Project Number: WVA00389
CRIS Number: 0173367
Multi-State Project: NE-171
Biologically Based IPM Systems for Management of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes
Investigators: Kotcon, J. B.
Performing Department: Plant & Soil Sciences -- 1825
Start Date: 10/01/1999
Termination Date: 09/30/2004
Reporting period: 01/01/2001 to 12/31/2001
Progress Report:
The effects of rotation crops and organic amendments on nematode community structure were studied in an organic farming systems trial. Soil from rotation plots with or without dairy manure compost was assayed for plant-parasitic and predatory nematodes, and for nematode biocontrol agent activity. Nematode survival and nematode infectivity were determined by incubation in sterilized and unsterilized field soil. Nematode trapping fungi were present at low population densities, generally less than one colony-forming unit per gram soil. Predatory nematode population densities were also low. Meloidogyne incognita survival in sterile soil was significantly greater than in nonsterilized soil (P
Publications:
Kotcon, J. B., A. Collins, and L. J. Smith. 2001. Impact of plant biodiversity and management practices on disease in organic tomatoes. Phytopathology 91(6 Supplement):S50. (Abstr.)
Hendricks, J. R. and J. B. Kotcon. 2001. Role of endophyte-infected fescue for nematode suppression in West Virginia orchards. Phytopathology 91(6 Supplement):S135. (Abstr.)
Impact:
Endophyte-infected fescue is suppressive to lesion nematodes in apple orchards, and helps to reduce the nematode population density in the companion apple crop. Use of disease-suppressive crops, either as companion crops or in rotation, reduces disease buildup, and provides moderate levels of pathogen suppression without use of toxic pesticides.