M. e. Management
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Scientists are always searching for more effective ways to reduce the effect that nematodes have on yield and quality of produce, but the principles of managing these organisms remain the same. The different tactics will either prevent the infection in the first place or reduce the rate at which the nematode reproduces in the plant. Once Meloidogyne enterolobii becomes established in a field, it will be very difficult to eradicate it.
Root-knot nematodes are obligate parasites, meaning that they require a living host plant to complete their life cycle. This also means that conditions that favor the development of the host plant will likely be optimal for the nematode, but maintaining good conditions for the crop will enhance the its tolerance to nematode infection. Pre-plant treatments to reduce the initial nematode population density in the soil are often recommended. Post-plant treatments tend to be less effective.
Management tactics can be cultural, chemical, biological, or genetic (resistance). Growers are encouraged to sample their fields at harvest to determine infestation levels and select a combination of tactics that is appropriate for the level of nematodes present, the susceptibility of the crop/variety, and the market value of the crop. Utilizing a plant variety that is resistant to root knot nematodes is the most cost-effective method. The effectiveness and durability of plant resistance can be boosted by utilizing complementary management tactics like crop rotation or chemical control.
North Carolina State University shares strategies to manage M.e. (Guava Root Knot Nematode) infection in Sweetpotato. Time: ~11 minutes
Discover more information from NC State Extension on the web at https://extension.ncsu.edu.
The most important components of an effective management plan are:
- Test soil for nematode presence and density
- Select crop varieties that perform well in your area and fit target markets
- Use nematode-free transplants
- Position the crop in a rotation of crops to reduce weeds and diseases
- Use sanitation practices to limit the spread of nematodes among fields
To find out more about M.e. management strategies, click the links below.
Chemical
Chemical control is usually the least cost-effective method of managing nematodes. Fumigants applied as pre-plat treatments are generally an effective control for root knot species. Non-fumigant options are available for pre and post-plant use, but restrictions on the label for use in different crops and states must be followed.
Cultural
Cultural management includes all agronomic practices that can help reduce the population densities of the nematode in the soil. It can include planting dates, soil amendments, soil solarization, rotation with non-host crops, cover crops, and inter-cropping, among others.
Resistance
The use of host resistance is the single most efficient method of nematode control; however, we have confirmed that M.e. overcomes currently available root knot nematode (RKN) resistance genes in many plants.
Biological
Natural enemies of root knot nematodes can be conserved, augmented, or added to the soil to reduce population densities. Commercial formulations of fungi and bacteria are available.