Annual/Termination Reports:

[12/07/2005] [12/21/2006] [12/05/2007] [12/04/2008]

Report Information

Participants

Magnarelli, Louis (Louis.Magnarelli@po.state.ct.us) - Connecticut Agric. Exp. Station;
Abawi, George (Gsa1@nysaes.cornell.edu) - Cornell University, Geneva, NY;
Bernard, Ernest (ecbernard@mail.ag.utk.edu) - University of Tennessee;
Bird, George (birdg@msu.edu) - Michigan State University;
Burelle, Nancy (NBurelle@ushrl.ars.usda.gov) - USDA, ARS, Florida;
Desaeger, Johan (jdesaeger@tifton.uga.edu) - University of Georgia;
Dickson, Don (dwd@ifas.ufl.edu) - University of Florida;
Green, James, CSREES Advisor - USDA, CSREES, Washington, DC;
Halbrendt, John (Jmh23@psu.edu) - Penn State University, Fruit Res & Ed Ctr;
Huettel, Robin (HUETTRO@auburn.edu) - Auburn University;
Kotcon, Jim (Jkotcon@wvu.edu) - West Virginia University;
LaMondia, Jim (James.LaMondia@po.state.ct.us) - Connecticut Agric. Exp. Station;
Meyer, Susan (meyerf@ba.ars.usda.gov) - USDA, ARS, Beltsville, MD;
Mitkowski, Nathaniel, Secretary (mitkowski@uri.edu) - University of Rhode Island;
Preston, James (Jpreston@ufl.edu) - University of Florida;
Thies, Judy, Chair (jthies@saa.ars.usda.gov) - USDA, ARS, Charleston, SC;
Wick, Robert (rwick@pltpath.umass.edu) - University of Massachusetts;
Zasada, Inga (ZasadaI@BA.POBA) - USDA, ARS, Beltsville, MD;

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

OBJECTIVE 1. Develop cultural controls for plant-parasitic nematodes based on resistant, non-host, or nematode-antagonistic rotation crops and green manures.<br /> <br /> 2005 Milestones:<br /> <br /> "Cover and rotational crops and green manures appropriate for each state's research efforts will be identified."<br /> Connecticut. Native prairie plants were evaluated for host reaction of lesion and northern root-knot nematodes and compared to known hosts and antagonistic plants. The identification and use of native rotation crops that reduce plant parasitic nematode populations will assist in the development of effective nonchemical nematode management. <br /> <br /> Florida and USDA (South Carolina and Florida). Hairy vetch, wheat, rye, oat, and canola were established as winter cover crops in two fields in Citra, FL as part of a 4 year rotation of winter cover crops and summer vegetable and agronomic crops. One of the fields is infested with M. incognita and M. javanica, and the other is infested with M. incognita, M. javanica, and M. arenaria.<br /> <br /> USDA (South Carolina). Eleven cover crop-type cowpea landraces or cultivars were resistant to M. incognita in greenhouse tests. These cover crops are under evaluation by a USDA cooperator for general vigor and ability to suppress weeds.<br /> <br /> "Screening of vegetable germplasm (carrot, onion, pepper) for resistance to M. hapla."<br /> <br /> USDA (SC): Fifty pepper Plant Introductions (PIs) from the USDA Capsicum Collection were evaluated for resistance to M. hapla in greenhouse tests. None of the PIs evaluated were resistant to M. hapla.<br /> <br /> Additional accomplishments:<br /> Michigan. The yield advantage (% yield increase compared to the susceptible control) declined significantly when a PI88788-based source of resistance to soybean cyst nematode was planted continuously from 2000 to 2005.<br /> New York. Large numbers of root-knot nematode samples were characterized as to larval measurements, perineal patterns, ITS region amplification and sequencing, and virulence on selected varieties of rice and wheat. Results obtained confirmed that all isolates were M. graminicola , but with considerable morphometric, pathogenic and genotypic variability. Only 1 out of 135 rice and 1 out of 65 wheat germplasm evaluated exhibited resistance to M. graminicola.<br /> <br /> New York. Growers were trained to conduct a simple soil bioassay for detecting root-knot nematode infestation in their fields. The results of the bioassay were used to determine the need for nematode control. Only 6 out of 14 fields sampled in spring 2005 required control (rotation or nematicide use). A brochure describing the bioassay was prepared and distributed at numerous field days and growers meetings.<br /> <br /> USDA (South Carolina). Differences in reactions of eight pepper (Capsicum annuum) genotypes that carry either the N gene or Me gene(s) that control resistance to root-knot nematodes exhibited different levels of resistance to M. incognita in a greenhouse test. All genotypes that carry the N gene and two genotypes that carry Me3 and/or Me4 genes, exhibited high resistance. The genotypes that carry the Me1 and/or Me2 genes exhibited low to moderate resistance. It appears that both the N and Me3 genes confer higher resistance than the Me1 gene. Pyramiding of the N and Me genes in individual cultivars may increase the durability of resistance.<br /> <br /> OBJECTIVE 2. Develop biological control agents, such as Pasteuria penetrans, for suppression of plant-parasitic nematodes.<br /> <br /> 2005 Milestones:<br /> <br /> "Development of suppressive soils in golf courses: i) 40 golf courses will be sampled four times annually and analyzed; ii) soil composition will be analyzed; iii) fungal antagonist DNA will be extracted from soil samples; iv) fungal ITS sequences will be amplified; v) golf course cultural and management practices will be compiled." <br /> <br /> Massachusetts. Results of a three-year assessment of incidence and severity of nematode infestation by Pasteuria in putting greens did not show any apparent trend in population changes. More extensive sampling, and longer periods of time are necessary for predicting population changes resulting from Pasteuria infections.<br /> <br /> Rhode Island. The predominant genera of plant-parasitic nematodes recovered from soil samples from 114 greens of 38 golf courses in southern New England (2003-2004) were Tylenchorhynchus, Helocotylenchus, Criconemella, Hoplolaimus, and Heterodera. Soil physical properties (pH, organic matter, nutrient levels, soil particle size), turfgrass cultivar, green age, and management practices were associated with populations of the five genera previously listed. No nematode destroying fungi were detected visually or by DNA analysis. Pasteuria penetrans endospores were visually observed in many samples, but DNA amplification results were erratic. There were no correlations between level of parasitism by P. penetrans and nematode population levels, nor between soil physical and chemical characteristics or management methods and level of P. penetrans.<br /> <br /> Florida. The application of whole gene amplification (WGA) to single root-knot nematodes with Pasteuria penetrans biotypes P20 (preferring M. arenaria race 1) and B4 (preferring M. javanica) established that a single nematode can provide a library for complete genome sequencing of P. penetrans.<br /> Florida. The bclA gene in Bacillus subtilis encodes a collagen-like protein similar to a filamentous adhesion protein of the exposporium of Bacillus spp., and is being used as a target to identify bacterial genes involved in nematode host specificity or preference in Pasteuria. <br /> <br /> OBJECTIVE 3. Determine the effects of cultural and biological controls of plant-parasitic nematodes on nematode community ecology dynamics at the trophic group level. <br /> <br /> 2005 Milestones:<br /> <br /> "Adequate sites for trials, and commercially available products will be identified to carry out biocontrol product efficacy trials." <br /> <br /> Florida, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York. Sites were identified for trials to evaluate biocontrol products for efficacy on M. incognita, M. arenaria, M. javanica, M. hapla, Pratylenchus penetrans, Tylenchorhynchus spp., and Criconemella spp.<br /> <br /> "Develop preliminary data on efficacy of various organisms for RKN control on horticultural and agronomic crops in greenhouse and microplot trials."<br /> <br /> Connecticut. Pasteuria has been associated with nematode suppressive biocontrol in the South, but has not been described on M. hapla in the Northeast. The identification of what appears to be Pasteuria spores present on the cuticles of M. hapla juveniles in apparently nematode-suppressive field microplots may allow the development of biological controls of the northern root-knot nematode.<br /> <br /> Florida. Pasteuria penetrans, a bacterial parasite of root-knot nematodes, was transferred from a suppressive soil site to a noninfested field site. The bacterium established, and increased within 3 years to levels that are suppressive to root-knot nematodes on peanut.<br /> <br /> Michigan. Nematode community taxonomic richness was lowest in an organic apple orchard floor management system using flaming, compared to use of mulch or the Swiss Sandwich technique.<br /> <br /> Pennsylvania. Rapeseed green manure is frequently used as a pre-plant treatment to suppress dagger nematode populations on orchard replant sites. In the soil, the hydrolysis of glucosinolates into toxic isothiocyanates reduces nematode numbers. Typically, growers do not fertilize rapeseed planted as a cover crop in replant sites. However, the availability of nitrogen and sulfur should affect the level of glucosinolates in tissues and the efficacy of the green manure treatment. Therefore, experiments to determine the benefits of fertilizer treatments on glucosinolate levels in Brassica tissues were initiated.<br /> <br /> "The occurrence of Pasteuria species in soil will be determined based on a soil ELISA assay developed in Florida and demonstrated to the group during a workshop at the first multi-state meeting of the project. This procedure will be used during the course of the project for the detection and quantification of Pasteuria in soil."<br /> <br /> "A protocol for the identification of nematode-suppressive soils developed in FL will be presented as a workshop and used to evaluate potential suppressive sites in other states." <br /> <br /> Workshops on (i) the identification of nematode-suppressive soils and (ii) demonstration of a soil ELISA assay to detect and quantify Pasteuria species in soil will be presented at the 2006 Annual Meeting in Florida by J. Preston and D. Dickson, University of Florida.<br /> <br /> "Identification of biological products and low-risk chemicals for nematode control as alternatives to high-risk nematicides."<br /> <br /> Connecticut. The development of TerraClean (hydrogen dioxide) as a biorational nematicide may assist in nematode management in situations where no effective management tactics are now available.<br /> <br /> USDA, ARS (Maryland). A fungus isolated from soybean cyst nematode was studied to determine effects of subculturing and of culture media on production of compounds that reduce nematode egg hatch and/or motility of hatched second-stage juveniles.<br /> <br /> Massachusetts. Bacillus firmus and a neem product, Agroneem, were not acceptable alternatives to fenamiphos for managing populations of Tylenchorhynchus and Criconemella, respectively, in golf course turf.<br /> New York. A number of biological and chemical control products including Basamid, Fosthiazate, Vydate, Actigard were effective in reducing root-knot and/or lesion nematode on onion, strawberry, or potato in 2005. However, there was no clear evidence for improved yield that might have been influenced by the extreme dry and hot weather that prevailed during the growing season.<br /> Tennessee. Twenty cultivars of Monarda (bee balm) were established in the greenhouse for evaluation of their effects on Meloidogyne incognita development and reproduction. The essential oil components of each cultivar are being quantified to select cultivars for greenhouse experiments. A lambsquarter native to Mexico with strong pesticidal properties is being cultivated in the greenhouse for evaluation against plant-parasitic nematodes.

