ARS | Publication request: COMPARISON OF PRE-PLANT FUMIGATION WITH METHYL BROMIDE AND DIFFERING LEVELSOF HOST PLANT RESISTANCE FOR MANAGING SOUTHERN ROOT-KNOT NEMATODES IN PEPPER

Submitted to: Proceedings of International Research Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: November 4, 1996
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: A field study was conducted to compare pre-plant soil fumigation with methyl bromide and host plant resistance for controlling southern root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita) in pepper plantings. The study was conducted in a field that had been artificially infested with M. incognita race 3. The experimental design was a split-plot with six replications. The main plots were fumigated with methyl bromide [98% CH3Br:2%CCl3NO2 (w/w)] and non-fumigated; sub-plots were the cultivars Carolina Cayenne (resistant), Keystone Resistant Giant (intermediate), and California Wonder (susceptible). Methyl bromide gave a high level of nematode control in all fumigated plots. Carolina Cayenne was highly resistant in the non-fumigated plots, i.e., root galling and nematode reproduction (4,300 eggs/g fresh root) were minimal, and fruit yields were not reduced. Keystone Resistant Giant was moderately resistant in the non-fumigated plots, i.e., root galling and nematode reproduction (26,500 eggs/g fresh root) were intermediate between Carolina Cayenne and California Wonder, and fruit yields were not reduced, suggesting that Keystone Resistant Giant may be relatively tolerant to M. incognita. California Wonder plants in the non-fumigated plots were susceptible, i.e., severe root galling and high nematode reproduction (48,600 eggs/g fresh root), and fruit yields were significantly reduced.