Tuesday, 8 November 2005
6

Sustainable Management of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes Using Perennial Grass Rotations.

Jim R. Rich, Tawainga W. Katsvairo, David L. Wright, Jim J. Marois, Dallas L. Hartzog, and Pawel J. Wiatrak. North Florida Research and Education Center, 155 Research Road, Quincy, FL 32351

Nematodes cause significant yield losses worldwide. Traditionally, control of these plant parasites has focused on both the use of chemicals and crop rotations. However, the loss of several nematicides from the market, coupled with the high cost of nematicides has increased the need to evaluate nematicide alternatives. We show how perennial grasses can be integrated into cropping systems to control plant - parasitic nematodes and simultaneously enhance other cultural management practices such as disease, weed control, soil health and still achieve environmental stewardship. Rotations with bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) or Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) have been successful to manage nematodes of the Meloidogyne spp. in peanuts and cotton in the southeast. Since nematode populations are generally reduced in bahiagrass or Bermudagrass rotations, the following crops of cotton peanut are subjected to little plant damage. Integrating cattle into cropping systems further increases economic returns, reduces risk and justifies perennial grass culture for growers.

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