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Title: Product evaluation for reniform nematode suppression in Mississippi Delta sweetpotato production, 2011

Author
item Adams, Larry
item Luttrell, Randall
item Stetina, Salliana - Sally

Submitted to: American Phytopathological Society
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/11/2013
Publication Date: 3/11/2013
Citation: Adams, L.C., Luttrell, R.G., Stetina, S.R. 2013. Product evaluation for reniform nematode suppression in Mississippi Delta sweetpotato production, 2011. American Phytopathological Society. PDMR 7:N020. doi:10.1094/PDMR07.

Interpretive Summary: The mid-season composite nematode samples indicated a numerical decrease in reniform nematode populations in all treatments except Mocap when compared to the untreated check (Table 1). Nematode numbers were numerically higher at pre-harvest than at mid-season in all treatments except Telone II (Table 1). K-Pam, Telone II and NemOut .9 lbs/acre treatment yields were significantly higher than yield of the untreated check (Table 2). Percentages of US#1 roots in the Telone II and Nemout .6 lb/acre treatments were significantly higher than that of the untreated check (Table 2).

Technical Abstract: The reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis, can cause significant losses in sweetpotato, Ipomoea batatas, production in the Mississippi Delta. Reniform nematode is a microscopic plant parasite that feeds on sweetpotato roots causing severe stunting of root growth. Reduction in yield due to the presence of above threshold populations has been documented across historical sweetpotato producing areas of the United States. Reniform nematodes can cause significant economic loss if managed improperly. Traditionally, high numbers of reniform nematodes are encountered in sandy/silt loam delta soils where sweetpotato production follows cotton acreage. In 2011 USDA, ARS, Southern Insect Management Research Unit (SIMRU) compared five treatments for control of the reniform nematode in Mississippi Delta sweetpotato fields. Nematode samples were taken twice during the season to assess reniform populations. Yield, quality and insect damage were recorded and analyzed. Significant yield increases were recorded in the K-Pam, Telone II and NemOut .9 lb/acre treatments when compared to the untreated check.