Comparative Response of Alfalfa to Pratylenchus penetrans Populations

Four populations of Pratylenchus penetrans did not differ (P > 0.05) in their virulence or reproductive capability on Lahontan alfalfa. There was a negative relationship (r = -0 .7 9 ) between plant survival and nematode inocula densities at 26 ± 3 C in the greenhouse. All plants survived at an inoculum level (Pi) of 1 nematode/cm³ soil, whereas survival rates were 50 to 55% at 20 nematodes/cm³ soil. Alfalfa shoot and root weights were negatively correlated (r = - 0.87; P < 0.05) with nematode inoculum densities. Plant shoot weight reductions ranged from 13 % at Pi 1 nematode/cm³ soil to 69% for Pi 20 nematodes/cm³ soil, whereas root weight reductions ranged from 17% for Pi 1 nematode/cm³ soil to 75% for Pi 20 nematodes/cm³ soil. Maximum and minimum nematode reproduction (Pf/Pi) for the P. penetrans populations were 26.7 and 6.2 for Pi 1 and 20 nematodes/cm³ soil, respectively. There were negative correlations between nematode inoculum densities and plant survival (r = 0.84), and soil temperature and plant survival (r = -0 .7 8 ). Nematode reproduction was positively correlated to root weight (r = 0.89).     

Effect of Initial Nematode Population Density on the Interaction of Pratylenchus penetrans and Verticillium dahliae on 'Russet Burbank' Potato

Four similar growth chamber experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that the initial population density (Pi) of Pratylenchus penetrans influences the severity of interactive effects of P. penetrans and Verticillium dahliae on shoot growth, photosynthesis, and tuber yield of Russet Burbank potato. In each experiment, three population densities of P. penetrans with and without concomitant inoculation with V. dahliae were compared with nematode-free controls. The three specific Pi of JR penetrans tested varied from experiment to experiment but fell in the ranges 0.8-2.5, 1.8-3.9, 2.1-8.8, and 7.5-32.4 nematodes/cm³ soil. Inoculum of V. dahliaewas mixed into soil, and the assayed density was 5.4 propagules/gram dry soil. Plants were grown 60 to 80 days in a controlled environment. Plant growth parameters in two experiments indicated significant interactions between P. penetrans and V. dahliae. In the absence of V. dahliae, P. penetrans did not reduce plant growth and tuber yield below that of the nematode-free control or did so only at the highest one or two population densities tested. In the presence of K dahliae, the lowest population density significantly reduced shoot weight and photosynthesis in three and four experiments, respectively. Higher densities had no additional effect on shoot weight and caused additional reductions in photosynthesis in only one experiment. Population densities of 0.8 and 7.5 nematodes/cm³ soil reduced tuber yield by 51% and 45%, whereas higher densities had no effect or a 15% additional effect, respectively. These data indicate that interactive effects between P. penetrans and V. dahliae on Russet Burbank potato are manifested at P. penetrans population densities less than 1 nematode/cm³ soil and that the nematode population density must be substantially higher before additional effects are apparent.     

Effect of Initial Nematode Density on Managing Globodera rostochiensis with Resistant Cultivars and Nonhosts

Cropping systems in which resistant potato cultivars were grown at different frequencies in rotation with susceptible cultivars and a nonhost (oats) were evaluated at four initial nematode population densities (Pi) for their ability to maintain Globodera rostochiensis at a target level of <0.2 egg/cm³ of soil. At a Pi of 0.1 to 1 egg/cm³ of soil, cropping systems with 2 successive years of a resistant cultivar every 3 years of potato production reduced and maintained G. rostochiensis at <0.2 egg/cm³ of soil. At a Pi of 1 to 4 eggs/cm³ of soil, 2 successive years of a resistant cultivar followed by 1 year of oats for every 4 years of production were necessary to reduce and maintain G. rostochiensis populations at <0.2 egg/cm³ of soil. At a Pi greater than 4 eggs/cm³ of soil, 2 successive years of a resistant cultivar plus 1 year of oats reduced G. rostochiensis densities to <0.2 egg/cm³ of soil, but the population increased above that density after cropping 1 year to a susceptible cultivar. The numbers of cysts and eggs per cyst in the final population (Pf) of G. rostochiensis were influenced by initial density and the frequency of growing a susceptible cultivar in a cropping system. The lowest number of cysts and eggs per cyst in the final G. rostochiensis population occurred with a cropping system consisting of 2 successive years of a resistant cultivar followed by oats with a susceptible cultivar grown the fourth year of production.     