Publications

Abawi, G. S. 2005. Diseases caused by nematodes. PP 52-57. In Compendium of Bean Diseases: second edition, H. F. Schwartz, J. R. Steadman, R. Hall, and R. L. Foster, editors, APS Press, St. Paul, MN. 109 p.<br /> <br /> Abawi, G. S., and J. L. Ludwig. 2005. Nematodes on onions: New control products and soil bioassays. Proceedings, Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo, Cornell Coop. Ext., pp 107-110.<br /> <br /> Bates, C., G. Bird, F. Warner and J. Davenport. 2005. Trap crop development and use for Heterodera schachtii and H. glycines control in Michigan. Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Society of Nematologists. Presentation No 11.<br /> <br /> El-Borai, F.E., L.W. Duncan, and J.F. Preston. 2005 Bionomics of a phoretic association between a putative Paenibacillus sp. and the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema diaprepesi. Journal of Nematology 35:18-25.<br /> <br /> Fery, R.L., and J.A. Thies. 2005. Notice of release of Charleston Blackeye, a root-knot nematode resistant, blackeye-type southernpea for the production of fresh-shell peas. USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Cultivar Release.<br /> <br /> Gugino, B.K., G.S. Abawi, and J.W. Ludwig. 2005. Update on leaf blight and root-knot nematode diseases of carrots and their management. Proceedings, Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo, Cornell Coop. Ext., pp 115-117.<br /> <br /> Gugino, B.K., J.W. Ludwig, and G. S. Abawi. 2005. Root health and pathogenic/beneficial nematodes as indicators of soil health. Proceedings, Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo, Cornell Coop. Ext., pp 161-163.<br /> <br /> LaMondia, J.A. 2003. Influence of rotation crops on lesion nematode infection of strawberry, 2002. Biological and Cultural Tests for Control of Plant Diseases Vol. 18:N002.<br /> <br /> LaMondia, J.A. 2004. Evaluation of Avid and Pylon for control of foliar nematodes on Anemone, Phlox and Salvia, 2002. Fungicide and Nematicide Tests 59:N006.<br /> <br /> LaMondia, J.A. 2004. Plant parasitic nematodes: Diagnosis and management of nematodes in herbaceous perennials. Greenhouse Product News. 14(13):38-40.<br /> <br /> LaMondia, J.A. 2004. Field performance of twenty-one strawberry cultivars in a black root rot-infested site. Journal of the American Pomological Society 58(4):226-232.<br /> <br /> LaMondia, J.A., and R.S. Cowles. 2005. Comparison of Pratylenchus penetrans infection and Maladera castanea feeding on strawberry root rot. Journal of Nematology 37(2):131-135.<br /> <br /> LaMondia, J.A., R.S. Cowles and L. Los. 2005. Prevalence and potential impact of soil-dwelling pests in strawberry fields. HortScience. 1366-1370.<br /> <br /> Levi, A., C.E. Thomas, J.A. Thies, A.M. Simmons, K. Ling, R. Hassell, A.P. Keinath. 2005. Notice of release of USVL-205 and USVL-210, novel watermelon breeding lines. USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Cultivar Release. <br /> <br /> Mervosh, T. L., and J. A. LaMondia. 2004. Strawberry black root rot and berry yield are not affected by use of terbacil herbicide. HortScience 39(6):1339-1342.<br /> <br /> Meyer, S. L. F., L. K. Carta, and S. A. Rehner. 2005. Morphological variability and molecular phylogeny of the nematophagous fungus Monacrosporium drechsleri. Mycologia: 97: 405-415.<br /> <br /> Meyer, S. L. F., I. A. Zasada, M. Tenuta, and D. P. Roberts. 2005. Application of a biosolid soil amendment, calcium hydroxide, and Streptomyces for management of root-knot nematode on cantaloupe. HortTechnology 15: 635-641.<br /> <br /> Mitkowski, N.A. 2001. Root-knot nematodes on turf in the Northeastern United States. Turfgrass Trends 10(12):1-4.<br /> <br /> Mitkowski, N.A. 2004. Consider nematode thresholds before treatment. Turfgrass Trends 13(7):1-5.<br /> <br /> Mitkowski, N.A. and G.S. Abawi. 2002. Monoxenic maintenance and reproduction of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne hapla) on multiple-species in vitro root culture systems. Plant Cell Reports 21(1):14-23. DOI 10.1007/s00299-002-0468-6.<br /> <br /> Mitkowski, N.A. and G.S. Abawi. 2003. Root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.). The Plant Health Instructor . DOI:10.1094/PHI-I-2003-0917-01.<br /> <br /> Mitkowski, N.A. and G.S. Abawi. 2003. Genetic diversity of New York State Meloidogyne hapla populations determined by RAPDs and mitochondrial DNA. J. Nematode Morphology and Systematics 5(2):191-202.<br /> <br /> Mitkowski, N.A. and G.S. Abawi. 2003. Reproductive fitness on lettuce of populations of Meloidogyne hapla from New York State vegetable fields. Nematology 5(1):77-83.<br /> <br /> Mitkowski, N.A. and N. Jackson. 2003. Subanguina radicicola, the root-gall nematode, infecting Poa annua in New Brunswick, Canada. Plant Disease 87(10):1263.<br /> <br /> Mitkowski, N.A., H. Van der Beek, and G.S. Abawi. 2002. Characterization of root-knot nematode populations associated with vegetables in New York State. Plant Disease 86(8):840-847.<br /> <br /> Roberts, D. P., A. A. Abdul-Baki, I.A. Zasada, S. L. F. Meyer, and W. Klassen. 2005. Biologically based technologies for the suppression of soilborne pathogens of vegetables. Recent Research Developments in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 2: 51-67.<br /> <br /> Roberts, D. P., S. M. Lohrke, S. L. F. Meyer, J. S. Buyer, J. H. Bowers, C. J. Baker, W. Li, J. T. de Souza, J. A. Lewis, and S. Chung. 2005. Biocontrol agents applied individually and in combination for suppression of soilborne diseases of cucumber. Crop Protection 24: 141-155.<br /> <br /> Skantar, A. M., K. A. Agama, S. L. F. Meyer, L. K. Carta, and B. T. Vinyard. 2005. Effects of geldanamycin on hatching and juvenile motility in Caenorhabditis elegans and Heterodera glycines. Journal of Chemical Ecology 31: 2481-2491.<br /> <br /> Wick, R. L., and S.C. Massoni. 2005. Evaluation of Neo-Tec® for controlling nematodes in golf greens. Biological and Cultural Tests for Control of Plant Diseases 20: T002<br /> <br /> Widmer, T.O., N.A. Mitkowski, and G.S. Abawi. 2002. Soil organic matter and management of plant-parasitic nematodes. Journal of Nematology 34(4):289-295.<br /> <br /> Yao, Shengrui., Ian A. Merwin, George W. Bird, George S. Abawi and Janice E. Thies. 2005. Orchard floor management practices that maintain vegetative or biomass groundcover stimulate soil microbial activity and alter soil microbial community composition. Plant and Soil 271:377-389.<br /> <br /> Zasada, I., S. L. F. Meyer, J. M. Halbrendt, and C. Rice. 2005. Activity of hydroxamic acids from Secale cereale against the plant-parasitic nematodes Meloidogyne incognita and Xiphinema americanum. Phytopathology 95: 1116-1121.

