Population Dynamics of Plant-parasitic Nematodes on Cover Crops of Corn and Sorghum

Buildup of plant-parasitic nematode populations on corn (Zea mays), soybean (Glycine max), and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) were compared in 1991 and 1992. Final population densities (Pf) of Meloidogyne incognita were lower following sorghum than after soybean in both seasons, and Pf after sorghum was lower than Pf after corn in 1992. In both seasons, Pf differed among the sorghum cultivars used. No differences in Pf on corn, sorghum, and soybean were observed for Criconemella spp. (a mixture of C. sphaerocephala and C. ornata) or Paratrichodorus minor in either season. Pf levels of Pratylenchus spp. (a mixture of P. brachyurus and P. scribneri) were greatest after corn in 1992, but no differences with crop treatments were observed in 1991. When data from field tests conducted with corn and sorghum during the past four seasons were pooled, negative linear relationships between ln(Pf/Pi) and ln(Pi) were observed for Criconemella spp. and P. minor on each crop, and for M. incognita on corn (Pi = initial population density). Although ln(Pf/Pi) and ln(Pi) were not related for M. incognita with pooled sorghum data, separate relationships were derived for various sorghum cultivars. Regression equations from pooled data were used to obtain estimates of equilibrium density and maximum reproductive rate, and these estimates were used to construct models expressing nematode Pf across a range of initial densities. Many of these models were robust, encompassing a range of sites, season, crop cultivars, and planting dates. Quadratic models derived from pooled field data provided an alternative method for expressing Pf as a function of Pi.     

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.     

Damage Threshold of Meloidogyne hapla to Lettuce in Organic Soil

Lettuce was seeded in pots in the greenhouse and in field microplots in 1991 and 1992. Pots and microplots were filled with untreated or fumigated organic soil infested with Meloidogyne hapla at seven initial population densities (Pi) (0 to 32 eggs/cm³ soil). Lettuce weight, severity of root galling, and number of eggs per root system (Pf) were determined after 8 weeks. At the highest Pi, M. hapla caused yield losses up to 64% in the microplots and plant death in the greenhouse tests. The Seinhorst equation was used to describe the relation between lettuce weight and Pi (r² = 0.73 - 0.98) and to calculate the damage threshold density (T). Values of T were 7 and 8 eggs/cm³ soil in the greenhouse tests of 1991 and 1992, respectively. In the microplot tests, T was 1 egg/cm³ soil in 1991 and 2 eggs/cm³ soil in 1992. The damage threshold was the same in untreated and fumigated soils. At low Pi, root galling was more severe in the pots than in the microplots. Pf increased with increasing Pi of M. hapla in both tests, but declined at Pi > T in the greenhouse tests. The reproduction rate (Pf/Pi) of M. hapla was highest at the lowest Pi.     

Interpreting Upland Rice Yield and Pratylenchus zeae Relationships: Correspondence Analyses

Correspondence analyses were used to explore the relationships between yield and populations of Pratylenchus zeae in an upland rice field and in a greenhouse experiment. Initial soil (Pi) and final root (Pf) population densities of P. zeae, and yield (Y) of rice cv. UPL Ri5 were determined at 490 spots in the field. Very low Y was linked to very high Pf. Low Y was linked to medium or high Pi and medium Pf. Medium to very high Y were clustered with undetectable Pi and very low or high Pf. All yield levels were independent of very high Pi. In the greenhouse experiment where seven nematode inoculum levels and three fertilizer levels were evaluated, low Y was associated with medium or high Pf and high Y with high or low Pf. The analyses indicated that nematode-yield interaction involved a complex, dynamic process, in which the root-carrying capacity probably was a determining factor. Correspondence analysis, which does not require assumptions on the shape of nematode population-yield relationships or on variable distributions, revealed meaningful associations in these complex data sets.     

Population Density and Spatial Pattern of Heterodera glycines in Relation to Soybean Phenology

Population dynamics of Heterodera glycines (SCN) were influenced by initial nematode population density in soil, soybean root growth pattern, soil type, and environmental conditions in two field experiments. Low initial populations (Pi) of SCN increased more rapidly during the growing season than high Pi and resulted in greater numbers of nematodes at harvest. Egg and juvenile (J2) populations increased within 2-6 weeks after planting when early-season soil temperatures were 20 C and above and were delayed by soil temperatures of 17 C or below in May and early June. Frequencies of occurrence and number of nematodes decreased with increasing depth and distance from center of the soybean row. Spatial pattern of SCN paralleled that of soybean roots. Higher clay content in the subsoil 30-45 cm deep in one field restricted soil penetration by roots, indirectly influencing vertical distribution of SCN. Shoot dry weight was a good indicator of the effect of SCN on seed yield. Root dry weight was poorly correlated with soybean growth and yield. The relationship of yield (seed weight) to Pi was best described by a quadratic equation at one site, but did not fit any regression model tested at the second site.     