Effects of Initial Nematode Density on Population Dynamics of Globodera rostochiensis on Resistant and Susceptible Potatoes

The influence of resistant and susceptible potato cultivars on Globodera rostochiensis population density changes was studied at different nematode inoculum levels (Pi) in the greenhouse and field. Soil in which one susceptible and two resistant cultivars were grown and fallow soil in pots was infested with cysts to result in densities of 0.04-75 eggs/cm³ soil. A resistant cultivar was grown in an infested field with Pi of 0.7-16.7 eggs/cm³ soil. Pi was positively correlated with decline of soil population densities due to hatch where resistant potatoes were grown in the greenhouse and in the field but not in fallow soil. However, Pi was not correlated with in vitro hatch of G. rostochiensis cysts in water or potato root diffusate. Under continuous culture o f a resistant cultivar, viable eggs per cyst declined 60-90% per plant growth cycle (4 weeks) and the number of cysts containing viable eggs had decreased by 77% after five cycles. The rate of G. rostochiensis reproduction on both resistant and susceptible cultivars was negatively correlated with Pi. These data were used to predict the effect of resistant and susceptible potato cultivars on G. rostochiensis soil population dynamics.     

Management of Globodera rostochiensis as Influenced by Nematode Population Densities and Soil Type

The effects of aldicarb, oxamyl, 1,3-D, and plastic mulch (solarization) on soil population densities of the golden nematode (GN) Globodera rostochiensis was assessed in field and microplot experiments with different soil types. Oxamyl was evaluated in both soil and foliar treatments, whereas aldicarb, 1,3-D, and solarization were applied only to soil. Soil applications of aldicarb and oxamyl resulted in reduced nematode populations after GN-susceptible potatoes in plots with initial population densities (Pi) of > 20 and 7.5 eggs/cm³ soil, respectively, but nematode populations increased in treated soil when Pi were less than 20 and 7.5 eggs/cm³soil. In clay loam field plots with Pi of 19-76 eggs/cm³ soil, nematode densities increased even with repeated foliar applications of oxamyl, whereas nematode populations at Pi greater than 76 eggs/cm³ soil were reduced by foliar oxamyl. Treatment with 1,3-D or solarization, singly or in combination, reduced GN soil population densities regardless of soil type or Pi. Temperatures lethal to GN were achieved 5 cm deep under clear plastic but not 10 or 15 cm deep.     

Factors Affecting the Biology and Pathogenicity of Heterodera schachtii on Sugarbeet

A direct relationship exists between soil temperature and Heterodera schachtii development. The average developmental period of two nematode populations from Lewiston, Utah, and Rupert, Idaho, from J2 to J3, J4, adult, and the next generation J2 at soil temperatures of 18-28 C were 100, 140,225, and 399 degree-days (base 8 C), respectively. There was a positive relationship (P < 0.05) between nematode Pi, nematode generations, and sugarbeet yields. The greatest sugarbeet growth inhibition (87%) occurred when sugarbeets were exposed to a Pi of 12 eggs/cm³ soil for five generations (1,995 degree-days), compared with a 47% inhibition when plants were exposed to the same Pi for two generations. There was a negative correlation (P < 0.05) between the Pi, Pf, and sugarbeet yield for each population threshold. The smaller the Pi, the greater the sugarbeet yields and the greater the Pf. Root yields were 80 and 29 t /ha and Pf were 8.4 and 3.6 eggs/cm³ soil when sugarbeet seeds were planted at Pi of 0.4 and 7.9 eggs/cm³. respectively, at a soil temperature of 8 C. The number of years rotation with a nonhost crop required to reduce the nematode population density below a damage threshold level of 2 eggs/cm³ depends on the Pi. A Pi of 33.8 eggs/cm³ soil required a 5-year crop rotation, whereas a Pi of 8.4 eggs/cm³ soil required a 2-year crop rotation.     

