. Parasitism was monitored and reported as an indication of nematode population quality.     

Cyperus Tubers Protect Meloidogyne incognita from 1,3-Dichloropropene

Meloidogyne incognita-infected and noninfected tubers of yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) and purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) were treated with 56 L/ha 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) in microplots and subsequently examined for tuber and nematode viability in the greenhouse using a chile pepper (Capsicum annuum) bioassay system. The study was conducted three times. Nutsedge tuber viability and M. incognita harbored in both yellow and purple nutsedge tubers were unaffected by 1,3-D treatment. Nematode reproduction on nutsedges and associated chile pepper plants varied among years, possibly due to differing levels of tuber infection or soil temperature, but was not affected by fumigation. The presence of M. incognita resulted in greater yellow nutsedge tuber germination and reproduction. The efficacy of 1,3-D for management of M. incognita in chile pepper production is likely to be reduced when nutsedges are present in high numbers, reinforcing the importance of managing these weeds and nematodes simultaneously.     

Postplant Fumigation with DBCP for Citrus Nematode Control in Florida

Eleven citrus groves of diverse varieties and ages infected with Tylenchulus semipenetrans growing in differing soils in Florida were treated with three rates of 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) applied by various means. Yield, fruit size, and T. semipenetrans populations in the roots were compared between DBCP-treated and untreated trees over a period of I-3 yr. Maximum fruit size and yield were obtained by applying DBCP at 38-58 kg/hectare (ha) (34-52 lb/acre); whereas best nematode control was with a rate of 77 kg/ha (69 lb/acre). Application of chemical emulsion with a special, drilled, low-profile sprinkler irrigation ground pipe was the most suitable method. Effect of DBCP treatment generally lasted for 3 yr. A mean annual I. 1% increase in fruit diameter, 15.2% increase in fruit yield and a 55.7% decrease incitrus nematode populations was found for D BC P-treated trees in contrast to untreated trees.     

Evaluation of Econem™, a Formulated Pasteuria sp. Bionematicide, for Management of Belonolaimus longicaudatus on Golf Course Turf

In 2010, a turfgrass bionematicide containing in vitro produced Pasteuria sp. for management of Belonolaimus longicaudatus was launched under the tradename Econem^™. Greenhouse pot studies and field trials on golf course fairways and tee boxes evaluated Econem at varied rates and application frequencies. Trials on putting greens compared efficacy of three applications of Econem at 98 kg/ha to untreated controls and 1,3-dichloropropene at 53 kg a.i/ha. Further putting green trials evaluated the ability of three applications of Econem at 98 kg/ha to prevent resurgence of population densities of B. longicaudatus following treatment with 1,3-dichloropropene at 53 kg a.i./ha. None of the Econem treatments in pot studies were effective at reducing B. longicaudatus numbers (P ≤ 0.05). Econem was associated with reduction in population densities of B. longicaudatus (P ≤ 0.1) on only a single sampling date in one of the eight field trials and did not improve turf health in any of the trials (P > 0.1). These results did not indicate that Econem is an effective treatment for management of B. longicaudatus on golf course turf.     

Crystal structures of native and inactivated cis-3-chloroacrylic acid dehalogenase: Implications for the catalytic and inactivation mechanisms

The isomeric mixture of cis- and trans-1,3-dichloropropene constitutes the active component of a widely used nematocide known as Telone II®. The mixture is processed by various soil bacteria to acetaldehyde through the 1,3-dichloropropene catabolic pathway. The pathway relies on an isomer-specific hydrolytic dehalogenation reaction catalyzed by cis- or trans-3-chloroacrylic acid dehalogenase, known respectively as cis-CaaD and CaaD. Previous sequence analysis and crystallographic studies of the native and covalently modified enzymes identified Pro-1, His-28, Arg-70, Arg-73, Tyr-103, and Glu-114 as key binding and catalytic residues in cis-CaaD. Mutagenesis of these residues confirmed their importance to the dehalogenation reaction. Crystal structures of the native enzyme (2.01 Å resolution) and the enzyme covalently modified at the Pro-1 nitrogen by 2-hydroxypropanoate (1.65 Å resolution) are reported here. Both structures are at a resolution higher than previously reported (2.75 Å and 2.1 Å resolution, respectively). The conformation of the covalent adduct is strikingly different from that previously reported due to its interaction with a 7-residue loop (Thr-32 to Leu-38). The participation of another active site residue, Arg-117, in catalysis and inactivation was also examined. The implications of the combined findings for the mechanisms of catalysis and inactivation are discussed.     

