Behavior,Parasitism, Morphology,and Biochemistry of Criconemella xenoplax and C. ornata on Peach

Host-parasite relationships of Criconemella xenoplax and C. ornata on Nemaguard peach and common bermudagrass were determined in the greenhouse. Criconemella xenoplax reproduced on peach and reduced root volume, height, and dry stem weight after 6 months, compared with the noninfested check. Numbers of C. ornata did not increase on peach or influence peach growth, but they did reduce dry top weight and root volume of common bermudagrass, compared with C. xenoplax. Criconemella xenoplax and C. ornata produced the enzyme β-glucosidase and were capable of metabolizing prunasin, but only C. xenoplax produced β-cyanoalanine synthase to detoxify the cyanide released from prunasin. The apparent inability of C. ornata to detoxify cyanide is one explanation why numbers of this species did not increase on peach. Criconemella xenoplax and C. ornata can be distinguished by using stylet length, vaginal configuration, and shape of the anterior head region.     

Vertical Distribution of Three Nematode Genera in a Bentgrass Putting Green in Central Illinois

A study was conducted to determine the vertical distribution of Tylenchorhynchus nudus, Criconemella curvata, and Helicotylynchus cornurus in the upper 5 cm of bentgrass (Agrostis palustris cv. Penncross) putting green turf. The effect of fenamiphos on the vertical distribution of these species also was examined. Experimental design was a split-plot in which whole-plots were fenamiphos treated (0.11 kg a.i./100 m²) or untreated, and sub-plots were two strata (depths of 0-2.5 crn and 2.5-5.0 cm). Soil samples were collected during the growing season for 2 years after treatment to determine root weight and number of nematodes. Root weight was greater in the upper stratum on all sampling dates in both years. When differences between strata in population density were observed, T. nudus, C. curvata, and H. cornurus were more concentrated in the upper stratum. Vertical distribution of T. nudus, C. curvata, and H. cornurus was similar to the distribution of root weight. The difference in population density of H. cornurus between upper and lower strata was affected by fenamiphos on some dates, whereas differences between strata were unaffected for T. nudus and C. curvata. Double arcsine transformed proportions of the total populations of T. nudus, C. curvata, and H. cornurus in the upper stratum on each sampling date indicated no differences between fenamiphos treated and untreated plots in 1989 or 1990.     

Effects of Crop Rotation and Nonfumigant Nematicides on Peanut and Corn Yields in Fields Infested with Criconemella Species

The effects of nematicide treatments and corn-peanut cropping sequences on the population development of Criconemella ornata, and C. sphaerocephala and the related impact on crop yields were investigated at two North Carolina locations. Criconemella ornata and C. sphaerocephala were present at the Norman Perry farm, Bertie County (BERTIE); however, only C. ornata was found at the Central Crops Research Station, Johnston County (CCRS). An untreated control was compared to aldicarb 15G, carbofuran 15G, ethoprop 10G, and terbufos 15G granular formulations applied at a rate of 2.2 kg a.i./ha. The cropping sequences were monocuhured corn (C-C-C); monocultured peanut (P-P-P); and two corn-peanut (C-P-C; P-C-P) rotations. Nematicides were inconsistent in controlling C. sphaerocephala and C. ornata. Nematicide treatments enhanced corn yields in the monoculture-cropping cycle in the final year of the experiment at CCRS. Peanut yields were greater in the rotated cropping sequence than under monoculture at BERTIE, but rotation had less effect on peanut yields at CCRS. Declining yields were correlated with an increase in numbers of nematodes. Corn was an intermediate host for C. sphaerocephala and a moderate to poor host for C. ornata. Peanut was an excellent host for C. ornata and a poor host for C. sphaerocephala.     

Tests for Transmission of Prunus Necrotic Ringspot and Two Nepoviruses by Criconemella xenoplax

In two of three trials, detectable color reactions in ELISA for Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) were observed for Criconemella xenoplax handpicked from the root zone of infected peach trees. Criconemella xenoplax (500/pot) handpicked from root zones of peach trees infected with PNRSV failed to transmit the virus to cucumber or peach seedlings. The nematode also failed to transmit tomato ringspot (TomRSV) or tobacco ringspot viruses between cucumbers, although Xiphinema americanum transmitted TomRSV under the same conditions. Plants of peach, cucumber, Chenopodium quinoa, and Catharanthus roseus were not infected by PNRSV when grown in soil containing C. xenoplax collected from root zones of PNRSV-infected trees. Shirofugen cherry scions budded on Mazzard cherry seedling rootstocks remained symptomless when transplanted into root zones of PNRSV-infected trees. Virus transmission was not detected by ELISA when C. xenoplax individuals were observed to feed on cucumber root explants that were infected with PNRSV and subsequently fed on roots of Prunus besseyi in agar cultures. Even if virus transmission by C. xenoplax occurs via contamination rather than by a specific mechanism, it must be rare.     