Relative Susceptibility of Selected Cultivars,of Potato to Pratylenchus penetrans

Pratylenchus penetrans suppressed the tuber yields of potato cultivars ''Katahdin'', ''Kennebec'', and ''Superior'', but did not affect yields of ''Russet Burbank''. In comparison with noninfested controls, all initial nematode densities (P_i) of P. penetrans (P_i = 38, 81, 164, 211/ 100 cm³ of soil) suppressed yields of Superior; a moderate P_i (81/100 cm³ soil) suppressed yields of Kennebec; and on Katahdin, a moderate P_i enhanced yields, but higher P_i''s caused a marked loss. In general, yields were related to the tolerance of the cultivars to nematode colonization. Highest nematode densities were found in the roots of Russet Burbank; the next highest, in succeeding order, were found in roots of Kennebec, Katahdin, and Superior. Symptoms of nematode invasion were confined to losses of tuber yield and root weight.     

Shade Tobacco Yield Loss and Globodera tabacum tabacum Population Changes in Relation to Initial Nematode Density

Field microplot experiments were conducted from 1987 to 1992 to determine the relationship between fresh weight leaf yield of shade tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and initial density of Globodera tabacum tabacum (encysted J2 per cm³ soil). Initial nematode densities of 0.1 to 1,097 J2/cm³ soil were negatively correlated with leaf yield, total shoot weight, and normalized plant height 5 to 6 weeks after transplanting (r = -0.73, -0.73, and -0.52, respectively). Nonlinear damage functions were used to relate initial G. t. tabacum densities to the yield and shoot weight data. The model described leaf yield losses of < 5 % for initial nematode densities of less than 100 J2/cm³ soil. Densities above 100 J2 resulted in yields decreasing exponentially to a maximum yield loss of >40% at 500 to 1,000 J2/cm³ soil. A similar initial density tolerance threshold relationship was observed for total shoot weight. No threshold effect was evident for standardized plant height, which was a poor predictor of leaf yield. Globodera tabacum tabacum population increase over a growing season was described by a linear relation on a log/log plot (R² = 0.73).     

Suppression Mechanisms of Meloidogyne arenaria Race 1 by Pasteuria penetrans

The biological control of Meloidogyne arenaria on peanut (Arachis hypogaea) by Pasteuria penetrans was evaluated using a six x six factorial experiment in field microplots over 2 years. The main factors were six inoculum levels of second-stage juveniles (J2) of M. arenaria race 1 (0, 40, 200, 1,000, 5,000, and 25,000 J2/microplot, except that the highest level was 20,000 J2/microplot in 1995) and six infestation levels of P. penetrans as percentages of J2 with endospores attached (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%). The results were similar in 1994 and 1995. Numbers of eggs per root system, J2 per 100 cm³ soil at harvest, root galls, and pod galls increased with increasing nematode inoculum levels and decreased with increasing P. penetrans infestation levels (P ≤ 0.05), except that there was no effect of P. penetrans infestation levels on J2 per 100 cm³ soil in 1994 (P> 0.05). There were no statistical interaction effects between the inoculum levels of J2 and the infestation levels of P. penetrans (P > 0.05). When the infestation level was increased by 10%, the number of eggs per root system, root galls, and pod galls decreased 7.8% to 9.4%, 7.0% to 8.5%, and 8.0% to 8.7% in 1994 and 1995, respectively, whereas J2 per 100 cm³ soil decreased 8.8% in 1995 (P ≤ 0.05). The initial infestation level of P. penetrans contributed 81% to 95% of the total suppression of pod galls, whereas the infection of J2 of the subsequent generations contributed only 5% to 19% suppression of pod galls. The major suppressive mechanism of M. arenaria race 1 by P. penetrans on peanut is the initial endospore infestation of J2 at planting.     

