Agronomy Journal (2002) 94, 1146-1155

Gaylon D. Morgan, Ann E. MacGuidwin, Jun Zhu and Larry K. Binning (2002)
Population dynamics and distribution of root lesion nematode (Pratylenchus penetrans) over a three-year potato crop rotation
Agronomy Journal 94 (5), 1146-1155
Abstract: Population dynamics of Pratylenchus penetrans Cobb (root lesion nematode) were investigated in commercial potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) fields in the Central Sands of Wisconsin to test the hypothesis that cultural and management practices influence spatial distribution and temporal stability of nematodes over a 3-yr crop rotation. From 1998 to 2000, P. penetrans populations were investigated in fumigated and unfumigated commercial potato fields and in the subsequent rotational crops {corn (Zea mays L.) or soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and fresh market vegetables} and winter cereal cover crops. Pratylenchus penetrans populations were quantified in each field using a 0.5-ha uniform sampling grid. Traditional and geostatistical methods and interpolation maps were used to estimate the spatial distribution and temporal stability of nematode populations within each field and crop. In fumigated and unfumigated fields, the mean populations increased as the rotation progressed (potato -> corn -> vegetable). Population densities of P. penetrans increased more during the corn crop than potato crop. According to the Index of Dispersion, P. penetrans were aggregated (clumped) in all unfumigated fields; however, aggregation was only detectable in the fumigated fields 2 or 3 yr following soil fumigation. Geostatistical methods identified aggregation in only one field. In many cases, higher nematode populations occurred near tillage implement entry locations into each field. Nematode densities alone were not highly correlated with potato yields, corn yields, soil moisture, or soil pH but were consistently correlated with Verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliae Kleb.) symptoms in unfumigated fields. Populations expressed more temporal stability in unfumigated fields than in fumigated fields.
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Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Gaylon D. Morgan

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
population dynamics/ epidemiology
environment - cropping system/rotation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Verticillium dahliae	Potato (Solanum tuberosum)	U.S.A. (mid N)
	Pratylenchus penetrans	Maize/corn (Zea mays)	U.S.A. (mid N)
	Pratylenchus penetrans	Potato (Solanum tuberosum)	U.S.A. (mid N)