Suppression of Rotylenchulus reniformis 122-cm Deep Endorses Resistance Introgression in Gossypium

Nine sources of resistance to Rotylenchulus reniformis in Gossypium (cotton) were tested by measuring population density (Pf) and root-length density 0 to 122 cm deep. A Pf in the plow layer less than the autumn sample treatment threshold used by consultants was considered the minimum criterion for acceptable resistance, regardless of population density at planting (Pi). Other criteria were ample roots and a Pf lower than on the susceptible control, as in pot studies. In a Texas field in 2001 and 2002, no resistant accessions had Pf less than the control but all did in microplots into which nematodes from Louisiana were introduced. An environmental chamber experiment ruled out nematode genetic variance and implicated unknown soil factors. Pf in field experiments in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama were below threshold for zero, six and four of the accessions and above threshold in the control. Gossypium arboreum A2–87 and G. barbadense GB-713 were the most resistant accessions. Results indicate that cultivars developed from these sources will suppress R. reniformis populations but less than in pots in a single season.     

Resistance and Host-response of Selected Plants to Meloidogyne megadora

Fourteen plant species, including 30 genotypes, were assessed for host suitability to Meloidogyne megadora in a growth room at 20 to 28°C. Host suitability was based on the gall index (GI) and the reproduction factor (Rf):final population density (Pf)/initial population density (Pi). The presence of distinct galling was observed on roots of six plant species, and reproduction occurred on five of the 14 species tested. Three cultivars of cantaloupe (cvs. Branco do Ribatejo, Concerto, and Galia), three of cucumber (cvs. LM 809, Half Long Palmetto, and Market More), six of banana (cvs. Maçá, Ouro Branco, Ouro Roxo, Prata, Páo, and Valery), and one of broad bean (cv. Algarve) were considered susceptible (Pf/Pi > 1). Resistant cultivars (Pf/Pi = 0) included beet (cv, Crosby), pepper (cv. LM 204), watermelon (cvs. Black Magic and Crimson Sweet), tomato (cvs. Moneymaker and Rossol), radish (cv. Cherry Belle), and corn (cv. Dunia); sunn hemp and black velvetbean genotypes were also resistant. All Brassica cultivars were galled, although no egg masses were observed (Pf/Pi = 0), and classified as resistant/hypersensitive.     

Population Growth of Pratylenchus penetrans on Winter Cover Crops Grown in the Pacific Northwest

Population growth of Pratylenchus penetrans on 13 fall and winter cover crops was studied in the greenhouse and field. All crops except oat cv. Saia supported population growth of P. penetrans in greenhouse experiments, although the response of P. penetrans to oat cv. Saia varied considerably between experiments. The mean ratio of the final population density/initial population density (Pf/Pi) after 16 weeks for P. penetrans added to a greenhouse soil mix was 0.09, whereas Pf/Pi values after 10 weeks for two experiments with naturally infested soil were 0.95 and 2.3. Although P. penetrans increased on sudangrass cv. Trudan 8 and sudangrass × sorghum hybrid cv. SS 222, subsequent incorporation of sudangrass vegetation into soil reduced P. penetrans populations to preplant levels. Field experiments were inconclusive but suggested that oat cv. Saia or rye cv. Wheeler may be better choices for winter cover than weed-contaminated fallow or other crops on P. penetrans-infested sites in the Pacific Northwest.     

Potential for Site-specific Management of Meloidogyne incognita in Cotton Using Soil Textural Zones

The effect of various edaphic factors on Meloidogyne incognita population densities and cotton yield were evaluated from 2001 to 2003 in a commercial cotton field in southeastern Arkansas. The 6.07-ha field was subdivided into 512 plots (30.5 m × 3.9 m), and each plot was sampled for M. incognita prior to fumigation (Ppre), at planting (Pi), at peak bloom (Pm) and at harvest (Pf) each year. Soil texture (percent sand fraction) and the pre-plant soil fertility levels each year were determined from each plot. To ensure that a range of nematode population densities was available for study, 1,3-dichloropropene was applied in strips (3.9-m wide) at rates of 14.1, 29.2 and 42.2 liter/ha (128 plots each) each year 2 wk prior to planting. Data were evaluated using both stepwise and multiple regression analyses to determine relationships among edaphic factors, nematode population densities and yield. Although Pi and the percent sand fraction of the soil were the most important factors in explaining the variation in cotton yield, regression models only accounted for <26% of the variation in yield. When the same data were evaluated on a more homogeneous large-scale platform based on similar geographic locations, soil types and nematicide treatments, regression models that included both Pi and sand content explained 65%, 86% and 83% of the variability in yield for 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively. Prediction profiles of the combined effects also demonstrated that damage potential for M. incognita on cotton in this study varied by soil texture.     