Impact Statements

1. Correlations of plant-parasitic nematode populations with soil physical and chemical properties, turfgrass cultivars, and golf course age will provide golf course superintendents with alternatives to chemical application for managing nematodes in turf.
2. Information about the reactions of pepper genotypes carrying the N and Me genes for root-knot nematode resistance will be useful to plant breeders and nematologists in developing root-knot nematode resistant pepper cultivars. Pyramiding of the N and Me genes should result in pepper cultivars with highly durable resistance.
3. The identification and use of rotation crops that reduce plant parasitic nematode populations will assist in the development of effective nonchemical management
4. The identification of Pasteuria endospores in M. hapla juveniles in nematode-suppressive field soils may allow the development of biological controls of the northern root-knot nematode.
5. Training vegetable growers to conduct soil bioassays for detection of root-knot nematode infestations in their fields will aid in determining whether nematode control (rotation or nematicide use) is necessary and will result in savings related to costs of growing rotation crops or pesticide applications.
6. Demonstrations of the effectiveness of various control products against nematodes are needed for the development and implementation of biologically-based nematode control options.
7. Information on the role of promoted sustainable soil management practices on plant-parasitic and free-living nematode communities will contribute to the development of soil management practices that are also suppressive to plant-parasitic nematodes and the damage they cause.
8. The development of an amplification method for developing genomic libraries from Pasteuria in single nematodes is valuable in identifying genes responsible for host recognition and preference, and allow determination of populations of Pasteuria that may be accepted as suppressive agents for a particular species and race of plant-parasitic nematode.
9. Information that Bacillus firmus and a neem product, Agroneem, were unacceptable alternatives to fenamiphos for managing stunt and ring nematodes, respectively, in golf course turf provides needed information about alternative nematode control products to golf course superintendents.
10. Identification of root-knot nematode resistance in cover crop-type cowpea landraces and cultigens is useful in the development of cover crop cowpea cultivars that will reduce soil populations of root-knot nematodes.

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Report Information

Participants

Magnarelli, Louis (Louis.Magnarelli@po.state.ct.us)  Connecticut Agric. Exp. Station; Abawi, George (Gsa1@nysaes.cornell.edu)  Cornell University, Geneva, NY; Bird, George (birdg@msu.edu)  Michigan State University; Burelle, Nancy (NBurelle@ushrl.ars.usda.gov)  USDA, ARS, Florida; Dickson, Don, Chair (dwd@ifas.ufl.edu)  University of Florida; Halbrendt, John (Jmh23@psu.edu)  Penn State University, Fruit Res & Ed Ctr; Huettel, Robin (HUETTRO@auburn.edu)  Auburn University; Kotcon, Jim (Jkotcon@wvu.edu)  West Virginia University; LaMondia, Jim (James.LaMondia@po.state.ct.us)  Connecticut Agric. Exp. Station; Preston, James (Jpreston@ufl.edu)  University of Florida; Thies, Judy, Chair (jthies@saa.ars.usda.gov)  USDA, ARS, Charleston, SC

Brief Summary of Minutes

Thursday morning, 26 October, Don Dickson and Jim Preston welcomed the group to University of Florida and introduced John Capinera, Chairman, Department of Entomology and Nematology and Eric Triplett, Chairman, Microbiology and Cell Science Department. These chairmen spoke to the group about Florida agriculture, departmental affairs, University of Florida, and the importance of plant-pathogenic nematodes to agriculture in Florida.

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Judy Thies. The meeting agenda was approved and in the absence of Inga Zasada, secretary for NE-1019, Don Dickson volunteered to serve as interim recording secretary.

Lou Magnarelli, administrative advisor, commented about a project midterm assessment. He began by pointing out that our USDA CSREES representative, Jim Green was unable to attend. He mentioned leveraging federal funds, interdependency of project objectives, promoting successful milestones with emphasis on any major discoveries that impact grower practices, workshops that promote training, and the importance all NE-1019 committee members attending annual meetings. He mentioned that it was time to begin thinking about requesting a new 5 year project. Projects that emphasize soil health would be viewed favorably in the future. A writing committee should be appointed May or June 2007 to begin drafting a new project. The new project should be ready for peer review in 2008 and full review by 2009, and final approval by October 2009. The current project ends in 2009. Lou mentioned that the current Federal Administration was considering changing the formula funding for agriculture research to a competitive grants based system. He stated that such a change would have a tremendous impact on our future efforts to meet immediate state needs in agricultural research.

Participating state oral reports were presented by George Abawi, George Bird, Don Dickson, John Halbrendt, Robin Huettel, Jim Kotcon, Jim LaMondia, Jim Preston, and Judy Thies. Invited guests whom presented short research reports relative to project objectives included George Kariuki, Joey Orajay, and Marco Cordero (from Don Dicksons lab). A workshop on recent developments with Pasteuria penetrans was led by Jim Prestons lab. Libby Schmidt demonstrated new molecular techniques for working with P. penetrans.

The business meeting was called to order by Judy Thies. It was noted that secretary Inga Zasada will serve as chair of the committee for 2007 and Don Dickson was elected as incoming secretary for 2007. Invitations for hosting the 2007 annual meeting were received from Ernie Bernard, Knoxville, TN, Robin Huettel, Auburn, AL, and Jim LaMondia, Mystic, CT. It was moved by George Abawi that we accept the invitation to meet in Connecticut, and seconded by Robin Huettel. The motioned passed unanimously. The suggested date for the meeting was 4 - 5 October 2007. George Abawi and George Bird volunteered to serve as a sub-committee for drafting a new project beginning June 2007. The sub-committee would have the draft ready for review by all current NE-1019 committee members by the time we meet in Connecticut in October 2007.

Minutes prepared by Don Dickson, Acting Secretary.

