Parasitism of Hoplolaimus galeatus on Diploid and Polyploid St. Augustine grasses

''Floratam'' and ''FX-313'' St. Augusfinegrasses (Stenotaphrum secundatum) were compared in a time-course experiment for host suitability and susceptibility to the lance nematode, Hoplolaimus galeatus. Nematode densities were determined in the soil and acid-fuchsin stained roots 42, 84, 126, 168, and 210 days after pots containing 230 cm³ of autoclaved native Margate fine sand/pot were infested with 104 ± 9 nematodes and maintained at 25 ± 2 C in the laboratory. ''FX-313'' was a more suitable host for H. galeatus. Numbers of H. galeatus reached a maximum at 210 days after inoculation, with 5,550 and 4,120 nematodes (adults plus juveniles)/pot for ''FX-313'' and ''Floratam,'' respectively. Root and shoot dry weights of both grasses were not affected by H. galeatus throughout the experiment. Three polyploid, 2n = 30 to 32 (''Floratam,'' ''FX-10,'' and ''Bitterblue'') and three diploid, 2n = 18 (''FX-313,'' ''Florida Common,'' and ''Seville'') S. secundatum genotypes were inoculated with H. galeatus (99 ± 9/pot) and compared with uninoculated controls 210 days after inoculation. St. Augustinegrass genotypes differed as hosts of H. galeatus. ''FX-313'' and ''Florida Common'' represented the high and low extremes, respectively, for nematode reproduction (9,750 and 5,490 nematodes/pot or 4,239 and 2,387 nematodes/100 cm³ of soil). However, differences in root and shoot growth were not detected 210 days after inoculation with H. galeatus.     

Observations on a Pasteuria Isolate Parasitic on Hoplolaimus galeatus in Peru

A Pasteuria isolate associated with a population of the lance nematode Hoplolaimus galeatus was discovered in Peru. The infective propagules adhered to adult stages and juveniles and were found filling the bodies of males and females. The endospore and central core diameters measured 4.5 ± 0.4 pm and 1.9 ± 0.2 μm, respectively, which differed from those reported for other Pasteuria isolates found iu North America on the same host. Examinations of endospore ultrastructure with scanning electron microscopy showed the presence of a thin layer of parasporal fibers surrounding the central core, a thin reduced layer of parasporal fibers in contact with the host''s cuticle, and a putative basal core ring.     

Host Status of 'SeaIsle 1' Seashore Paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) to Belonolaimus longicaudatus and Hoplolaimus galeatus

Belonolaimus longicaudatus and Hoplolaimus galeatus are considered among the most damaging pathogens of turfgrasses in Florida. However, the host status of seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) is unknown. Glasshouse experiments were performed in 2002 and 2003 to determine the tolerance of ''SeaIsle 1'' seashore paspalum to a population of B. longicaudatus and a population of H. galeatus, and to compare to ''Tifdwarf'' bermudagrass for differences. Both nematode species reproduced well on either grass, but only B. longicaudatus consistently reduced root growth as measured by root length. Belonolaimus longicaudatus reduced root growth (P ≤ 0.05) by 35% to 45% at 120 days after inoculation on both grasses. In 2003, higher inoculum levels of H. galeatus reduced root growth (P ≤ 0.05) by 19.4% in seashore paspalum and by 14% in bermudagrass after 60 and 120 days of exposure, respectively. Percentage reductions in root length caused by H. galeatus and B. longicaudatus indicated no differences between grass species, although Tifdwarf bermudagrass supported higher soil population densities of both nematodes than SeaIsle 1 seashore paspalum.     

Effect of Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Soil Atmosphere on Tylenchorhynchus spp.

Short-chain fatty acids can be produced under anaerobic conditions by fermentative soil microbes and have nematicidal properties. We evaluated the effects of butyric and propionic acids on death and recovery of stunt nematodes (Tylenchorhynchus spp.), a common parasite of turfgrass. Nematodes in a sand-soil mix (80:20) were treated with butyric or propionic acid and incubated under air or N₂ for 7 days at 25 °C. Amendment of soil with 0.1 and 1.0 µmol (8.8 and 88 µg) butyric acid/g soil or 1.0 µmol (74 µg) propionic acid/g soil resulted in the death of all nematodes. The composition of the soil atmosphere had no effect on the nematicidal activity of the acids. Addition of hydrochloric acid to adjust soil pH to 4.4 and 3.5 resulted in nematode mortality relative to controls (41% to 86%) but to a lesser degree than short-chain fatty acids at the same pH. Nematodes did not recover after a 28-day period following addition of 10 µmol butyric acid/g soil under air or N₂. Carbon mineralization decreased during this period, whereas levels of inorganic N and microbial biomass-N remained constant. Short-chain fatty acids appear to be effective in killing Tylenchorhynchus spp. independent of atmospheric composition. Nematode mortality appears to be a function of the type and concentration of fatty acid and soil pH.     

