Behavioral Responses of Heterodera rostochiensis Larvae to Aldicarb and its Sulfoxide and Sulfone

Temik® aldicarb pesticide [2-Methyl-2-(methylthio) propionaldehyde-O-(methylcarbamoyl) oxime] is an effective contact and systemic compound against a wide variety of agricultural pests. Its metabolism in soils may lead to aldicarb sulfoxide and aldicarb sulfone which are both toxicologically important. The comparative effects of these compounds on body activity and stylet movement of second-stage larvae of the potato cyst nematode, Heterodera rostochiensis, were investigated. Temik aldicarb was the most effective contact toxicant, rapidly inhibiting body activity and stimulating abnormal stylet movement. A 24-hr post-nematicide water treatment allowed effective recovery of body vigor and cessation of abnormal stylet movement of the larvae treated with Temik aldicarb at low concentrations, and with aldicarb sulfoxide and aldicarb sulfone at all the dosage levels used. Larvae treated with 10 ppm Temik aldicarb remained paralyzed, the toxic effect being apparently irreversible. Control of Heterodera rostochiensis by direct contact toxicity may not be effective in soil since Temik degrades to compounds having reversible toxic effect.     

Field trials using single potato plants as whole plots, with and without nematicide treatment, to assess tolerance of attack by Globodera rostochiensis

It is important to assess the tolerance of new potato cultivars with partial resistance to potato cyst nematode attack. The experiments described here are intended to quantify tolerance adequately using a minimum of resources. When test plants were spaced widely in the field trials it was also possible to estimate their resistance levels but standard plant spacing allowed roots of neighbouring plants to encroach on a test plant's root space and to interfere with attempts to assay resistance. Standard plant spacing did, however, give more realistic yields per plant and competition from neighbouring plants was standardised by surrounding each test plant by four identical guard plants (cv. Désirée). Regressions of yield on severity of nematode attack were drawn when nematode infestation varied naturally across the trial site or when different levels of attack were created by applying nematicide at a range of dose rates. Cara was the most tolerant cultivar tested, with a complete spectrum of tolerance shown by other cultivars/clones. Some clones with a high degree of resistance were intolerant and it is precisely these that this type of test seeks to identify.