Effect of D-D, EDB and Dazomet on potato cyst nematode control in clay soils of Cyprus

Abstract

The potato cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis (Mulvey and Stone, 1976) was recently found at Xylophagou, Cyprus, (Panayi, 1974). The nematode, which may have been introduced on the island with potato seed from Europe twenty or more years ago (Jones, 1976), can affect potato yields and export of seed. Nollen and Mulder (1970) reported that injections of 300 kg/ha D-D into a well prepared sandy soil decreased nematode populations by 80%. Whitehead et al. (1973) found that dazomet and D-D at 446 and 896 kg/ha, respectively, resulted in fewer nematodes at the time of crop harvest and increased potato yield. When soil treatments provide an undamaged crop and nematode densities after harvest do not exceed those at planting, the nematode problem can be said to be fully controlled. If the post harvest nematode density exceeds the initial level but is less than in untreated plots, partial control of the nematode problem is obtained (Whitehead, 1975). According to Brown (1969), even when there are no obvious signs of disease in the haulm, yield losses due to potato cyst-nematode can be remarkable. The aim of the trials was to assess the effectiveness of soil fumigants for the control of the potato cyst nematode in clay soils of Cyprus.