Influence of Aldicarb on the Growth and Yield of Tobacco

Microplot and field experiments were used to examine the plant-growth stimulation frequently associated with the use of aldicarb on tobacco in the absence of major pests. Aldicarb rates of 1.5-4.5 kg a.i./ha enhanced tobacco growth and yield in most experiments, but higher rates (≥ 4.5 kg) usually resulted in a neutral to negative effect. Tobacco cultivars NC 82 and Speight G-28 were more responsive than McNair 944 to the pesticide in microplots. Supplemental irrigation enhanced the responsiveness of Speight G-70 tobacco and McNair 944 to aldicarb, but excessive moisture (ca. 7-8 cm/week) limited cured-leaf yields. Aldicarb also resulted in the greatest mean tobacco yields in 35 field experiments involving Meloidogyne spp. over 3 years, relative to ethoprop, 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D), 1,3-D + chloropicrin, and nontreated controls. Thus, aldicarb generally enhanced tobacco growth and yield in the presence or absence of nematodes, but its impact is dependent on other variables, including cultivar, soil moisture, and soil type.     

Variable Rate Application of Nematicides on Cotton Fields: A Promising Site-Specific Management Strategy

Field tests were conducted to determine if differences in response to nematicide application (i.e., root-knot nematode (RKN) populations, cotton yield, and profitability) occurred among RKN management zones (MZ). The MZ were delineated using fuzzy clustering of five terrain (TR) and edaphic (ED) field features related to soil texture: apparent soil electrical conductivity shallow (EC_a-shallow) and deep (EC_a-deep), elevation (EL), slope (SL), and changes in bare soil reflectance. Zones with lowest mean values of EC_{a- shallow}, EC_{a- deep}, NDVI, and SL were designated as at greater risk for high RKN levels. Nematicide-treated plots (4 rows wide and 30 m long) were established in a randomized complete block design within each zone, but the number of replications in each zone varied from four to six depending on the size of the zone.The nematicides aldicarb (Temik 15 G) and 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D,Telone II) were applied at two rates (0.51 and 1.0 kg a.i./ha for aldicarb, and 33.1 and 66.2 kg a.i./ha for 1,3-D) to RKN MZ in commercial fields between 2007 and 2009. A consolidated analysis over the entire season showed that regardless of the zone, there were not differences between aldicarb rates and 1,3-D rates. The result across zones showed that 1,3-D provided better RKN control than did aldicarb in zones with low EC_a values (high RKN risk zones exhibiting more coarse-textured sandy soils). In contrast, in low risk zones with relatively higher EC_a values (heavier textured soil), the effects of 1,3-D and aldicarb were equal and application of any of the treatments provided sufficient control. In low RKN risk zones, a farmer would often have lost money if a high rate of 1,3-D was applied. This study showed that the effect of nematicide type and rate on RKN control and cotton yield varied across management zones (MZ) with the most expensive treatment likely to provide economic benefit only in zones with coarser soil texture. This study demonstrates the value of site specific application of nematicides based on management zones, although this approach might not be economically beneficial in fields with little variability in soil texture.     

Nematicide Efficacy,Root Growth,and Fruit Yield in Drip-irrigated Pineapple Parasitized by Rotylenchulus reniformis

A 3-year field trial near Kunia, Oahu, Hawaii, was conducted to evaluate four nematicide treatments for efficacy against Rotylenchulus reniformis in drip-irrigated pineapple (Ananas comosus L. (Merr.)). The treatments were (A) preplant fumigation with 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) (336 liter/ ha) and postplant drip application of fenamiphos (3.4 kg/ha) with restricted irrigation, (B) preplant 1,3-D only, weekly irrigation, (C) 1,3-D fenamiphos, weekly irrigation, and (D) postplant fenamiphos only, weekly irrigation. Fenamiphos was applied at 3-month intervals for 1 year after planting in three treatments. Although nematode populations increased in all treatments 1 year after planting, no differences in fruit yield were detected among treatments in the first (plant crop) harvest 19 months after planting. In the second (ratoon) crop (33 months after planting) significant yield differences, larger fruit size, and greater root biomass were obtained in the dual nematicide treatments. Root biomass increased continuously throughout the crop cycle, was greatest near the drip line, and showed a shallow depth distribution (30-40 cm). Rotylenchulus reniformis populations and fenamiphos concentrations were negatively correlated in soil profiles taken 13 months after planting. In the absence of postplant fenamiphos applications, nematode numbers were positively correlated with root biomass.     

Control of Heterodera carotae,Ditylenchus dipsaci,and Meloidogyne javanica with Fumigant and Nonfumigant Nematicides

Five field trials were conducted in Italy in 1983 and 1984 to test the efficacy of isazofos and benfuracarb in controlling Heterodera carotae on carrot, Ditylenchus dipsaci on onion, and Meloidogyne javanica on tomato. Methyl isothiocyanate (MIT) was tested against H. carotae and M. javanica. Single (10 kg a.i./ha) and split (5 + 5 kg a.i./ha) applications of isazofos gave yield increases of carrot and onion similar to those obtained with DD (300 liters/ha) and aldicarb (10 kg a.i./ha). Population densities of H. carotae in carrot roots at harvest and of M. javanica in tomato roots 2 months after transplanting were also suppressed by isazofos. Benfuracarb (10 kg a.i./ha increased onion yields in a field infested with D. dipsaci, but it was not effective against H. carotae or M. javanica. The efficacy of MIT at 400 and 600 liters/ha was similar to that of MIT + DD (Di-Trapex) at 300 liters/ha. Both nematicides inhibited hatch of H. carotae eggs and decreased the soil population density of M. javanica.     