Accomplishments

OBJECTIVES:<br /> <br /> OBJECTIVE 1. Develop cultural controls for plant-parasitic nematodes based on resistant, non-host, or nematode-antagonistic rotation crops and green manures<br /> <br /> 2006 Milestones:<br /> <br /> " Development of suppressive soils in golf courses: Sampling and DNA extraction will be repeated and the incidence of P. penetrans and fungal antagonists will be documented.<br /> <br /> Rhode Island. Pasteuria penetrans endospores were observed in soil samples, but DNA amplification results of P. penetrans from soil samples were erratic. Correlations were not observed between parasitism by P. penetrans and nematode population levels. No nematode destroying fungi were detected visually or by DNA analysis , nor between soil physical and chemical characteristics or management methods and level of P. penetrans. <br /> (Milestone was completed in 2005.)<br /> <br /> " Complete regression analysis of the effects of soil characteristics, turf species, cultural practices on plant-parasitic nematodes and nematode antagonists.<br /> <br /> Rhode Island. Completed analysis of all previously obtained data from golf courses in Southern New England strongly suggests that the most important factor for nematode success on putting greens is host species. Although it was not possible to analyze differences in nematode susceptibility between host varieties, significant differences between susceptibility among host species were identified. Antagonistic fungi were isolated in few putting green samples and based on this limited sampling, do not appear to play a significant role in suppressing nematode populations.<br /> <br /> " Screening of vegetable germplasm (carrot, onion, pepper) for resistance to M. hapla.<br /> <br /> Rhode Island. Preliminary screening of lettuce germplasm for resistance to Meloidogyne hapla was initiated. Additionally, lettuce tissue culture protocols were optimized for future protoplast fusion techniques and traditional crosses between M. hapla tolerant lettuce accessions and susceptible accessions were made.<br /> <br /> USDA (South Carolina). Pepper germplasm from the USDA Pepper Germplasm Collection was evaluated for resistance to M. hapla. Several accessions were moderately resistant in unreplicated greenhouse trials.<br /> <br /> USDA (South Carolina). Wild watermelon germplasm from the USDA Watermelon Germplasm Collection was characterized for resistance to M. incognita and M. arenaria race 2. Several accessions of Citrullus lanatus var. citroides exhibited moderate resistance in greenhouse tests.<br /> <br /> Other accomplishments:<br /> <br /> Connecticut. Rotation with forage pearl millet 101, velvet bean, Dwarf Essex rapeseed and buckwheat was evaluated for control of lesion and dagger nematode in CT, PA and MD. Pearl millet significantly reduced lesion nematode numbers in roots before incorporation of shoots and in soil after green manuring. Dagger nematode numbers were lowest after incorporation of Dwarf Essex rapeseed, but differences were not significant.<br /> <br /> USDA (Maryland). Extracts from roots and shoots of the plant species Plantago lanceolata and P. rugelii (plantain) were observed to be toxic the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita, but not to the following microbes: the beneficial bacteria Enterobacter cloacae and Pseudomonas fluorescens, the beneficial fungus Trichoderma virens, and the plant-pathogenic fungi Phytophthora capsici, Pythium ultimum, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. gladioli, and Rhizoctonia solani.<br /> <br /> USDA (Maryland). Although rye cover crops are an important component of many cropping systems in the United States, the effects of this cover crop on plant-parasitic nematodes are not clearly understood. Therefore, the toxicity of compounds (DIBOA, BOA, DIMBOA, MBOA) found in rye plants was evaluated against root-knot and dagger nematodes. There was greater than 80% reduction in dagger nematode survival with DIBOA and DIMBOA treatment, but no activity of MBOA and BOA against the dagger nematode. The root-knot nematode was less sensitive to the tested compounds than dagger nematode was; only DIBOA reduced root-knot nematode egg hatch. <br /> <br /> Florida and USDA (SC and FL). Winter cover crops of canola, vetch, wheat, rye, and oat in 2005-2006 were followed by a summer crop of pink eye purple hull cowpea and a winter cover crop of common hairy vetch 2006-2007. Extreme drought reduced stand and growth of cowpea.<br /> <br /> <br /> OBJECTIVE 2. Develop biological control agents, such as Pasteuria penetrans, for suppression of plant-parasitic nematodes.<br /> <br /> 2006 Milestones:<br /> <br /> " Confirmation of the efficacy of biocontrol organisms against root-knot nematodes in tomato and other crops. <br /> <br /> Connecticut. Pasteuria endospores were observed on the cuticles of M. hapla juveniles from certain field microplots that appear to have developed suppressive soil characteristics. Soil from plots was dried, left as nontreated, microwaved for 4 minutes 45 seconds, or autoclaved for 1 hour each on two successive days prior to placing soil in greenhouse pots. The lowest percentage of endospore-encumbered juveniles and highest numbers of galls per pot were was from autoclaved soil, indicating that Pasteuria may be suppressing M. hapla reproduction in microplots.<br /> <br /> West Virginia. Preference of C. brevicauda for various bacteria isolated from commercial biocontrol agents, soil, from C. brevicauda in culture was evaluated in paired trials. C. brevicauda reproduction was greatest on Bacillus mycoides, but low on E. coli, Flexibacter sancti. Based on these results, preferred food sources such as E. coli or NAB-2 are not the ideal food sources for supporting reproduction.<br /> <br /> Florida. Pasteuria penetrans was successfully transferred from a root-knot nematode suppressive site to a root-knot nematode conducive site and established to suppressive levels over a 3-year period.<br /> <br /> " Development of appropriate and statistically based sampling methods and the location of field sites with adequate natural infestations of Pasteuria.<br /> <br /> OBJECTIVE 3. Determine the effects of cultural and biological controls of plant-parasitic nematodes on nematode community ecology dynamics at the trophic group level.<br /> <br /> 2006 Milestones:<br /> <br /> " Assessment of the impact of soil management practices to promote soil health on nematode diversity and damage in organic and conventional vegetable production systems.<br /> <br /> New York. The soil infestation levels of the root-knot and lesion nematodes were assessed in 11 suspect vegetable fields using the developed and promoted soil bioassays in 2006. Only 7 of the 11 sampled fields required nematode management before being planted to a susceptible host. <br /> <br /> New York. Results from an on-going crop rotation test on three farms showed that one year rotation with field corn reduced the population of the root-knot nematode below the established damage level for carrots and onion. However, one year rotation with dry bean only slightly reduced the population of the root-knot nematode, whereas carrot after carrot rotation did not. <br /> <br /> Root systems of Chenopodium epazote (epazote), a Mexican/Central American plant reputed to have antimicrobial properties when mixed into cooked foodstuffs, were heavily galled by Meloidogyne incognita, but galls on epazote were small compared to tomato. Egg masses on epazote contained fewer than 30 eggs each, whereas egg production on tomato averaged greater than 300/egg mass.<br /> <br /> New York. In the long-term soil health site near Geneva, NY; total population of plant parasitic nematodes was highest in the plots not planted with a fall cover crop, but these plots became weedy in the spring and summer of 2006 in comparison to those planted with a vetch or rye grain fall cover crop. It was noted that the population of free-living nematodes were highest in plots planted with rye grain as compared to the other two cover crop treatments.<br /> <br /> West Virginia. A large farming systems trial, begun in 1999 to evaluate transition methods for conversion from conventional to organic farming practices, was continued through 2006. Population densities were low for all plant parasites throughout the study. Population densities of Clarkus papillatus (predator) were higher in compost than non-treated plots in 2002 and 2003, but not in other years. Bacterial feeding nematodes increased over the last four years of the trial.<br /> <br /> Connecticut. TerraClean (active ingredient 27.18% hydrogen dioxide; EPA Registration No: 70299-5) was evaluated against Pratylenchus penetrans in microplots. Drench treatments of water alone or TerraClean dilutions at up to 2X label rates were added to plots by drip emitters. TerraClean did not affect lesion numbers, AUDPC for senescence, yield of A-grade tubers, marketable tubers or total tuber weight. This research was funded as a part of the IR-4 Biopesticide Program.<br /> <br /> " Determine carbon utilization preferences using the Biolog and optimize colonization and efficacy of RKN control in microplots. Work on use of Biolog to determine carbon utlization preferences is continuing through 2007.<br /> <br /> " A Workshops on (i) the identification of nematode-suppressive soils and (ii) demonstration of a soil ELISA assay to detect and quantify Pasteuria species in soil was presented at the 2006 Annual Meeting in Florida by J. Preston, L. Schmidt, and D. Dickson, University of Florida.<br /> <br /> The workshop successfully transferred information to members of the project working with or screening potential suppressive sites for Pasteuria spp.<br /> <br /> " A workshop on transferring ecological concepts to production agriculture will be presented at the 2007 annual meeting of this committee. Protocols for evaluating community structure will include when to sample, and standardization of trophic types among free-living nematodes.<br /> <br /> Other Accomplishments: <br /> A neem product and a sesame extract product were tested against plant parasitic nematodes in golf greens in replicated trials. <br /> There were no statistical differences between nematode populations in the treated compared to the control plots.<br />