Population Dynamics of Heterodera glycines in Conventional Tillage and No-Tillage Soybean/Corn Cropping Systems

The effects of no-tillage (NT), conventional tillage (CT), and crop rotation on soybean yield and population dynamics of Heterodera glycines were compared during a 7-year study in a silty clay loam soil with 6% organic matter. Either H. glycines-resistant ''Linford'' soybean or susceptible ''Williams 82'' soybean was rotated with corn and grown on 76-cm-wide rows in both tillage systems. Soybean was planted in 1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000. Yield of Linford was significantly greater than Williams 82 in all years. Soybean yield was affected by tillage in 1999 and 2000. No-tillage production tended to support more reproduction (R = number of eggs at harvest/number of eggs at planting) on both cultivars. The largest R for Williams 82 were in 1998: 58.35 for NT plots and 11.78 for CT plots. For Linford, the largest R were 12.09 for NT plots in 1996, and 3.71 for CT in 1999. When corn was planted, R decreased more in NT. When soybean was planted in years subsequent to 1994, numbers of eggs at harvest (Pf) were greater for Williams 82 NT than for Williams 82 CT or Linford in both tillage systems; however, crop rotation with corn negated these population increases. The soil became suppressive to H. glycines in 1999 and was suppressive in 2000. After the 3 years of continuous soybean, Pf per 250 cm[sup3] soil were 2,870 for Williams 82 NT, 791 for Williams 82 CT, 544 for Linford NT, and 990 for Linford CT in 2000, compared with Pf of 13,100 for Williams 82 NT, 15,000 for Williams CT, 2,360 for Linford NT, and 2,050 for Linford CT in 1994. Describing population dynamics solely on the basis of R was not adequate, but also required independent examination of initial populations following overwintering and Pf after the growing season. Planting soybean either NT or CT in rotation with corn did not result in long-term increases in numbers of H. glycines eggs.     

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.     

Soybean Cyst Nematode Population Development and its Effect on Pennycress in a Greenhouse Study

Midwest crop production is dominated by two summer annual crops grown in rotation, viz., corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.). Winter oilseed crops, such as pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.), can provide ecosystem and economic benefits when added to the corn–soybean rotation. However, adding a new crop adds risks, such as increased pest pressure. The objectives of this study were to (i) evaluate population development of three soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines) biotypes on three pennycress genotypes and susceptible soybean and (ii) determine whether SCN inoculation level influenced plant biomass. SCN population density and biomass were determined after 60 d in the greenhouse. At the inoculation level of 2,000 eggs/100 cm³ soil, the average egg density for the three pennycress genotypes was 1,959 eggs/100 cm³ soil, lower than that for the susceptible soybean ‘Sturdy’ (9,601 eggs/100 cm³ soil). At the inoculation level of 20,000 eggs/100 cm³ soil, the average egg density for the three pennycress genotypes was 6,668 eggs/100 cm³ soil, lower than that for ‘Sturdy’ (40,740 eggs/100 cm³ soil). The inoculation level did not affect plant biomass. Pennycress is an alternative host to SCN under greenhouse conditions but is a less suitable host than soybean.     

The Effect of Soil Texture and Irrigation on Rotylenchulus reniformis and Cotton

The reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis, is the most damaging nematode pathogen of cotton in Alabama. Soil texture is currently being explored as a basis for the development of economic thresholds and management zones within a field. Trials to determine the reproductive potential of R. reniformis as influenced by soil type were conducted in microplot and greenhouse settings during 2008 to 2010. Population density of R. reniformis was significantly influenced by soil texture and exhibited a general decrease with increasing median soil particle size (MSPS). As the MSPS of a soil increased from 0.04 mm in clay soil to > 0.30 mm in very fine sandy loam and sandy loam soils, R. reniformis numbers decreased. The R. reniformis population densities on all soil types were also greater with irrigation. Early season cotton development was significantly affected by increasing R. reniformis Pi, with plant shoot-weight-to-root-weight ratios increasing at low R. reniformis Pi and declining with increasing R. reniformis Pi. Plant height was increased by irrigation throughout the growing season. The results suggests that R. reniformis will reach higher population densities in soils with smaller MSPS; however, the reduction in yield or plant growth very well may be no greater than in a soil that is less preferential to the nematode.     