Interaction between Meloidogyne incognita and Hoplolaimus columbus on Davis Soybean

Greenhouse and laboratory experiments were performed to determine if an interaction exists between Meloidogyne incognita and Hoplolaimus columbus on Davis soybean. Greenhouse tests were performed with three population levels of M. incognita and H. columbus (0, 1,500, 6,000/1.5-liter pot) separately and in all combinations. Dry root weight (DRT) declined nonlinearly and dry shoot weight (DST) declined linearly with respect to increasing initial populations of M. incognita and H. columbus. When the two nematode species were added to the soil together, the amount of DRT and DST suppression by one species was dependent on the initial level of the concomitant species. The final root population of M. incognita or H. columbus declined linearly with increasing initial population density of the concomitant species. H. columbus suppressed M. incognita populations in the soil nonlinearly, but M. incognita had no effect on H. columbus.     

Competition Between Tylenchorhynchus annulatus and Mesocriconema xenoplax on Grain Sorghum as Influenced by Macrophomina phaseolina

Greenhouse experiments were conducted to examine competition between Tylenchorhynchus annulatus and Mesocriconema xenoplax on grain sorghum roots that were colonized by the fungus Macrophomina phaseolina or free from fungus colonization. An incomplete factorial treatment design consisted of two levels of M. phaseolina (0 or 10 colony-forming units/g soil) and 12 T. annulatus:M. xenoplax ratios: 1,000:0; 750:0; 500:0; 250:0; 0:0; 0:250; 0:500; 0:750; 0:1,000; 750:250; 500:500; and 250:750. Plants were harvested after 105 days. Despite similar feeding habits, competition between these ectoparasitic nematode species was limited. Tylenchorhynchus annulatus was more susceptible to antagonism by M. xenoplax than the reverse, but susceptibility depended on initial inoculum ratio. Root colonization by M. phaseolina reduced competitive effects of T. annulatus on M. xenoplax but not the reverse. Both nematode species reduced shoot dry weight but only T. annulatus reduced root dry weight. Both plant weight parameters were reduced by M. phaseolina.     

Damage Potential and Reproduction of Belonolaimus longicaudatus and Hoplolaimus galeatus on Alyceclover

Alyceclover (Alysicarpus spp.) is an annual, high-quality leguminous forage, suitable for production under tropical and subtropical climates where the husbandry of conventional leguminous forages, Trifolium spp., is uneconomical. The damage potential and reproduction of Belonolairaus longicaudatus and Hoplolaimus galeatus on alyceclover were studied under greenhouse conditions, using sand and sandy clay loam soil materials, respectively. Both nematode species reproduced on alyceclover, but only B. longicaudatus was pathogenic. Symptoms of B. longicaudatus damage were suppression of shoot yield, limited root system, stunting, incipient wilting, and occasional seedling mortality. In one experiment, the threshold-damage density was three nematodes/100 cm³ sand, whereas in the other experiment it was zero nematodes.     

Impact of Cotton Production Systems on Management of Hoplolaimus columbus

The effectiveness of selected cultural practices in managing the Columbia lance nematode, Hoplolaimus columbus, on cotton was evaluated in experiments in growers'' infested fields. The effects of planting date, cotton cultivar, treatment with the growth regulator mepiquat chloride, and destruction of cotton-root systems after harvest on cotton-lint yield and population densities of H. columbus were studied. The yield of cotton cultivar Deltapine 50 was negatively related (P = 0.054) to initial population density of H. columbus whereas the yield of Deltapine 90 was not affected by preplant density of this nematode, indicating tolerance in Deltapine 90. Reproduction of this nematode did not differ on the two cultivars. Planting date and treatment with the growth regulator mepiquat chloride did not influence cotton yield in a consistent manner. Application of mepiquat chloride suppressed (P ≤ 0.05) numbers of Columbia lance nematode, although there was an interaction (P ≤ 0.05) with cultivar and year. Early vs. late destruction of cotton-root systems did not impact population densities of this nematode either year, and had no impact on the subsequent cotton crop. The nematicide fenamiphos increased (P ≤ 0.03) cotton yield when H. columbus numbers exceeded the damage threshold.     