Publications

Abawi, G.S., B.K. Gugino, and J.W. Ludwig. 2006. Visual assessment of nematode infestations and management options. Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo Proceedings, Cornell Coop. Ext., pp. 158 - 160.<br /> <br /> Gugino, B.K., G.S. Abawi, and J.W. Ludwig. 2005. Damage and management of the northern root-knot nematode on carrots in New York. Phytoprotection 86(2):138.<br /> <br /> Gugino, B.K., G.S. Abawi, and J.W. Ludwig. 2006. Bioassay hosts for visual assessment of soil infestations with Pratylenchus penetrans. Phytopathology 96(Suppl.): 44 (Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Alkharouf, N. W., Klink, V. P., Chouikha, I. B., Beard, H. S., MacDonald, M. H., Meyer, S. L. F., Knap, H. T., Khan, R., and Matthews, B. F. 2006. Timecourse microarray analyses reveal global changes in gene expression of susceptible Glycine max (soybean) roots during infection by Heterodera glycines (soybean cyst nematode). Planta 224:838-852.<br /> <br /> Cetintas, R., and D. W. Dickson. 2005. Distribution and downward movement of Pasteuria penetrans in field soil. Journal of Nematology 37:155-160.<br /> <br /> Fery, R.L., and Thies, J.A. 2006. 'Charleston Blackeye', a root-knot resistant, black-eye type southernpea for production of fresh shell peas. HortScience (in press).<br /> <br /> Han, H-R., D. W. Dickson, and D. P. Weingartner. 2006. Biological characterization of five isolates of Belonolaimus longicaudatus. Nematropica 36:26-35.<br /> <br /> Han, H-R., A. Jeyaprakash, D. P. Weingartner, and D. W. Dickson. 2006. Morphological and molecular biological characterization of Belonolaimus longicaudatus. Nematropica 36:37-51.<br /> <br /> Jeyaprakash, A., M. S. Tigano, J. Brito, R. M. D. G. Carneiro, and D.W. Dickson. 2006. Differentiation of Meloidogyne floridensis from M. arenaria using high-fidelity PCR amplified mitochondrial AT-rich sequences. Nematropica 36:1-12.<br /> <br /> Jordan, K. S. and Mitkowski, N.A. 2006. Soil characteristics and management practices associated with population levels of plant-parasitic nematodes on golf course greens in southern New England. Agronomy Journal (in review).<br /> <br /> Jordan, K. S. and Mitkowski, N. A. 2006. Population dynamics of plant-parasitic nematodes in golf course greens turf in southern New England. Plant Disease 90:501-505.<br /> <br /> Krol, W. J. and J. A. LaMondia. 2006. An evaluation of Connecticut-grown canola and soybean as a biodiesel fuel supplemental energy source for Connecticut consumers. CT Department of Agriculture Weekly Agricultural Report.<br /> <br /> LaMondia, J. A. 2006. Management of lesion nematodes and potato early dying with rotation crops. Journal of Nematology 38:(in press).<br /> <br /> Meyer, S. L. F., Zasada, I. A, Roberts, D. P., Vinyard, B. T., Lakshman, D. K., Lee, J.-K., Chitwood, D. J., and Carta, L. K. 2006. Plantago lanceolata and Plantago rugelii extracts are toxic to Meloidogyne incognita but not to certain microbes. Journal of Nematology 38:333-338.<br /> <br /> Pokharel, R.R., G.S. Abawi, J.M. Duxbury, J. Brito, and C.D. Smart. 2006. Variability of isolates of Meloidogyne graminicola obtained from diverse geographic regions. Phytopathology 96 (Suppl.): 182 (Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Wick, R. and Massoni, S. 2006. Evaluation of AgroNeem for controlling nematodes in golf greens 2005. Biological and Cultural Tests 21:T003.<br /> <br /> Zasada, I. A., Klassen, W., Meyer, S. L. F, Codallo, M., and Abdul-Baki, A. A. 2006. Velvetbean (Mucuna pruriens) extracts: impact on Meloidogyne incognita survival and on Lycopersicon esculentum and Lactuca sativa germination and growth. Pest Management Science 62:1122-1127.

Impact Statements

1. Pasteuria penetrans is a highly suppressive agent against root-knot nematodes, and suppression can be transferred from one site to another. This demonstrates that effective biocontrol of root-knot nematodes may be a realistic goal, and that human and environmental exposure to nematicides may be reduced without large economic losses.
2. The identification and use of rotation crops that reduce plant parasitic nematode populations will assist in the development of effective nonchemical management, reducing human and environmental exposure to pesticides.
3. The identification of Pasteuria as a biological control of M. hapla in the Northeast may allow effective control of this nematode while reducing human and environmental exposure to pesticides.
4. Identification of sources of pepper germplasm with resistance to M. hapla will aid plant breeders and nematologists in the development of pepper varieties with resistance to this important nematode species. Plant genetic resistance is the most effective, cost-effective and environmentally compatible means of nematode control.
5. Identification of common plant species (plantain [Plantago lanceolata and P. rugelii]) as sources of nematicidal natural products that have potential as nematode management tools may allow the replacement of chemical nematicides with natural plant products.
6. Plant-parasitic nematodes of turf are difficult to control using traditional chemical methods and only a rudimentary understanding of their ecological relationships exists. Information developed in this project will aid in understanding the impact of environment and biological antagonists upon the life history of these nematodes. This information will ultimately contribute to the formulation of effective cultural and biological management strategies that seek to mitigate nematode damage.
7. Nematologists will be in a better position to advise agricultural stakeholders regarding the development and importance of plant parasitic nematodes. This information can reduce the application of organophosphate and fumigant nematicides and lead to long-term health, environmental and food safety benefits due to reduced pesticide exposure.
8. Characterization of resistance of wild watermelon germplasm to the agriculturally important root-knot nematode species will be useful to nematologists and plant breeders in developing horticulturally acceptable watermelon varieties that are resistant to root-knot nematodes. Plant tolerance will reduce the intensity of nematode management required and ultimately reduce both economic losses and the application of nematicides.
9. Information identifying chemical components of toxic compounds (DIBOA, BOA, DIMBOA, MBOA) found in rye plants to plant parasitic nematodes will lead to more effective implementation of a rye cover crop as a non-chemical management strategy.
10. The only nematicide registered for use on turf, fenamiphos, will expire in 2007. The current research provides a desperately needed alternative to nematicide application, namely, it provides turf growers with the knowledge of which turf species are most susceptible to plant-parasitic nematode attack, allowing growers to avoid the use of these varieties in locations that have had perennial nematode problems.

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Report Information

Participants

Participants
" Magnarelli, Louis (Louis.Magnarelli@po.state.ct.us)  Connecticut Agric. Exp. Station
" Abawi, George (Gsa1@nysaes.cornell.edu)  Cornell University, Geneva, NY
" Bernard, Ernest (ecbernard@mail.ag.utk.edu)  University of Tennessee
" Bird, George (birdg@msu.edu)  Michigan State University
" Burelle, Nancy (NBurelle@ushrl.ars.usda.gov)  USDA ARS, Florida
" Dickson, Don, Secretary (dwd@ifas.ufl.edu)  University of Florida
" Halbrendt, John (Jmh23@psu.edu)  Penn State University, Fruit Res & Ed Ctr
" Huettel, Robin (Huettro@auburn.edu)  Auburn University
" Kotcon, Jim (Jkotcon@wvu.edu)  West Virginia University
" LaMondia, Jim (James.LaMondia@po.state.ct.us)  Connecticut Agric. Exp. Station
" Meyer, Susan (meyerf@ba.ars.usda.gov)  USDA ARS, Beltsville, MD
" Mitkowski, Nathaniel (mitkowski@uri.edu)  University of Rhode Island
" Preston, James (Jpreston@ufl.edu)  University of Florida
" Thies, Judy (jthies@saa.ars.usda.gov)  USDA ARS, Charleston, SC
" Wick, Robert (rwick@pltpath.umass.edu)  University of Massachusetts
" Zasada, Inga, Chair (Zasadai@ba.ars.usda.gov)  USDA ARS, Beltsville, MD

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes
2007 Annual Meeting of NE-1019

Project No. and Title: NE-1019 Alternative Management Systems for Plant-Parasitic Nematodes in Horticultural and Field Crops

Location and Date: Mystic, Connecticut
4 to 5 October 2007

Participants
" Magnarelli, Louis (Louis.Magnarelli@po.state.ct.us)  Connecticut Agric. Exp. Station
" Abawi, George (Gsa1@nysaes.cornell.edu)  Cornell University, Geneva, NY
" Bernard, Ernest (ecbernard@mail.ag.utk.edu)  University of Tennessee
" Bird, George (birdg@msu.edu)  Michigan State University
" Burelle, Nancy (NBurelle@ushrl.ars.usda.gov)  USDA ARS, Florida
" Dickson, Don, Secretary (dwd@ifas.ufl.edu)  University of Florida
" Green, James, CSREES Advisor  USDA CSREES, Washington, DC
" Halbrendt, John (Jmh23@psu.edu)  Penn State University, Fruit Res & Ed Ctr
" Huettel, Robin (Huettro@auburn.edu)  Auburn University
" Kotcon, Jim (Jkotcon@wvu.edu)  West Virginia University
" LaMondia, Jim (James.LaMondia@po.state.ct.us)  Connecticut Agric. Exp. Station
" Meyer, Susan (meyerf@ba.ars.usda.gov)  USDA ARS, Beltsville, MD
" Mitkowski, Nathaniel (mitkowski@uri.edu)  University of Rhode Island
" Preston, James (Jpreston@ufl.edu)  University of Florida
" Thies, Judy (jthies@saa.ars.usda.gov)  USDA ARS, Charleston, SC
" Wick, Robert (rwick@pltpath.umass.edu)  University of Massachusetts
" Zasada, Inga, Chair (Zasadai@ba.ars.usda.gov)  USDA ARS, Beltsville, MD

Members and others who attended meeting included Louis Magnarelli, George Abawi, George Bird, Janete Brito, Don Dickson, Beth Gugino, John Halbrendt, Robin Huettel, Jim Kotcon, Jim LaMondia, Nathaniel Mitkowski, Robert Wick.


