Reproduction of Hoplolaimus galeatus and Growth of Seven St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) Cultivars

Abstract

Seven commonly available cultivars of St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) were grown in soil infested with lance nematodes (Hoplolaimus galeatus) to determine their ability to support nematode reproduction and sustain leaf growth. The Pf/Pi ranged from 5.7 to 8.6 for the seven cultivars, indicating similar host suitabilities. Differences in leaf weights increased with time so that the weights at the final cutting time and summed weights of the three cuttings differed among cultivars. The 'Roselawn-Floratam' group produced more clippings than did the 'Bitterblue' group whereas no differences between diploid and triploid cultivars were found.