Population Fluctuations of Three Nematode Genera in Putting Greens in Northern Illinois

Field experiments were conducted in 1989 and 1990 to examine the population fluctuation patterns of Tylenchorhynchus nudus, Criconemella curvata, and Helicotylenchus cornurus in mixed bentgrass and annual bluegrass putting greens on two golf courses near Chicago, Illinois, to determine if fluctuation patterns could be extrapolated to unsampled greens. Fenamiphos-treated and untreated plots were established on seven putting greens on two golf courses. Greens were sampled intensively five times during the growing season, and statistical comparisons of population levels per gram of root were made among dates for each green. Population levels per gram of root changed significantly on all greens in both years for each of the three nematode populations. Within a putting green in either year, population fluctuation patterns in fenamiphos-treated and untreated plots were similar. Population fluctuation patterns were different between years, however. Within a year, population fluctuation patterns among greens showed similarities indicating that carefully monitoring a few locations may allow extrapolation of population fluctuation data to other locations within that year.     

Association of Criconemella xenoplax and Fusarium spp. with Root Necrosis and Growth of Peach

Criconemella xenoplax, Fusarium solani, and F. oxysporum caused necrosis of Nemaguard peach feeder roots in greenhouse tests. Root necrosis was more extensive in the presence of either fungus than wtih C. xenoplax alone. Shoot growth and plant height were less for plants inoculated with F. oxysporum or F. solani than for plants inoculated with the fungi plus C. xenoplax. Neither synergistic nor additive effects on root necrosis or plant growth occurred between C. xenoplax and the fungal pathogens.     

Response of Peanut,Corn, Tobacco,and Soybean to Criconemella ornate

The relative susceptibility of four field crops to Criconemella ornata differed greatly in microplot tests. As few as 178 freshly-introduced C. ornata/500 cm³ of soil stunted peanut. In contrast, this nematode had no effect on the growth of corn or soybean. Large populations remaining after culture of peanut or corn enhanced the growth of tobacco. A problem of comparing the effects of a freshly introduced population of this nematode with large residual populations was encountered. Freshly extracted, greenhouse-grown inoculum caused the typical "yellows disease" on peanut, whereas much greater residual population densities following a poor host (tobacco) had little effect on the growth of peanut. It is suggested that many of the nematodes in the field following a poor host are dead. Peanut supported greater reproduction (up to 970-fold) than did other crops tested. Corn was intermediate, with a population increase as great as 264-fold; soybean and tobacco failed to maintain initial population densities.     

Influence of Criconemella xenoplax and Pruning Time on Short Life of Peach Trees

Influences of Criconemella xenoplax and pruning dates were studied in field microplots with ''Nemaguard'' peach cuttings on a site not previously planted to peaches. Trees with or without C. xenoplax were pruned beginning in December 1984 or March 1985. Peach tree short life (PTSL) did not occur in the absence of C. xenoplax. PTSL occurred earlier in December-pruned than in March-pruned inoculated trees. Results confirm that "old" peach sites are not required for PTSL to occur. Pruning Nemaguard and ''Lovell'' greenhouse-grown seedlings reduced the root mass of both stocks and stimulated Nemaguard, but not Lovell, shoot regrowth. Numbers of C. xenoplax per gram of dry root were greater on pruned than on unpruned seedlings.     

Effects of Rapeseed and Vetch as Green Manure Crops and Fallow on Nematodes and Soil-borne Pathogens

In a rapeseed-squash cropping system, Meloidogyne incognita race 1 and M. javanica did not enter, feed, or reproduce in roots of seven rapeseed cultivars. Both nematode species reproduced at low levels on roots of the third crop of rapeseed. Reproduction of M. incognita and M. javanica was high on squash following rapeseed, hairy vetch, and fallow. The application of fenamiphos suppressed (P = 0.05) root-gall indices on squash following rapeseed, hairy vetch, and fallow; and on Dwarf Essex and Cascade rapeseed, but not Bridger and Humus rapeseed in 1987. The incorporation of 30-61 mt/ha green biomass of rapeseed into the soil 6 months after planting did not affect the population densities of Criconemella ornata, M. incognita, M. javanica, Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia solani AG-4; nor did it consistently increase yield of squash. Hairy vetch supported larger numbers of M. incognita and M. javanica than rapeseed cultivars or fallow. Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica survived in fallow plots in the absence of a host from October to May each year at a level sufficient to warrant the use of a nematicide to manage nematodes on the following susceptible crop.     

