Population Dynamics of Plant Nematodes in Cultivated Soil: Effect of Summer Cover Crops in Old Agricultural Land

Authors

  • B. B. Brodie
  • J. M. Good
  • C. A. Jaworski

Abstract

In a 6-year cover crop sequence study, nematode population densities varied with different cover crops. Millet favored rapid increase of Belonolaimus longicaudatus and supported relatively large numbers of Pratylenchus brachyurus. Beggarweed and 'Coastal' bermudagrass favored rapid increase of B. Iongicaudatus and to a lesser extent P. brachyurus and Trichodorus christiei. Hairy indigo and Crotalaria supported relatively large numbers of P. brachyurus but suppressed B. longicaudatus. Hairy indigo also supported increases of T. christiei and Xiphinema americanum. Marigold did not favor development of any parasitic nematode species present. Tomato transplant yield was inversely related to nematode population, particularly to B. Iongicaudatus. Largest yields were obtained from plots with smallest numbers of B. longicaudatus and smallest yields were from plots with largest numbers of B. longicaudatus. Key Words: Belonolaimus longicaudatus, Pratylenchus brachyurus, Trichodorus christiei, Xiphinema americanum, Summer cover crops, Crotalaria (Crotalaria spectabilis), Marigold (Tagetes minuta ), Millet ( Panicum ramosum ), Hairy indigo (Indigo[era hirsuta ) , Beggarweed ( Desmodium tortuosum ), 'Coastal' bermudagrass ( Cynodon dactylon ), Tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum ).

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Published

1970-04-15

Issue

Section

Articles