Damage Functions and Population Changes of Hoplolaimus columbus on Cotton and Soybean

Damage functions and reproductive curves were determined for Hoplolaimus columbus on cotton cv. Deltapine 90 and soybean cv. Gordon over 2 years in field plots in Georgia. Maximum potential yield suppressions of 18% on cotton and 48% on soybean were predicted with respect to increasing Pi. Similar functions indicated yield suppressions of 38% on cotton and 30% on soybean with respect to increasing midseason nematode densities (Pm). Maximum Pf predicted by reproductive curves were 123 and 474/100 cm³ soil on cotton and soybean, respectively. Thresholds at which 10% yield suppression would occur were lower on soybean (Pi of 4) than on cotton (Pi of 70/100 cm³ soil). The economic threshold for a control measure costing $72/ha was a Pi of 60/100 cm³ soil on cotton, assuming a price for cotton lint of $1.44/kg ($0.60/lb), whereas a similar treatment would not be economically feasible on soybean at any Pi with an assumed price of $0.04/kg ($5.50/bu) soybean seed. Damage functions and reproductive curves as determined in this study offer potentially useful tools for analyzing cropping systems and providing decision tools for nematode management.     

Effect of Tylenchorhynchus nudus on Growth of Kentucky Bluegrass

The effect of Tylenchorhynchus nudus on growth of Kentucky bluegrass was investigated under controlled environmental conditions in both a phytotron and a greenhouse. The nematode significantly reduced weights of clippings, crowns and roots. Pathogenicity was greater in sandy loam soil than in loam and was enhanced by submitting plants to nutrient and/or moisture stresses; soil nutrient level was most critical. The results suggest that T. nudus contributes significantly to summer decline of bluegrass lawns in South Dakota.     

Effect of Soil Moisture and a Surfactant on Entomopathogenic Nematode Suppression of the Pecan Weevil, Curculio caryae

Our overall goal was to investigate several aspects of pecan weevil, Curculio caryae, suppression with entomopathogenic nematodes. Specifically, our objectives were to: 1) determine optimum moisture levels for larval suppression, 2) determine suppression of adult C. caryae under field conditions, and 3) measure the effects of a surfactant on nematode efficacy. In the laboratory, virulence of Heterorhabditis megidis (UK211) and Steinernema carpocapsae (All) were tested in a loamy sand at gravimetric water contents of negative 0.01, 0.06, 0.3, 1.0, and 15 bars. Curculio caryae larval survival decreased as moisture levels increased. The nematode effect was most pronounced at –0.06 bars. At –0.01 bars, larval survival was ≤5% regardless of nematode presence, thus indicating that intense irrigation alone might reduce C. caryae populations. Overall, our results indicated no effect of a surfactant (Kinetic) on C. caryae suppression with entomopathogenic nematodes. In a greenhouse test, C. caryae larval survival was lower in all nematode treatments compared with the control, yet survival was lower in S. carpocapsae (Italian) and S. riobrave (7–12) treatments than in S. carpocapsae (Agriotos), S. carpocapsae (Mexican), and S. riobrave (355) treatments (survival was reduced to approximately 20% in the S. riobrave [7–12] treatment). A mixture of S. riobrave strains resulted in intermediate larval survival. In field experiments conducted over two consecutive years, S. riobrave (7–12) applications resulted in no observable control, and, although S. carpocapsae (Italian) provided some suppression, treatment effects were generally only detectable one day after treatment. Nematode strains possessing both high levels of virulence and a greater ability to withstand environmental conditions in the field need to be developed and tested.     

Root Growth of Bentgrass and Annual Bluegrass as Influenced by Coinfection with Tylenchorhynchus nudus and Magnaporthe poae

A study was conducted in growth chambers to examine main factor and interaction effects of Tylenchorhynchus nudus and Magnaporthe poae on creeping bentgrass and annual bluegrass at 24, 28, and 30 C. A 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was employed with presence and absence of T. nudus and M. poae as factors with each temperature run separately for 14 or 18 days. Tylenchorhynchus nudus decreased bentgrass and annual bluegrass root length at all three temperatures. Magnaporthe poae had no effect on bentgrass root length at 24 C, increased root length at 28 C, and suppressed root growth at 30 C. Magnaporthe poae had no effect on annual bluegrass root length at 24 and 28 C but suppressed root growth at 30 C. A significant interaction between M. poae and T. nudus occurred only on bentgrass at 28 C and 30 C; at these two temperatures, M. poae did not act independently of T. nudus.     

Relationship between Cultural Factors and Nematodes on Merion Kentucky Bluegrass

A 2-year study was conducted on Merion Kentucky bluegrass turf (Poa pratensis) to identify potential relationships among seasonal population dynamics of nematodes, chemical applications, thatch, tillering, dollar spot caused by Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, clipping weight, and other factors. Numbers of Tylenchorhynchus maximus determined during June were inversely related to the wet weight of grass from May. One or more monthly counts of Paratylenchus hamatus, Criconemella rusium, and T. maximus negatively correlated with the numbers of spring tillers. Applications of benomyl, used for dollar spot control, decreased numbers of T. maximus and free-living nematodes, and this chemical was associated with acidification of the thatch. Hoplolaimus galeatus levels were associated with an estimated 8% increase in the severity of dollar spot.     

