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Submitted to: Compendium
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 10/31/2012 Publication Date: 12/1/2014 Citation: Skantar, A.M. 2015. Diseases caused by nematodes. In: Samac, D.A., Rhodes, L.H., and Lamp, W.O., editors. Compendium of Alfalfa Diseases and Pests, 3rd edition. St. Paul, MN: APS Press. p. 72-77. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: This chapter comprises an updated review of plant-parasitic nematodes of alfalfa. Many species of plant-parasitic nematodes are associated with alfalfa, but the stem nematode, root-knot nematodes, and root-lesion nematodes are economically the most important. As a result of root injury, aboveground plant parts may show reduced growth, excessive wilting in hot dry weather, or nutrient deficiencies. Yield and quality of hay may be reduced. Some nematodes invade foliage and cause galls, abnormal development in foliar and floral parts, and necrotic lesions. The importance of nematodes on alfalfa, however, is measured not only in their parasitic behavior but also by the roles they play with other plant pathogens in disease complexes and their importance on other crops grown in rotation with alfalfa. Some nematode species transmit viruses that cause disease in alfalfa. For each group of nematodes affecting alfalfa, a description of the symptoms, causal organism, disease cycle, epidemiology, and management options is presented. |