Thursday morning 4 October 2007

Jim LaMondia and Louis Magnarelli welcomed the group to Mystic, Connecticut.

The meeting was called to order by Jim LaMondia, interim chair. The meeting agenda was approved with Don Dickson serving as recording secretary.

Louis Magnarelli, administrative advisor, complimented the group on its 50 years of continuous regional nematology committee projects. He mentioned that the project rewrite request was approved and that we should proceed to develop a writing committee. Jim LaMondia is to be chairman of the writing committee. Lou Magnarelli mentioned several important elements to be included in the new project: need, relevance, leveraging of funds, interdependency of project objectives, multi-state and multi-disciplinary relations, using extension to transfer information, promoting successful milestones and likely impacts, and training workshops. The timeframe for new project development:

31 March 2008 Send names and e-mail addresses of five reviewers to Lou Magnarelli.
1 June 2008 First submission to Louis Magnarelli.
1 December 2008 Returned from external reviewers.
1 February 2009 Submission of corrected copy to Directors.
31 March 2009 Approval of Directors.

The writing committee shall contact each potential project reviewer before hand to ensure they are willing to participate in the review process, and they are to be told that their review comments will be kept confidential. Once the reviewers are identified their names will be submitted by Lou Magnarelli to NIMSS.

The new project would be for 5 years beginning 1 October 2009 and ending 31 September 2014.

Our current project NE 1019 ends 31 September 2009. Lou mentioned that two high national priority areas established by the Deans and Directors included research on biofuels and food safety.

Thursday afternoon 4 October 2007

State oral reports:

Presenters: George Abawi, George Bird, Don Dickson, John Halbrendt, Robin Huettel.


The business meeting was call to order by Jim LaMondia. It was noted that Inga Zasada will serve as chairman of committee for 2008 and Don Dickson will serve as secretary for 2008. Invitations for hosting the 2008 annual meeting were received from Robin Huettel, Auburn University, and Nathaniel Mitkowski, University of Rhode Island. It was moved by George Abawi that we accept the invitation to meet in Newport, RI. The motioned passed unanimously. It was mentioned that if details could be worked out NE1019 would meet jointly with the northeastern American Phytopathological Society annual meeting. Nathaniel Mitkowski will serve as local arrangements host.

A writing committee was approved for drafting a new project. The committee will be organized based on three objectives and those responsible for writing each objective are listed below:

Objective 1 = Jim LaMondia, lead and Don Dickson;
Objective 2 = Jim Kotcon, lead and George Bird;
Objective 3 = George Abawi, lead and Robert Wick.
Nathaniel Mitkowski will coordinate writing the introduction and integrating the project proposal.

Jim LaMondia will contact Deborah Neher, inviting her to become a member of new project.

Friday morning 5 October 2007

State oral reports continued

Presenters: Jim Kotcom, Jim LaMondia, Nathaniel Mitkowski, and Robert Wick.

Janete Brito and Beth Gugino, invited guess, presented a research report on distribution of Meloidogyne mayaguensis and M. partityla in agriculture; and details concerning a nematology workshop for northeastern states, respectively. George Abawi gave details concerning the Cornell University soil health educational program.

A hardy thank you was extended to Jim LaMondia for hosting NE1019 in Mystic, Connecticut.

The meeting adjourned at noon.

