Nematology (2015) 17, 671-678

Bradly R. Shaver, S. Bruce Martin, William C. Bridges and Paula Agudelo (2015)
Effects of Trichodorus obtusus on zoysiagrass and bermudagrass root weight and turfgrass quality
Nematology 17 (6), 671-678
Abstract: Trichodorus obtusus is a damaging stubby-root nematode encountered on turf. Few reports exist about the effects of T. obtusus feeding on turfgrass in field settings. A 2-year field trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of T. obtusus on turf quality and root weight of Tifway bermudagrass and Empire zoysiagrass. Core samples and turf quality ratings were taken on multiple sampling dates, from plots at multiple locations in South Carolina, USA. Nematode population densities, root weights and turf quality were used to describe the linear and non-linear relationships between them. Zoysiagrass root weights increased, but turf quality decreased with nematode population density. Bermudagrass root weights and quality decreased in response to increased nematode population densities. Our results show that T. obtusus can cause significant reductions in turfgrass quality, and zoysiagrass and bermudagrass were able to tolerate low nematode population densities before turf quality reductions were detectable.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Paula Agudelo

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Trichodorus obtusus	Cynodon (crop)	U.S.A. (SE)
	Trichodorus obtusus	Zoysia (crop)	U.S.A. (SE)