Reproduction of Pratylenchus penetrans on 24 Common Weeds in Potato Fields in Qu��bec

Twenty-four weeds commonly found in commercial potato fields in Quebec were evaluated for their host suitability to the root-lesion nematode, Pratylenchus penetrans, under greenhouse conditions. Brown mustard (Brassica juncea) and rye (Secale cereale) were included as susceptible controls and forage pearl millet hyb. CFPM 101 (Pennisetum glaucum) as a poor host. Pratylenchus penetrans multiplied well on 22 of the 24 weed species tested (Pf/Pi ≥ rye or brown mustard). Cirsium arvense, Leucanthemum vulgare and Matricaria discoida were classified as very good hosts with a Pf/Pi ranging from 1.60 to 2.54, while Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Cyperus esculentus were classified as poor hosts with a Pf/Pi from 0.01 to 0.15. Amaranthus powellii, A. retrqflexus, Raphanus raphanistrum, Rorippa palustris, Cerastium fontanum, Spergula arvensis, Stellaria media, Chenopodium album, Vicia cracca, Elytrigia repens, Digitaria ischaemum, Echinochloa crusgalli, Panicum capillare, Setaria faberii, S. pumila, S. viridis, Polygonum convolvulus, P. scabrum and P. persicaria were intermediate hosts with Pf/Pi values ranging from 0.33 to 2.01. The plant species and the botanical family had a significant impact on nematode reproduction. The Brassicaceae family resulted in the greatest reproduction of P. penetrans, and the Cyperaceae resulted in the least. The plant life-cycle (annual vs. perennial) had no impact on nematode population.     

Pratylenchus thornei Associated with Reduced Wheat Yield in Oregon

Pratylenchus thornei reaches high population densities in non-irrigated annual cropping systems in low-rainfall regions of the Pacific Northwest. Two spring wheat varieties with different levels of tolerance and susceptibility to P. thornei were treated or not treated with aldicarb in three experiments. Grain yield was inversely correlated (P < 0.05) with pre-plant populations of P. thornei in soil and with P. thornei density in mature roots. As population of P. thornei increased, yield of the moderately tolerant/moderately susceptible variety Krichauff was generally more stable than for the intolerant/susceptible variety Machete. The reproductive factor (Pf/Pi) was generally lower (P < 0.05) for Krichauff than Machete. Aldicarb improved wheat yield (P < 0.05) in highly infested fields by an average of 67% for Krichauff and 113% for Machete. Aldicarb increased (P < 0.05) numbers of headed tillers, plant height, and grain test weight and kernel weight, and reduced (P < 0.05) the density of P. thornei in mature wheat roots, variability in height of heads, and leaf canopy temperature. Aldicarb did not improve yield in a soil with a low population of P. thornei. This is the first report that P. thornei causes economic damage to wheat in the Pacific Northwest.     

Effects and Dynamics of a Nematode Community on Soybean

The relationships between densities of all members of a plant-parasitic nematode community and yield of ''Davis'' soybean and between final and preplant population levels were examined in small 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 Xiphinema sp. Plant growth, including stand count, soybean yield (kg/ha), and size of young plants, was occasionally inversely correlated (P ≤ 0.05) with densities of B. longicaudatus or P. brachyurus, but not with densities of other species or with a range of soil variables. The nature of this relationship varied with season, with more severe stand losses noted during 1987 than in 1988. Final population densities (Pf) of most nematode species showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) linear relationships to densities measured at planting or earlier (Pi). These relationships were stronger (higher r²) with the ectoparasite B. longicaudatus than with the endoparasites M. incognita and P. brachyurus. Criconemella sphaerocephala declined under soybean cultivation, reaching levels near zero after two seasons. A quadratic model showed an improvement (P ≤ 0.05) over the linear model in describing the relationship between Pf and Pi measured at planting for B. longicaudatus, and gave a better indication of the leveling off of Pf at high values of Pi.     