Accomplishments

Accomplishments<br /> OBJECTIVE 1. Develop cultural controls for plant-parasitic nematodes based on resistant, non-host, or nematode-antagonistic rotation crops and green manures.<br /> Alabama. Cover crops were assessed preceding peanut and cotton for reduction of plant parasitic nematodes in southern Alabama. Winter grains and Sunn Hemp were evaluated. In greenhouse studies, two oat cvs. Georgia and Bob, reduced M. incognita; reniform nematodes were lower on both rye and oats than wheat. Sunn Hemp genotypes were collected from different countries for future breeding programs. Nematodes were lower on all the Sunn Hemp genotypes when compared to susceptible controls. The mechanism by which Sunn Hemp limits plant-parasitic nematode reproduction is not clearly known but may be due to nematode antagonistic compounds produced in the root system.<br /> Connecticut. A number of native prairie plants and potential nematode-antagonistic plants were evaluated for management of Pratylenchus penetrans, Xiphinema spp. and Meloidogyne hapla in field and greenhouse experiments. Pratylenchus populations were reduced by certain prairie native plants and forage pearl millet 101, which had undetectable populations. In microplots infested with the potato early dying pathogens Verticillium dahliae and P. penetrans a single season of rotation to Black-eyed-Susan, Rudbeckia hirta, Polynema marigold, pearl millet or Trudan 8 sudangrass reduced P. penetrans recovery. Rudbeckia hirta and pearl millet increased tuber yields.<br /> <br /> Michigan. HG Type 2.5.7 has been identified as the most common soybean cyst nematode HG Type in Michigan. In one research trial, HG Type 1.2.3.5.6.7 was identified. Three cultivars of pearl millet were identified as poor hosts of the root-lesion nematode. Host yield response and nematode population reduction with yellow mustard bio-fumigation was only about one-third as effective as fumigation with metham.<br /> <br /> New York. The influence of 18 cover crops on population densities of lesion nematode and reproduction in bean roots was evaluated. The lowest population density was found after canola cv. Hyola 440, as determined by soil bioassay with beans. <br /> <br /> Pennsylvania. Experimental results from established field plots to evaluate Canadian Forage Pearl Millet and Velvet Bean as suppressive rotation or green manure crops for lesion and dagger nematode control showed a correlation between dagger nematode mortality and the concentration of benzyl glucosinolate in Nasturtium tissue when the plants were used as green manure in bioassays.<br /> <br /> Rhode Island. Screening of lettuce germplasm for resistance to Meloidogyne hapla was continued. Approximately 100 accessions of Lactuca sativa, L. virosa and L. serriola were examined, with the expectation of completing a total of 300 different accessions. All L. sativa accessions were susceptible to M. hapla, while L. virosa and L. serriola range from moderately to completely resistant. An attempt was made to develop tissue culture protocols for future protoplast fusion. However we were unsuccessful in culturing wild type protoplasts. Additional tissue culture work was undertaken to examine the factors influencing the tissue culturability of different Lactuca accessions utilizing multiple explant types. After determining that differences in nematode susceptibility on different turfgrasses were present, screening of 9 commercially available creeping and velvet bentgrass varieties (established in Fall 2005) were sampled in June, July and September for resistance to Tylenchorhynchus and Hoplolaimus nematodes. Damage symptoms were not observed on any of the varieties but there were differences in host suitability. One breeding line of velvet bentgrass had higher numbers of nematodes than the other varieties.<br /> <br /> Tennessee. Reproduction of Meloidogyne incognita was studied in repeated replicated experiments on five species: two plants with promising nematicidal characteristics (Monarda `Croftway Pink` [bee balm] and Chenopodium epazote `Glossy`) and three good hosts (`Rutgers` tomato, `Best Friend` edamame-type soybean, and `Mammoth` sunflower). Results of both experiments were similar. Mean reproductive factors were 15.5 on soybean, 10.5 on tomato, 5.2 on sunflower, 0.06 on bee balm, and 0.04 on epazote. Invasion of roots was similar among the plants, but females rarely developed on epazote and bee balm.<br /> <br /> USDA-Beltsville. Essential oils derived from plants are an option being considered for nematode management. In lab assays, root-knot nematodes were placed in clove oil (from the plant Syzygium aromaticum), exposed to volatile compounds from the oil, and placed in soil treated with clove oil. Concentrations of clove oil active against the nematodes were tested in the greenhouse for toxicity to plants and for suppression of nematode populations on plant roots.<br /> <br /> West Virginia. A large farming systems trial is being conducted over 8 years. The trial included compost intensive management system versus a low-input system that relies on green manures and cover crops. Nematode population densities remained low for all plant parasites throughout and few differences among compost treatments or crops were statistically significant. Increases over the growing season were not observed, suggesting the presence of suppressive soils. <br /> OBJECTIVE 2. Develop biological control agents, such as Pasteuria penetrans, for suppression of plant-parasitic nematodes.<br /> Connecticut. Pasteuria endospores were observed on M. hapla juveniles from certain field microplots infested with the nematode since 1995. The microplots appear to have developed suppressive soil characteristics. A technique developed in Florida was used to demonstrate biocontrol by Pasteuria. Autoclaved soil had more galls than either microwaved or untreated soil (465, 267, and 203, respectively). No endospore-filled females were observed. A repeat experiment is underway and soil has been provided to Dr. Don Dickson in Florida for testing using monoclonal antibodies.<br /> <br /> Florida. Multiple-strand displacement amplification (MDA) was used to generate DNA for comparative genomics of biotypes exhibiting different host preferences. Single nematodes of Meloidogyne spp. infected with P. penetrans biotypes P20 or B4 contained SNPs in the spoIIAB gene as revealed by MDA-generated products. Detection of signature SNPs in the spoIIAB gene found in P20 and B4 biotypes allows probe design for quantifying the biotypes for selective biocontrol of different species and races of root-knot nematodes. The DNA from a cosmid library containing genomic DNA derived from the P4 isolate of Pasteuria ramosa (infecting the cladoceran water flea, Daphnia magna) has been subjected to genome sequencing on the 454 sequencer. Sequence was obtained for 3682080 bp at a cost of less than $32,000. Specific sequences containing variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) were used to identify homologues in different isolates of P. ramosa that are given biotype status based upon their specificities for different isolates of their host, D. magna. These VNTRs serve as molecular markers with which to differentiate populations of Pasteuria spp. as a function of environmental distribution and host preference. This effort has demonstrated the feasibility of applying low cost high-throughput DNA sequencing to determine the basis for host preference and virulence of Pasteuria spp. as parasites of phytopathogenic nematodes.<br /> <br /> Michigan. In eight of nine trials, Bacillus firmus (Chancellor) did not enhance plant growth. Population reduction of plant parasitic nematodes was not observed in any of the trials.<br /> <br /> West Virginia. Lesion nematodes were extracted from soils from six organic growers and examined for presence of attached Pasteuria spores. Lesion nematode cultures on corn root explants were initiated, in an effort to develop cultures of Pasteuria on Pratylenchus. The incidence of Pasteuria thornei on Pratylenchus penetrans is being determined by sampling six organic production fields. Also, the efficacy of the nematode trapping fungus, Arthrobotrys oligospora against Meloidogyne incognita in organic production fields is being evaluated. Nematode mortality rates in soil inoculated with trapping fungi was greater than in soil without fungi, suggesting that A. oligospora provided low levels of control of M. incognita.<br /> <br /> OBJECTIVE 3. Determine the effects of cultural and biological controls of plant-parasitic nematodes on nematode community ecology dynamics at the trophic group level. <br /> Alabama. Bacterial profiles were determined in a long-term rotation study at Wire Grass Research Station, Headland, AL by ARISA for understanding agricultural cultural tactics on nematode communities. Although divisional level bacterial communities did not differ among crop rotations, there is some evidence that significant negative correlations exists among different bacterial divisions. This could affect the soil health by changing the numbers/types of soilborne pathogens.<br /> <br /> Florida. Pasteuria penetrans, a bacterial parasite of root-knot nematodes, was transferred from a suppressive soil site to a noninfested field site. The bacterium established and increased within 3 years to levels that are suppressive to root-knot nematodes on peanut.<br /> <br /> Massachusetts. Agroneem (15% neem-biomass, 0.15% azadirachtin), NeoTec (2.6% sesame oil, 2% lecithin and 94.8% granulated paper seed), Multiguard (2-furan carboxaldehyde, a natural product derived from the hemicellulose fraction of plants), and RootRX (a walnut extract), were tested over a 3 or 4 year period as biological nematicides for nematode management on golf greens. There were no differences in turf color or thinning among the treatments during any of the years. There were never any differences between the Agroneem treatment and the control. Multiguard showed significant phytotoxicity that lasted for more than 30 days. <br /> <br /> Michigan. The vast majority of bacterial-feeding nematodes has been recovered from the O-horizon. In a certified organic apple research orchard, changes in nematode community structure were extensive the three years following certification. In a comparison of four orchard floor management systems, hay-straw mulch was the only one that reduced population densities of the root-lesion nematode.<br /> <br /> New York. A train the trainer workshop was set up for the diagnosis, visual assessment and management of plant-parasitic nematodes of vegetables and small fruit in the Northeast. The workshops will be conducted throughout the northeast. The training is a collaborative effort among NYSAES, Cornell University, Geneva, NY (Dr. George Abawi), Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (Dr. Jim LaMondia), and Vermont (Dr. Debra Neher). The trainings will contribute to the management of nematodes on a whole farm and on as needed basis, thus promoting IPM principals.<br /> <br /> Impact of soil health management practices on plant-parasitic nematode populations is being determined at the long-term soil health site near Geneva. Plots cropped to vetch as a cover crop in 2005 and 2006 had the highest number of free-living nematodes. However, no differences were found in plant-parasitic nematodes (principally, M. hapla and P. penetrans) among the three cover crops. The large number of samples processed for determining their soil health status suggested that populations of lesion nematode were increasing, probably due to the increased use of grains to improve soil health parameters.<br /> <br /> Promising results were again obtained with the biological seed treatment nematicide, AVICTA. Penetration of juveniles of M. hapla into tomato roots was reduced for at least 4 weeks after planting by seed treatment with AVICTA. However, planting AVICTA-treated seeds in plugs first was not effective in reducing root-galling severity and reproduction of M. hapla when the plugs were transplanted into heavily infested soil. AVICTA-treated onion seeds reduced the number of P. penetrans in roots for up to 4 weeks after planting.<br /> <br /> Pennsylvania. Initiated a study to evaluate the potential of using vital stains as a tool to differentiate nematode trophic groups from soil samples.<br />

