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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Byron, Georgia » Fruit and Tree Nut Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #111291

Title: DAMAGE AND REPRODUCTION OF TWO PRATYLENCHUS VULNUS ISOLATES ON PRUNUS ROOTSTOCKS IN THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES

Author
item Nyczepir, Andrew
item PINOCHET, J - AGROMILLORA CATALANA, SP

Submitted to: Journal of Nematology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/26/2000
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The root-lesion nematode, Pratylenchus vulnus, has been identified as important pest of Prunus in California and other parts of the world. However, little is known about the economic importance of this nematode to the peach industry in the southeastern United States. Determining the host suitability of commercially available peach rootstocks to P. vulnus that are currently recommended for management of other nematode-related disease problems in the Southeast must be investigated. Guardian, Lovell, and Nemaguard peach rootstocks were evaluated for their susceptibility and growth response to two isolates of P. vulnus. One nematode isolate was obtained from peach in Georgia and the other from apple in Idaho. Nematode reproduction and pathogenicity on all rootstocks were determined after a 2- year period in outdoor microplots. All rootstocks were rated as hosts to both nematodes. However, tree growth was more suppressed in the presence of the nematode isolate from Georgia. These data provide useful insights into the utilization of commercial peach rootstocks established in orchards infested with root-lesion nematode in the Southeast. Furthermore, this data was necessary for providing a complete understanding of the need to further evaluate Prunus germplasm for resistance/tolerance to this nematode pest.

Technical Abstract: Guardian, Lovell, and Nemaguard peach rootstocks were evaluated for their susceptibility and growth response to two isolates of Pratylenchus vulnus. One nematode isolate was obtained from peach in Georgia (Pv-GA) and the other from apple in Idaho (Pv-ID). Nematode reproduction and pathogenicity as related to rootstock were determined 29 months after inoculation in outdoor microplots (25.4-cm-d x 30.5-cm deep). Both nematode isolates reproduced on all rootstocks. A greater number of nematodes per gram dry root weight were recovered from Guardian as compared to Lovell or Nemaguard rootstocks. All rootstocks supported greater numbers of Pv-GA than Pv-ID. Tree growth as measured by fresh shoot and root weights and trunk diameters was greater in the uninoculated, intermediate in Pv-ID, and most suppressed in Pv-GA plots.