Changes in Heterodera glycines Egg Population Density in Continuous Glycine max over Four Years

Soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines, is found throughout soybean production areas of the United States, but the nematode''s distribution is not uniform within states, counties, and individual fields. The goal of this research was to determine the spatial pattern of H. glycines population density in a field in southeastern Missouri and whether it changed over time in the absence of management practices. Geostatistical methods were used to describe and map the distribution of H. glycines over 4 years in a soybean (Glycine max) field in southeastern Missouri. Semivariograms and kriging, an interpolation method, were used to prepare isoarithmic contour maps and associated error maps. In the field studied, fall H. glycines population density (Pf) was poorly related to density the following spring (Pi). The distribution of peak H. glycines population density within the field changed from year to year, although high densities were often detected in the same general region of the field. The patchiness of H. glycines distribution within a field was verified. Yield was not related to H. glycines egg population density at planting, indicating that unmeasured variables were also reducing yield.     

Efficacy of Organic Soil Amendments for Management of Heterodera glycines in Greenhouse Experiments

In a repeated greenhouse experiment, organic soil amendments were screened for effects on population density of soybean cyst nematode (SCN), Heterodera glycines, and soybean growth. Ten amendments at various rates were tested: fresh plant material of field pennycress, marigold, spring camelina, and Cuphea; condensed distiller’s solubles (CDS), ash of combusted CDS, ash of combusted turkey manure (TMA), marigold powder, canola meal, and pennycress seed powder. Soybeans were grown for 70 d in field soil with amendments and SCN eggs incorporated at planting. At 40 d after planting (DAP), many amendments reduced SCN egg population density, but some also reduced plant height. Cuphea plant at application rate of 2.9% (amendment:soil, w:w, same below), marigold plant at 2.9%, pennycress seed powder at 0.5%, canola meal at 1%, and CDS at 4.3% were effective against SCN with population reductions of 35.2%, 46.6%, 46.7%, 73.2%, and 73.3% compared with control, respectively. For Experiment 1 at 70 DAP, canola meal at 1% and pennycress seed powder at 0.5% reduced SCN population density 70% and 54%, respectively. CDS at 4.3%, ash of CDS at 0.2%, and TMA at 1% increased dry plant mass whereas CDS at 4.3% and pennycress seed powder at 0.1% reduced plant height. For Experiment 2 at 70 DAP, amendments did not affect SCN population nor plant growth. In summary, some amendments were effective for SCN management, but phytoxicity was a concern.     

Reproductive and Damage Potential of Ditylenchus destructor on Peanut

The reproductive and damage potential of Ditylenchus destructor on peanut, Arachis hypogaea cv. Sellie, was determined in greenhouse tests. Final nematode population densities (Pf) in roots, hulls, and seeds increased (P = 0.01) as a function of increasing initial population (Pi). Final population densities were higher in hulls than in seeds and roots. Final densities in hulls and seeds were positively (P = 0.01) correlated. Fresh root and hull weight and number of pods and seeds per plant were not affected by D. destructor. Second generation germination and pod and seed disease severity increased (P = 0.01), whereas fresh seed weight decreased (P = 0.01) as a function of increasing Pi, and Pf in seeds and Pf in hulls. At Pi 250 and higher, 10-25% of seeds germinated into second generation seedlings before harvest. At Pi 250 and higher, fresh weight of harvested seed was suppressed 20-50%. At Pi 50 or Pf greater than 20 per seed, pod disease severity was 3-7 (on a scale of 1 to 10) and 15-80% of seeds were blemished or unsound.     

Effect of Host Plant Age on Population Development and Pathogenicity of Ditylenchus destructor on Peanut

The effect of inoculating peanut, Arachis hypogaea cv. Sellie, with Ditylenchus destructor at timed intervals after planting and with different initial nematode population densities (Pi) was tested in greenhouse experiments. Final nematode population densities (Pf) in hulls and seeds were greater (Pf < 0.001) in plants inoculated at or before 9 weeks after planting. Pod disease symptoms correlated positively with the Pf in the pods. The seedgrade of peanuts inoculated at or before 9 weeks after planting was reduced, whereas grade of peanuts from plants inoculated at 15 weeks or later was not reduced. Peanut plants inoculated 12 weeks after planting with a Pi of 10-100 had a lower Pf (P < 0.05) than plants with a Pi of 250 to 8,000. Seed of plants with a Pi of 250 or less could be marketed as choice edible seed, whereas those with a Pi of 500 or more were of reduced seedgrade. These results suggest that as few as 500 nematodes per plant at 12 weeks after planting can build up to injurious levels before harvest. A nematicide should therefore be active for longer than 12 weeks after planting to sufficiently suppress the population.