Nematodes in sugar beets and potatoes in the Pacific Northwest are presently managed with expensive and toxic soil fumigants. No effective method is available to control nematodes on alfalfa. A method was developed for the biological control (biocontrol) of several nematode pathogens common in potatoes and sugar beets. The new method reduced nematode numbers by more than 90 percent, improved yield, and eliminated the need for fumigants. Several lines of alfalfa were tested and six new nematode resistant varieties were selected. The new varieties are significantly higher yielding with better seed and hay qualities compared to the present varieties that are susceptible to nematodes. The objective of this study is to evaluate the economic and environmental benefits of investment in coordinated diagnostic-research-extension program to manage nematodes on potatoes, sugar beets and alfalfa. Investment in the development of the nematode biocontrol methods will eliminate an estimated 6.17 million kilograms (13.6 lb million) of active toxic material from the environment in Idaho. Idaho producers of potato, sugar beets, and alfalfa will have an estimated gross annual benefit $43 million. It will cost potato and sugar beet producers about $14 million annually to implement the biocontrol method. The projected present value of the flow of gross annual benefits over the life expectancy of the technology is $217.63 million. The projected present value of cost over the life expectancy of the technology is $71.77 million. The internal rate of return is estimated at 81 percent.