Pathogenicity of Criconemoides xenoplax to Prune and Plum Rootstocks

Elimination of Criconemoides xenoplax from a prune orchard soil by fumigation with ethylene dibromide at the rate of 42 μliter/liter of soil (equivalent to about 13 gal/acre) improved the growth of Myrobalan plum, Addition of this nematode to Myrobalan seedlings or young ''Marianna 2624'' plants propagated from cuttings resulted in destruction of cortical root tissue, darkening of roots, alteration of water stress, lowering of nutrient levels in leaves, and reduction in plant weight. C. xenoplax increased on all nine Prunus cerasifera varieties and hybrids tested, including those used commonly as rootstocks for prunes and plums. Rhizoctonia solani isolated from Myrobalan seedlings infected with C. xenoplax caused lesions on the hypocotyls of young Myrobalan seedlings in the laboratory, but had no effect on older seedlings in the greenhouse, and did not alter the effect of C. xenoplax.     

Effects of D-D, Telone or dazomet applied to potato ridges in spring on potato cyst-nematode, Heterodera rostochiensis, in sandy loam and silt loam soils

Large amounts of dazomet (329, 439 kg/ha) applied to potato ridge soil in spring, before potatoes were planted, controlled potato cyst-nematode (Heterodera rostochiensis) in sandy loam and silt loam more effectively than large amounts of D-D (359, 448 kg/ha). In heavily infested sandy loam, 329 kg dazomet/ha or 857 kg methyl bromide/ha applied in spring 1969 or 439 kg dazomet/ha applied in autumn 1968, greatly decreased the number of larvae able to invade potato roots, so Majestic potatoes grew and yielded well without increasing the number of nematodes left in the soil after harvest. Large amounts of D-D or Telone applied to the topsoil in autumn or to the ridges in spring were less effective in controlling potato cyst-nematode or increasing potato yields. Applied in spring 1969 to silt loam ridges, 439 kg dazomet/ha had more effect than 448 kg D-D/ha on potato cyst-nematode and on the increase in yield of Majestic potato. The yield of Maris Piper potatoes (resistant to H. rostochiensis pathotype A) in infested silt loam was increased greatly by D-D, as much by 112 as by 224 or 448 kg/ha.     

Effects of Application Strategies of Fumigant and Nonfumigant Nematicides on Cantaloupe Grown in Deep Sand Soils in Florida

A 2-year study was conducted in which three treatment tactics of oxamyl (at planting application, application every 2 weeks, and rescue applications, as determined by crop symptoms) were compared to fumigant treatments with methyl bromide, 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D), and 1,3-D plus chloropicrin for management of Meloidogyne spp. In 2002, treatments that included 1,3-D produced higher yields as determined both by number and weight of marketable fruit. All treatment tactics relying solely on oxamyl, at planting, scheduled treatments, and rescue, were not different from untreated controls for both marketable yield and number of fruit. Gall ratings in 2002 were lowest for 1,3-D at the 112-liters/ha rate, followed by 1,3-D at 84 liters/ha with and without oxamyl. All treatments of oxamyl, except when combined with 1,3-D, had gall ratings not different from untreated plots. In 2004, treatments of methyl bromide and 1,3-D plus chloropicrin had the highest total number of both marketable fruit and highest marketable yields. All treatment strategies relying solely on oxamyl had yields equivalent to the untreated controls. Mean root-gall ratings were lowest for methyl bromide plus chloropicrin and 1,3-D plus chloropicrin treatments. Root-gall ratings for all treatment tactics relying solely on oxamyl were not different from untreated controls.     

Use of Chitin for Controlling Heterodera avenae and Tylenchulus semipenetrans

The nematicidal effect of chitin, relative to other pesticides, was evaluated against two plant-parasitic nematodes, Heterodera avenae and Tylenchulus semipenetrans. Wheat seedlings, grown in soils artificially or naturally infested with H. avenae, were treated with 0.4% (w/w) ClandoSan (CLA) prepared from crustacean chitin, aldicarb (Temik 15G), or ethylene dibromide (EDB 90EC). The CLA treatment significantly increased wheat straw, ear, and average grain dry weights of nematode-infected plants, compared with the other two treatments. In an experiment covering two consecutive seasons, all three treatments reduced the number of cysts in the soil by 60%. In a one-season experiment, CLA reduced the number of cysts by 51% and aldicarb or EDB reduced cyst number by about 40%. A reduction of 50-90% in T. semipenetrans population densities on roots of two citrus rootstocks was recorded following an application of 0.2% (w/w) CLA to the soil.