Response of Nematode Populations and Growth of Fairway Managed Bermudagrass to Application of Fertilizer and Fenamiphos

Abstract

The effects of fertilizer application on the efficacy of the 10G formulation of fenamiphos (13.5 kg a.i./ha broadcast) against phytoparasitic nematodes in 'Tifgreen' bermudagrass (Cynadon dactylon x C. transvaalensis) were examined at three locations on Margate fine sand with different soil-amendment histories. The soils were unamended, colloidal phosphate, or composted-sewage amended 2 yr prior prior to the study. Turfgrass quality ratios at 28 and 56 days after nematicide application showed a significant (P = 0.05) nematicide response at the two locations without sewage amendment. A significant fertilizer effect (P = 0.01) was observed as early as 7 days following fertilizer application and lasted at least 35 days at the two amended sites. Root biomass increased significantly (P = 0.01) in nematicide treated plots 56 days following application at the unamended location. There were significant (P = 0.05) decreases due to fenamiphos in the Pm/Pi ratios for Belonolaimus longicaudatus