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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Byron, Georgia » Fruit and Tree Nut Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #238214

Title: Host susceptibility of tall fescue grass to Meloidogyne spp. and Mesocriconema xenoplax

Author
item Nyczepir, Andrew
item Meyer, Susan

Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/4/2009
Publication Date: 8/4/2009
Citation: Nyczepir, A.P., Meyer, S.L. 2009. Host susceptibility of tall fescue grass to Meloidogyne spp. and Mesocriconema xenoplax [abstract]. Phytopathology. 99(6):S95.

Interpretive Summary: Preplant fumigant nematicides have traditionally been used to control root-knot and ring nematodes in peach in the southeastern United States. Preplant fumigant nematicides in combination with a nematode resistant rootstock are recommended for increased tree longevity and maximum protection against ring and root-knot nematodes. However, in recent years growers have been faced with economic hardships which made it difficult to afford the costs associated with preplant fumigation and (or) not being able to get the land fumigated at the recommended time of year due to a conflict with managing other crops. Finding a nonchemical alternative to preplant chemical control of ring and root-knot nematodes is warranted. Greenhouse studies were initiated to examine the susceptibility of four tall fescue grass lines to the Southern root-knot nematode (GA-peach isolate) and ring nematode. Results indicate that all fescue lines tested were either poor or nonhosts for root-knot nematode, whereas ring nematode reproduction was detected in some fescue lines. An initial test evaluating Max-Q for susceptibility to the Northern root-knot nematode indicated that Max-Q did not support nematode reproduction compared to the control treatment. These data provide useful insights into the potential use of tall fescue grass as an alternative to preplant chemical control of root-knot nematode prior to peach orchard establishment.

Technical Abstract: Preplant fumigant nematicides have traditionally been used to control Meloidogyne spp. and Mesocriconema xenoplax in peach in the Southeast. In recent years growers have faced economic hardships, making it difficult to afford costs associated with these chemicals. Finding an alternative to control these nematodes is warranted. Greenhouse trials were conducted to evaluate the susceptibility of E+ and E- tall fescue grass to M. incognita and M. xenoplax. Fescue lines evaluated included, i) Jesup EI (E+, wild-type endophyte present), ii) Jesup EF (E-, no endophyte present), iii) Max-Q (E+, but non-ergot producing endophyte), and iv) GA-5 (E+). Peach was included as the control. Nematode reproduction criteria were used in evaluating fescue susceptibility. Peach supported greater (P < 0.05) reproduction of M. incognita and M. xenoplax than all fescue lines. Differences in reproduction were not detected among the fescue lines for either nematode. All fescue lines were either poor or nonhosts for M. incognita and the endophyte does not appear to effect nematode reproduction. In contrast, M. xenoplax reproduction was detected in the fescue lines. An initial test evaluating Max-Q for susceptibility to M. hapla indicated that Max-Q did not support M. hapla reproduction compared to a tomato control. These results provide useful insights into the potential use of tall fescue grass as a preplant alternative to chemical control of Meloidogyne spp.