Author
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Church, Gregory |
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Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/2004 Publication Date: 6/1/2004 Citation: Church, G.T. 2004. Phytoparasitic nematodes associated with field grown floricultural crops in southern Florida. Phytopathology. 94:S19. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The U.S. floricultural industry was valued at $4.62 billion in 2002 with the value of cut flowers and caladiums grown in Florida valued at $41 million. The production of cut flowers and Caladium tubers takes place in field soil and requires intensive pest management strategies not required in ornamental nursery plant production. Soil borne pests are currently controlled through pre-plant soil fumigation with methyl bromide and other alternative fumigants. A survey of commercial farms in southern Florida was conducted in 2002 and 2003 to determine the phytoparasitic nematodes associated with cut flowers and Caladium. The genera Paratrichodorus, Hopoliamus, and Scutellanema were identified at relatively low numbers. Multiple species of Meloidogyne were identified at high levels. Meloidogyne arenaria was identified from both cut flower and Caladium farms, while Meloidogyne incognita was identified from cut flower farms. Morphology and enzyme phenotypes were used in the identification of phytoparasitic nematodes. Increasing the information available on phytoparasitic nematodes associated with cut flowers and Caladium will assist in the development of more effective pest management strategies. |
