ARS | Publication request: RE-THINKING A RYE COVER CROP AS A PLANT-PARASITIC NEMATODE MANAGEMENT TOOL

Submitted to: Journal of Nematology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: June 12, 2005
Publication Date: August 1, 2005
Citation: Zasada, I.A., Meyer, S.L., Rice, C. 2005. Re-thinking a rye cover crop as a plant-parasitic nematode management tool. Journal of Nematology 37:405.

Technical Abstract: A rye cover crop has been shown to suppress plant-parasitic nematodes, but results have been variable. To utilize cover crops for plant-parasitic nematode management it is necessary to understand the mechanism(s) of nematode suppression associated with these plants. We have demonstrated that the secondary plant metabolites found in the Poaceae, hydroxamic acids, were toxic to Meloidogyne incognitain vitro. These compounds varied in their toxicity with DIBOA (2,4-dihydroxy-(2H)-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one) being more toxic than its degradation product BOA (benzoxazolin-2(3H)-one), while MBOA (6-methoxy-benzoxazolin-2(3H)-one) was more toxic than its parent compound DIMBOA (2,4-hydroxy-7-methoxy-(2H)-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one). However, using this information to develop an effective and practical nematode management strategy based on the incorporation of rye cover crops is likely to be complicated by genetic variability of rye, seasonal influences and the complex nature of the soil environment. Rye cultivars will vary in their host suitability to M. incognita and hydroxamic acid content. The rye cultivars Abruzzi Wrens, Elbon, Merced, Aroostock, Wheeler, and Oklon have been screened for these attributes.