Effects of Interactions among Heterodera glycines,Meloidogyne incognita,and Host Genotype on Soybean Yield and Nematode Population Densities

The effects of host genotype and initial nematode population densities (Pi) on yield of soybean and soil population densities of Heterodera glycines (Hg) race 3 and Meloidogyne incognita (Mi) race 3 were studied in a greenhouse and field microplots in 1983 and 1984. Centennial (resistant to Hg and Mi), Braxton (resistant to Mi, susceptible to Hg), and Coker 237 (susceptible to Hg and Mi) were planted in soil infested with 0, 31, or 124 eggs of Hg and Mi, individually and in all combinations, per 100 cm³ soil. Yield responses of the soybean cultivars to individual and combined infestations of Hg and Mi were primarily dependent on soybean resistance or susceptibility to each species separately. Yield of Centennial was stimulated or unaffected by nematode treatments, yield of Braxton was suppressed by Hg only, and yield suppressions caused by Hg and Mi were additive and dependent on Pi for Coker 237. Other plant responses to nematodes were also dependent on host resistance or susceptibility. Population densities of Mi second-stage juveniles (J2) in soil were related to Mi Pi and remained constant in the presence of Hg for all three cultivars. Population densities of Hg J2 on the two Hg-susceptible Cultivars, Braxton and Coker 237, were suppressed in the presence of Mi at low Hg Pi.     

Broadleaf Tobacco Yield Loss in Relation to Initial Globodera tabacum tabacum Population Density

Field microplot experiments were conducted from 1995 to 1998 to determine the relationship between fresh shoot weight of stalk-cut broadleaf and shade-grown cigar wrapper tobacco types (Nicotiana tabacum L.) and initial density of Globodera tabacum tabacum second stage juveniles (J2) per cm³ soil. Total shoot weight was negatively correlated with initial nematode densities of 12.3 to 747.3 J2/cm³ soil (r = -0.53 and -0.70 for broadleaf and shade-grown tobacco, respectively). Nonlinear damage functions were used to relate initial G. t. tabacum densities to shoot weight. The models described shoot weight losses of less than 14% or 39% for broadleaf and shade tobacco, respectively, at G. t. tabacum densities below 50 J2/cm³ soil. Total shoot weights were reduced by 40% and 60% of uninfested plots as preplant nematode densities approached maximum levels (>600 J2/cm³ soil) for broadleaf and shade tobacco, respectively. Globodera t. tabacum population increase over a growing season was described by a linear relation on a log/log plot (R² = 0.07 and 0.61 for broadleaf and shade, respectively). These experiments demonstrate that G. t. tabacum can directly reduce shoot weight of stalk-cut broadleaf tobacco. Broadleaf is more tolerant to nematode infection than shade tobacco, as shade tobacco shoot weight reductions were greater at the same initial nematode densities in the same years.     

Yield Reduction and Root Damage to Cotton Induced by Belonolaimus longicaudatus

Sting nematode (Belonolaimus longicaudatus) is recognized as a pathogen of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), but the expected damage from a given population density of this nematode has not been determined. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of increasing initial population densities (Pi) of B. longicaudatus on cotton yield and root mass. In a field plot study, nematicide application and cropping history were used to obtain a wide range of Pi values. Cotton yields were regressed on Pi density of B. longicaudatus to quantify yield losses in the field. In controlled environmental chambers, cotton was grown in soil infested with increasing Pi''s of B. longicaudatus. After 40 days, root systems were collected, scanned on a desktop scanner, and root lengths were measured. Root lengths were regressed on inoculation density of B. longicaudatus to quantify reductions in the root systems. In the field, high Pi''s (>100 nematodes/130 cm³ of soil) reduced yields to near zero. In controlled environmental chamber studies, as few as 10 B. longicaudatus/130 cm³ of soil caused a 39% reduction in fine cotton roots, and 60 B. longicaudatus/130 cm³ of soil caused a 70% reduction. These results suggest that B. longicaudatus can cause significant damage to cotton at low population densities, whereas at higher densities crop failure can result.     