Evaluation of Host Suitability in Prunus for Criconemella xenoplax

Methods were developed for screening Prunus selections for host suitability to Criconemella xenoplax. The relative host suitability of selections was based upon a doubling accumulation value (β) that was defined as the number of degree-days (base 9 C) required for doubling of an increment of the initial nematode population. The β value characteristic for C. xenoplax (139 ± 8 degree-days) on suitable hosts was similar to the average β value determined for several peach rootstocks known to be suitable hosts. The β values were 144 ± 21 for Halford, 141 ± 16 for Lovell, and 138 ± 10 for Nemaguard. A higher value for β could indicate poorer host suitability or resistance of a selection to C. xenoplax. All of 369 Prunus accessions tested, including eight accessions that had survived well on a field site infested with C. xenoplax, were suitable hosts. Apparently, resistance to C. xenoplax was not a factor in survival of the accessions planted in the field. Seedlings from P. besseyi, P. pumila ''Mando'', and two interspecific hybrids, Redcoat and Sapalta IR 549-1, failed to support nematode population increase in 44-81% of tests conducted, but all selections supported population increase in some tests. These accessions may have resistance mechanisms that are active only under specific conditions.     

Seasonal Population Fluctuation of Xiphinema americanum and X. rivesi in New York and Pennsylvania Orchards

The population fluctuation and composition of Xiphinema americanum (sensu stricto) and X. rivesi were studied in a New York apple orchard (only X. americanum present), a Pennsylvania apple orchard (both X. americanum and X. rivesi present), and a Pennsylvania peach orchard (X. americanum, X. rivesi, and X. californicum present). Few clear trends in population fluctuation or composition were observed. The adult female was the predominant stage in most sample periods, and the reproductive period was limited to late spring and early summer. Only a few of the females at any sample period were gravid. All stages were present throughout the year, and all stages overwintered. Eggs in soil were not monitored. In the Pennsylvania apple orchard, X. americanum and X. rivesi were easily separated by morphological characteristics; however, the two species did not display differences in population structure or composition. The predominance of adults, the relatively low reproductive rates, and the association of these species with stable habitats suggest that the life strategies of X. americanum and X. rivesi are K-selected as opposed to r-selected.     

Cuticle Ultrastructure of Criconemella curvata and Criconemella sphaerocephala (Nemata: Criconematidae)

Cuticle ultrastructure of Criconemella curvata and C. sphaerocephala females is presented; males were available only in the second species. Ultrathin sections revealed three major zones: cortical, median, and basal. The cortical zone in the females consists of an external and internal layer. In C. curvata the external layer is trilaminate and at each annule it is covered by a multilayered cap. In C. sphaerocephala the trilaminate layer is lacking and the external cortical layer includes an osmophilic coating. In both species the internal layer consists of alternate striated and unstriated sublayers. The median zone is fibrous with a central lacuna and the zone is interrupted between the annules. The basal zone of the cuticle is striated and narrower between each annule. The cuticle of the C. sphaerocephala male is typical of Tylenchida, except under both lateral fields; the striated layer becomes forked at the first incisure and the innermost two prongs of the fork overlap each other, resulting in a continuous striated band.     

Effect of Initial Population Density of Criconemella xenoplax on Reducing Sugars,Free Amino Acids,and Survival of Peach Seedlings over Time

Percentage of mortality, growth suppression, and changes in free amino acid and reducing sugar content in root and (or) stem tissue of Nemaguard peach seedlings were studied in the greenhouse in relation to time and eight different initial population densities (Pi) of Criconemella xenoplax. After 90 and 180 days, free amino acid content in root tissue significantly increased with increasing nematode numbers. Suppression of root volume, dry root and stem weight, height increase, plant survival, and content of reducing sugars in root tissue were detected at 180 and 270 days and following pruning. All criteria were negatively correlated with nematode Pi. Changes in growth, metabolic parameters, and survival percentage were attributed to Pi density of C. xenoplax, duration of the experiment, and nematode reproduction rate.     