Effects of Biosolid Soil Amendment on Heterodera glycines Populations

The high degree of parasitic variability in Heterodera glycines and its distribution in a wide range of soybean production systems present multiple challenges for management, which necessitate increased understanding of the biology of H. glycines. Soil amendments are being considered either as stand-alone and/or as part of integrated management approaches. A recycled municipal biosolid with nutrition supplement and liming qualities, N-Viro Soil (NVS) has potential as a multi-purpose soil amendment. In three greenhouse experiments, the effects of 0, 1.0 or 4.0 g NVS/100 cm³ of sandy loam soil on three H. glycines populations (GN1, GN2 and GN3) were investigated on soybean grown for 557 ± 68 degree-days (base 10°C). The response of the three H. glycines populations to NVS treatment varied by experiment. The overall numbers of preadult stages and cysts generally decreased with increasing levels of NVS in all experiments, and the high rate was more effective than the low rate in suppressing H. glycines numbers. This suggests that the high NVS treatment can affect the three populations in the experimental soil type under controlled conditions. Field studies to determine efficacy of the soil amendment in a wide range of environments should be initiated.     

Interrelationships Among Macrophomina phaseolina,Criconemella xenoplax,and Tylenchorhynchus annulatus on Grain Sorghum

Microplot experiments were established in 1992, 1993, and 1994 to investigate the relationships among Macrophomina phaseolina, Criconemella xenoplax, mad Tylenchorhynchus annulatus on grain sorghum in Louisiana. A factorial treatment arrangement of two grain sorghum hybrids (De Kalb DK 50 and Pioneer hybrid 8333), three levels of M. phaseolina (0, 10, and 100 colony-forming units (CFU)/g soil), and three nematode inoculum levels (0, 1x, and 2x) were used. Nematode inocula at 1x levels were 929, 1,139, and 1,445 C. xenoplax and T. annulatus/microplot in 1992, 1993, and 1994, respectively. Plants were harvested after 90-105 days. In all 3 years, grain sorghum root and head dry weights were suppressed as nematode inoculum level increased. These reductions were detected both in the absence and in the presence of M. phaseolina at 10 CFU/g. Reproduction of both nematode species was suppressed by M. phaseolina. Interactions between M. phaseolina and nematodes were antagonistic with regard to plant dry weights, yield, and nematode reproduction, so that combined effects were less than the sum of the effect of each pathogen alone.     

Influence of Soil pH and Oxygen on Persistence of Steinernema spp.

Survival of infective juveniles of Steinernema carpocapsae and Steinernema glaseri gradually declined during 16 weeks of observation as the tested soil pH decreased from pH 8 to pH 4. Survival of both species of Steinernema dropped sharply after 1 week at pH 10. Survival or S. carpocapsae and S. glaseri was similar at pH 4, 6, and 8 during the first 4 weeks, but S. carpocapsae survival was significantly greater than S. glaseri at pH 10 through 16 weeks. Steinernema carpocapsae and S. glaseri that had been stored at pH 4, 6, and 8 for 16 weeks, and at pH 10 for 1 or more weeks were not infective to Galleria mellonella larvae. Steinernema carpocapsae survival was significantly greater than that of S. glaseri at oxygen:nitrogen ratios of 1:99, 5:95, and 10:90 during the first 2 weeks, and survival of both nematode species declined sharply to less than 20% after 4 weeks. Survival of both nematode species significantly decreased after 8 weeks as the tested oxygen concentrations decreased from 20 to 1%, and no nematode survival was recorded after 16 weeks. Steinernema carpocapsae pathogenicity was significantly greater than that of S. glaseri during the first 2 weeks. No nematode pathogenicity was recorded at oxygen concentrations of 1, 5, and 10% after 2 weeks and at 20% after 16 weeks.     

Effect of Soil Type on Population Densities of Nematodes in Soybean Rotation Fields

The effect of soil type on population densities of plant parasitic nematode species in 17 field blocks of four different soil types rotated to corn, soybeans, wheat, and forage mixtures was investigated during a generally droughty 5-year period. High densities of Helicotylenchus pseudorobustus were found in dark silty clay loams. Highest densities of Tylenchorhynchus acutus were also in one of the dark-colored silty clay loams. Light-colored silt loams favored development of Paratylenchus projectus, which developed poorly in the darker soils. Comparable densities of Xiphinema americanum were found in all soils and on all crops, regardless of soil type. Tylenchorhynchus martini, although present, did not build up in any of the soils. Populations of Pratylenchus species were generally low in the rotated blocks of all soil types.