Reproduction of Heterodera schachtii Schmidt on Resistant Mustard,Radish, and Sugar Beet Cultivars

The reproduction of a Wyoming population of Heterodera schachtii was determined for resistant trap crop radish (Raphanus sativus) and mustard (Sinapis alba) cultivars, and resistant and susceptible sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) cultivars in a greenhouse (21 °C/16 °C) and a growth chamber study (25 °C). Oil radish cultivars also were field tested in 2000 and 2001. In the greenhouse study, reproduction was suppressed similarly by the resistant sugar beet cultivar Nematop and all trap crop cultivars (P ≤ 0.05). In the growth chamber study, the radish cultivars were superior to most of the mustard cultivars in reducing nematode populations. All trap crops showed less reproduction than Nematop (P ≤ 0.05). In both studies, Nematop and all trap crops had lower Pf than susceptible sugar beet cultivars HH50 and HM9155 (P ≤ 0.05). In field studies, Rf values of radish cultivars decreased with increasing Pi of H. schachtii (r² = 0.59 in 2000 and r² = 0.26 in 2001). In 2000, trap crop radish cv. Colonel (Rf = 0.89) reduced nematode populations more than cv. Adagio (Rf = 4.67) and cv. Rimbo (Rf = 13.23) (P ≤ 0.05) when Pi was lower than 2.5 H. schachtii eggs and J2/cm³ soil. There were no differences in reproductive factors for radish cultivars in 2001 (P ≤ 0.05); Rf ranged from 0.23 for Adagio to 1.31 for Commodore for all Pi.     

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.     

Relationship Between Paratrichadorus sp. Density, and Growth of Wheat in Pots

The effect of a Paratrichodorus sp. (close to P. tunisiensis) on the growth of wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) was investigated in pots containing different nematode densities and maintained in a growth chamber at 20 C for 40 days. The relation between fresh weight of tops and initial nematode density was according to the equation y = m + (1 - m)z^P⁻T. This suggests a tolerance limit of 1.4 nematodes/cm³ of soil under the conditions of the experiment; taking into account the effect of the great nematode mortality, it is estimated to be between 0.15 and 0.35 nematodes/cm³ soil. Models of the growth of the plants and the multiplication of the nematodes (assuming a constant mortality of the nematodes in the absence of roots) which explain the relation between initial and tinal nematodes densities at initial densities greater than 1 nematode/cm³ soil are described in an appendix. Sections of nematode infested roots showed disorganization of root structure clue to abnormal proliferation of lateral roots. Nematode feeding on the root cap and apical meristem caused cessation of root elongation and induced abnormal production of lateral root primordia.     

Influence of Temperature on the Virulence of Two Races of Meloidogyne chitwoodi on Wheat and Barley

Races of the Columbia root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne chitzooodi, from Idaho (R1) and Utah (R2) suppressed (P < 0.05) tillering of Dusty winter wheat, Fielder spring wheat, Luther winter barley, and Steptoe spring barley at 15-30 C. Nematode inoculum density was negatively correlated with tillering (r = -0.79). Inoculum densities of both nematode races were negatively correlated with heads per plant (r = -0.83), head length (r = -0.87), and head dry weight (r = 0.73) of Fielder spring wheat and Steptoe spring barley at all temperatures; the greatest growth restrictions occurred at Pi 20 eggs/cm³ soil. Both nematode races were most damaging at 25-30 C. Fielder spring wheat and Steptoe spring barley inoculated with R2 produced fewer heads than R1 when inoculated at 15 C, whereas the same cultivars inoculated with R1 produced fewer heads than R2 at 30 C. No differences were observed between root growth of winter and spring wheat or between winter and spring barley. Nematode reproduction was positively correlated to temperature (r = 0.87) and negatively correlated with inoculum density (r = -0.86). Reproductive rates were greatest with Pi = 2 eggs/cm³ soil at 25 C and lowest with Pi = 20 eggs/cm³ soil at 15 C for both nematode races.     

