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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Corvallis, Oregon » Horticultural Crops Disease and Pest Management Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #413770
Research Project: Development of Knowledge-based Approaches for Disease Management in Small Fruit and Nursery Crops

Location: Horticultural Crops Disease and Pest Management Research Unit

Title: Impact of vineyard fallow practices on reducing Meloidogyne hapla population densities

Author
item GAGNIER, B. - Washington State University
item Zasada, Inga
item MOYER, M. - Washington State University

Submitted to: Plant Health Progress
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/14/2024
Publication Date: 9/4/2024
Citation: Gagnier, B.K., Zasada, I.A., Moyer, M.M. 2024. Impact of vineyard fallow practices on reducing Meloidogyne hapla population densities. Plant Health Progress. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-03-24-0026-RS.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-03-24-0026-RS

Interpretive Summary: The microscopic roundworm Meloidgyne hapla (northern root-knot nematode) is widely prevalent in northern regions that grow grape vines. This nematode can cause vine decline and reduced yields. The goal of this research was to determine how long this nematode survives in soil after vineyard removal. It was found that at least a one year vine-free period was required to see a reduction in nematode numbers. These findings provide another management tool that viticulturists can use to reduce the impact of M. hapla on grape vine productivity.

Technical Abstract: The northern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne hapla) is a common plant-parasitic nematode in northern grape production regions. This nematode induces small galls on roots, which restricts water and nutrient uptake, resulting in poor vine establishment or exacerbated decline in stressed vines. A survey was conducted to explore the impacts of site management practices on M. hapla population densities following removal of wine grape (Vitis vinifera) vineyards in Washington State. Soil was collected from 38 fields and M. hapla second-stage juvenile (J2) densities in soil were determined an 8-week tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) bioassay was utilized to evaluate M. hapla reproduction of potentially undetectable M. hapla J2. Vineyard managers wre surveyed to ascertain management techniques. Of the 20 total management techniques and combinations explored (e.g., fallow duration, cover crops, mowing, irrigation, herbicide applications), only one duration of vine-free period resulted in a decline in M. hapla population densities. A duration of at least one-year post vineyard removal was needed before a decline in M. hapla population densities was observed. These results suggest that a fallow period could be useful as a non-chemical management tool for M. hapla in vineyard replant soils. However, consideration of additional site management factors such as weed management, soil type and amendments, interim crop planting, and irrigation or accumulated rainfall that may support M. hapla development is necessary.