Anhydrobiosis in Five Species of Plant Associated Nematodes

Five species of nematodes - Hemicriconemoides pseudobrachyurum, Hemicycliophora conida, Macroposthonia ornata, Aphelenchoides ritzemabosi, and Psilenchus hilarulus -were desiccated to study their capacity to survive anhydrobiotically. Results indicate that the ability of the sheath to shrink quickly and its relatively loose attachment with the nematode body allow H. conida to survive longer than H. pseudobrachyurum; the survival of M. ornata was intermediate, A. ritzemabosi and P. hilarulus survived immersion in paraffin oil for 12 and 17 days, respectively. Both of these nematodes possess multiple contraction ability; i.e., coiling coupled with transverse and longitudinal folding of the cuticle. P. hilarulus is a new addition to the list of anhydrobiotic nematodes.     

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.     

Parasitic and Saprophytic Abilities of the Nematode-Attacking Fungus Hirsutella rhossiliensis

The ability of Hirsutella rhossiliensis to colonize various substrates in sterile and nonsterile soil was measured. Hirsutella rhossiliensis was recovered from 67% and 77% of living, inoculated Criconemella xenoplax incubated in sterile and nonsterile soil, respectively. In contrast, the fungus was recovered from 100% and 18% of heat-killed, inoculated nematodes incubated on sterile and nonsterile soil, respectively. Hirsutella rhossiliensis was readily recovered from inoculated, autoclaved wheat seeds incubated in sterile soil but not from seeds incubated in nonsterile soil. Autoclaved peach roots were a poor substrate for the fungus. Germination of H. rhossiliensis spores incubated on agar disks above soil was about 90% regardless of soil treatment. However, germ tube length was greatly suppressed by nonsterile soil. Our results suggest that H. rhossiliensis is a better parasite than saprophyte and that the fungus may be specialized for attacking nematodes.     

Penetration Rates by Second-stage Juveniles of Meloidogyne spp. and Heterodera glycines into Soybean Roots

The rates of soybean root penetration by freshly hatched second-stage juveniles (J2) of Meloidogyne arenaria, M. hapla, M. incognita, M. javanica, and Heterodera glycines races 1 and 5 were examined over a period of 1 to 240 hours. Heterodera glycines entered roots more quickly than Meloidogyne spp. Penetration by most nematodes was accomplished within 48 hours. The increases in penetration after 48 hours were insufficient to warrant further assessments. Penetration of J2 into roots of soybean seedfings in a styrofoam container was as good or better than in a clay pot. Thus, rapid and accurate root-penetration assessments can be made at 48 hours after inoculation.     

Parasitism of Nematodes by the Fungus Hirsutella rhossiliensis as Affected by Certain Organic Amendments

Experiments were conducted to determine whether the addition of organic matter to soil increased numbers of bacterivorous nematodes and parasitic activity of the nematophagous fungus Hirsutella rhossiliensis. In a peach orchard on loamy sand, parasitism of the plant-parasitic nematode Criconemella xenoplax by H. rhossiliensis was slightly suppressed and numbers of C. xenoplax were not affected by addition of 73 metric tons of composted chicken manure/ha. In the laboratory, numbers of bacterivorous nematodes (especially Acrobeloides spp.) and fungivorous nematodes increased but parasitism of nematodes by H. rhossiliensis usually decreased with addition of wheat straw or composted cow manure to a loamy sand naturally infested with H. rhossiliensis. These results do not support the hypothesis that organic amendments will enhance parasitism of nematodes by H. rhossiliensis.     

Plantago lanceolata and Plantago rugelii Extracts are Toxic to Meloidogyne incognita but not to Certain Microbes

Extracts from the plants Plantago lanceolata and P. rugelii were evaluated for toxicity to the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita, the beneficial microbes Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma virens, and the plant-pathogenic fungi Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. gladioli, Phytophthora capsici, Pythium ultimum, and Rhizoctonia solani. Wild plants were collected, roots were excised from shoots, and the plant parts were dried and ground to a powder. One set of extracts (10% w/v) was prepared in water and another in methanol. Treatments included extract concentrations of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%, and water controls. Meloidogyne incognita egg hatch was recorded after 7-day exposure to the treatments, and second-stage juvenile (J2) activity after 48 hours. All extracts were toxic to eggs and J2, with P. lanceolata shoot extract tending to have the most activity against M. incognita. Numbers of active J2 remained the same or decreased in a 24-hour water rinse following the 48-hour extract treatment, indicating that the extracts were lethal. When data from water- and methanol-extracted roots and shoots of both plant species were combined for analysis, J2 tended to be more sensitive than eggs to the toxic compounds at lower concentrations, while the higher concentrations (75% and 100%) were equally toxic to both life stages. The effective concentrations causing 50% reduction (EC₅₀) in egg hatch and in J2 viability were 44.4% and 43.7%, respectively. No extract was toxic to any of the bacteria or fungi in our assays.     

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.