Influence of Meloidogyne chitwoodi and M. hapla on Wheat Growth

Meloidogyne chitwoodi reduced the growth of winter wheat ''Nugaines'' directly in relation to nematode density in the greenhouse, The relationship between top dry weight and initial nematode density suggests a tolerance limit of Nugaines wheat to M. chitwoodi of between 0.03 and 0.18 eggs/cm³ of soil; the value for relative minimum plant top weight was 0.45 g and 0.75 g, respectively. Growth of wheat in field microplots containing four population densities (0.003, 0.05, 0.75 and 9 eggs/cm³ soil) was not affected significantly at any inoculum level compared to controls during September to July, However, suppression of head weights of ''Fielder'' spring wheat grown May-July occurred in microplots initially infested with 0.75 and 9 eggs/cm³ soil. Reproduction (Pf/Pi) was poorer at these two inoculum levels as compared to the lower densities. In another greenhouse experiment, roots of wheat cultivars Fielder, ''Fieldwin,'' ''Gaines,'' ''Hyslop,'' and Nugaines became infected by M. chitwoodi, but not by M. hapla. Reproduction of M. chitwoodi was less on Gaines and Nugaines than on Fielder, Fieldwin, or Hyslop.     

Influence of Meloidogyne incognita on Resistant and Susceptible Sweet Potato Cultivars

Effects of several population densities ofMeloidogyne incognita on the sweet potato cultivars Centennial (susceptible) and Jasper (moderately resistant) were studied. Field plots were infested with initial levels (Pi) of 0, 10, 100, 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 eggs and juveniles/500 cm³ soil in 1980 and 0, 100, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, and 5,000 in 1981. M. incognita population development trends were similar on both cultivars; however, at high Pi, more eggs and juveniles were recovered from Centennial than from Jasper. The highest Pi did not result in the highest mid-season (Pm) counts. Pi was negatively correlated with the number of marketable roots and root weight but positively correlated with total cracked roots, percentage of cracked roots, and cracking severity. Jasper tolerated higher Pi with greater yields and better root quality than Centennial. Cracking of fleshy roots occurred with both cultivars at low Pi.     

Soybean and Maize Cropping Models for the Management of Meloidogyne incognita in the Coastal Plain

Models are presented to describe the influence of rotations of Meloidogyne incognita-susceptible cultivars, resistant cultivars, and maize on postharvest abundance of M. incognita juveniles in the soil. Depending on initial densities of juveniles, monocultured regimes reached equilibrium densities after a few years of 287, 40, and 10 juveniles per 10 cm³ soil for susceptible soybean, resistant soybean, and maize, respectively. Yearly changes in the population density of juveniles due to rotation of these crops were simulated by iterative substitution of the model equations for each crop. A maximum density of 319 per 10 cm³ soil was reached following a susceptible cultivar in a susceptible-resistant soybean rotation. Soybean yield loss estimates are presented for monocultured regimes and for various rotations with maize.     

Effects and Dynamics of a Nematode Community on Maize

Relationships between nematode density and yield and between final and preplant population levels were examined in small maize plots on sandy soils in north-central Florida. Plant-parasitic nematodes present in the community included Belonolaimus longicaudatus, Criconemella sphaerocephala, Meloidogyne incognita, Paratrichodorus minor, Pratylenchus brachyurus, and a Xiphinema sp. Plant growth--including stand count, grain yield, stalk weight, and size of young plants--often was inversely correlated (P ≤ 0.05) with densities of B. longicaudatus and occasionally with P. brachyurus, but not with densities of other species or with a range of soil variables. More severe losses in grain yields from B. longicaudatus occurred in 1987 than in 1988, although mean preplant nematode densities in February were similar in both years (4.4 vs. 3.9/100 cm³ soil). Final population densities of most nematode species were linearly related (P ≤ 0.05) to densities measured at planting or earlier. These relationships were stronger (higher r²) with the ectoparasites B. longicaudatus and C. sphaerocephala than with the endoparasites M. incognita and P. brachyurus. No significant correlations were found between population densities of different nematode species.