Publications

Publications<br /> <br /> Abawi, G. S., B. K. Gugino, H. van Es, J. Thies, J. Idowu, R. Schindlebeck, D. Wolfe, C. MacNeil, and C. Petzoldt. 2007. An illustrated manual on soil health assessment protocols and management options for training and outreach. NYS IPM Publication #131: 36-39.<br /> <br /> Bird, G. W., and M. J. Brewer. 2006. Integrated Pest Management , Eco-Literacy and Unexpected Consequences. Pp. 25-50 (in) A New Social Contract: Developing and Extending Sustainable Agriculture, Francis, C, R. Poincelot and G. Bird (eds). Haworth Press. 367. <br /> <br /> Boesch, B. P., and Mitkowski, N. A. 2007. Management of velvet bentgrass putting greens. Applied Turfgrass Science. DOI:10.1094/ATS-2007-0125-01-RS.<br /> <br /> Elmer, W. H., Gent, M. P. N, LaMondia, J. A., Ferrandino, F. J., and Stoner, K. A. 2007. Root nutrition, rhizobacteria, and the early dying disease of potato as affected by spent mushroom compost, straw mulch, and fumigation. Proceedings of the Second Spent Mushroom Symposium. Concordville, Pennsylvania Sept 17-20, 2006.<br /> <br /> Epstein, D., J. Anderson, G. Bird, J. Flore, L. Gut, P. McManus, J. Nugent, R. Issac, A. Schilder, M. Whalon, R. Sirrine,and J. Sanchez. 2007. Tart Cherry Systems. Pp. 74-101 (in) Ecologically-Based Farming Systems, Much D. R. et al. Michigan State University Extension Bulletin E-2983. East Lansing. 139 pp.<br /> <br /> Francis, C, R. Poincelot and G. Bird. 2006. A New Social Contract: Developing and Extending Sustainable Agriculture, (eds). Haworth Press, 367 pp. <br /> <br /> Gugino, B. K., J. W. Ludwig, and G. S. Abawi. 2007. An on-farm bioassay for assessing Meloidogyne hapla infestations as a decision management tool. Crop Protection (accepted, pending revision)<br /> <br /> Gugino, B. K., O. J. Idoowu, R. R. Schindelbeck, H. M. van Es, J. E. Thies, and G. S. Abawi. 2007. Cornell Soil Health Assessment Training Manual, Edition 1.1, Cornell University, Geneva, NY 14456. pp. 52.<br /> <br /> Gugino, B. K., G. S. Abawi, and J. W. Ludwig. 2007. Update on carrot diseases and management recommendations, 2006. Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo Proceedings, Cornell Coop. Extension, pp. 161  163.<br /> <br /> Gugino, B. K, G. S. Abawi, and J. W. Ludwig. 2007. Development of on-farm protocols for assessing soil nematode infestation levels in vegetable fields and making the appropriate management decisions. NYS IPM Publication #131: 16-23.<br /> <br /> Gugino, B. K., and G. S. Abawi. 2007. Impact of soil health management on soilborne diseases and nematodes. Phytopathilogy (Suppl.) 97: S141-142 (Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Halbrendt, J.M., I.A. Zasada, and J.A. LaMondia. 2007. Evaluation of Canadian Forge Pearl Millet and Velvet Bean as rotation crops or green manures to control lesion and dagger nematodes. Pennsylvania Fruit News 87(3):47-51.<br /> <br /> Han, H-R., D. W. Dickson, and D. P. Weingartner. 2006. Biological characterization of five isolates of Belonolaimus longicaudatus. Nematropica 36:26-35.<br /> <br /> Han, H-R., A. Jeyaprakash, D. P. Weingartner, and D. W. Dickson. 2006. Morphological and molecular biological characterization of Belonolaimus longicaudatus. Nematropica 36:37-51.<br /> <br /> Jordan, K. S. and Mitkowski, N. A. 2007. Soil characteristics and management practices associated with population levels of plant-parasitic nematodes on golf course greens in southern New England. Agronomy Journal (accepted).<br /> Kariuki, G. M., J. A. Brito, and D. W. Dickson. 2006. Effects of Pasteuria penetrans endospore rate of attachment on root penetration and fecundity of Meloidogyne arenaria race 1. Nematropica 36:261-267. <br /> <br /> Jeyaprakash, A., M. S. Tigano, J. Brito, R. M. D. G. Carneiro, and D.W. Dickson. 2006. Differentiation of Meloidogyne floridensis from M. arenaria using high-fidelity PCR amplified mitochondrial AT-rich sequences. Nematropica 36:1-12.<br /> <br /> LaMondia, J. A. 2006. Management of lesion nematodes and potato early dying with rotation crops. Journal of Nematology 38(4):442-448.<br /> LaMondia, J. A. 2007. Connecticut grown oilseed for biodiesel fuel and integrated pest management. The Voice, The Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences Newsletter Spring 2007 p. 1-5.<br /> <br /> Marla, S, R. Huettel, and J. Mosjidis. 2007. Effects of several populations of Sunn Hemp on nematodes. Journal of Nematology (Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Mitkowski, N. A. 2007. First report of Subanguina radicicola , the root-gall nematode, infecting Poa annua putting greens in Washington state. Plant Disease 91:905.<br /> <br /> Mouton, L., G. Nong, J.F. Preston, and D. Ebert. 2007. Variable number of tandem repeats as molecular markers for biotypes of Pasteuria ramosa in Daphnia species. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 73:3715-3718.<br /> <br /> Nong, G., V. Chow , L.M. Schmidt , D.W. Dickson, J.F. Preston. 2007. Multiple-strand displacement and identification of SNPs as markers of genotypic variation of Pasteuria penetrans biotypes infecting root-knot nematodes. FEMS Microbiol. Ecol. 61:327-336.<br /> <br /> Olivares-Fuster, C. Arias, K. L. Bowen, and R. Huettel. 2007. Understanding soil microbial communities as affected by crop sequence and environment. <br /> Phytopathology 97:S87 (Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Ou, L., Thomas, J. E., Allen Jr, L. H., Vu, J. C., Dickson, D. W. 2006. Effects of application methods of metam sodium and plastic covers on horizontal and vertical distributions of methyl isothiocyanate in bedded field plots. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 51:164-173. <br /> <br /> Panaccione, D. G., J. B. Kotcon, C. Schardl, R. Johnson, and J. Morton. 2006. Ergot alkaloids are not essential for endophytic fungus-associated population suppression of the lesion ematode, Pratylenchus scribneri, on perennial ryegrass. Nematology 8:583-590.<br /> <br /> Pokharel, R. R., G. S. Abawi, N. Zhang, J. M. Duxbury, and C. D. Smart. 2007. Characterization of isolate of Meloidogyne from rice-wheat production fields in Nepal. J. of Nematology 39: (accepted, in-press).<br /> <br /> Roberts, D. P., McKenna, L. F., Lakshman, D. K., Meyer, S. L. F., Kong, H., de Souza, J. T., Lydon, J., Baker, C. J., Buyer, J. S., and Chung, S. Suppression of damping-off of cucumber caused by Pythium ultimum with live cells and extracts of Serratia marcescens N4-5. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 39: 2275-2288. 2007. <br /> <br /> Salinas, K., S. Edenborn, A. Sexstone, and J. B. Kotcon. 2007. Bacterial preferences of the bacterivorous soil nematode Cephalobus brevicauda (Cephalobidae): effect of bacterial <br /> type and size. Pedobiologia 51:55-64.<br /> <br /> Snapp, S., G. Bird et al. 2007. Potato Systems. Pp. 73 (in) Ecologically-Based Farming Systems. Much D., R. Harwood et al. Michigan State University Extension Bulletin E-2983. East Lansing. 139 pp.<br /> <br /> Sudini, H., K. L. Bowen, and R. Huettel. 2007. Soil community analysis of bacterial <br /> populations as influenced by crop rotations in a long-term peanut production study. Pathology 97: S112 (Abstr.). <br /> <br /> Thomas, J. E., Ou, L., Allen Jr, L. H., Vu, J. C., Dickson, D. W. 2006. Henry's law constants and mass transfer coefficients for methyl bromide and 1,3-dichloropropene applied to Florida sandy field soil. Chemosphere 62:980-988.<br /> <br /> Zasada, I.A., Rice, C. P., and Meyer, S. L. F. Improving the use of rye (Secale cereale) for nematode management: Potential to select cultivars based on Meloidogyne incognita host status and benzoxazinoid content. Nematology 9: 53-60. 2007.<br /> <br /> Zasada, I. A., Rogers, S. T., and Sardanelli, S. Application of alkaline-stabilized biosolids for Meloidogyne incognita suppression in microplots. Nematology 9:123-129. 2007.<br />

Impact Statements

1. NE-1019 research results were presented as a part of a NE-SARE funded series of day-long train the trainer workshops to inform agricultural community members about nematode biology, increase awareness of symptoms and losses, sampling strategies, on-farm bioassays for root-knot and lesion nematodes, and nematode management. As a result of these activities, grower and crop advisor awareness of nematode diseases and non-chemical management has increased.
2. In 2006-07, NE1019 research results were presented to the Michigan agricultural community at eight winter grower meetings and five summer field days. As a direct result of these activities, a significant number of Michigan soybean growers have developed soybean cyst nematode resistance management strategies, the potato industry used all of the commercially available Pearl Millet seed to lower populations of root-lesion nematodes and the tree fruit industry is using a combination of cover-crops in their soil quality enhancement program prior to planting new orchards. These approaches reduce pesticide use and human and environmental exposure to pesticides.
3. As a result of NE1019 research on the use of rotation and green manure crops for nematode management, the Penn State Tree Fruit Production Guide now includes the use of rapeseed green manure as a cultural IPM method to control dagger nematodes on orchard replant sites.
4. Rye or oats did not increase levels of either root-knot or reniform nematodes, but the wheat varieties tested did support significantly higher numbers of nematodes. This information has been provided to growers and cover crop selection will result in reduced economic losses due to nematode stress.
5. Differences among bARISA and fARISA profiles during sampling may be due to evolution of microbial communities over time or to environmental influences. Even though the bacterial ARISA patterns showed variation between different crop rotations, there was no difference among crop rotations with respect to the rRNA abundance in bacterial divisions. However, negative correlations were indicated and might reveal evidence that significant negative correlations exists among different bacterial divisions. This could affect the soil health by changing the numbers/types of soilborne pathogens.
6. NE-1019 research demonstrated that the tested formulation of essential oils was active against nematodes, and that phytotoxicity needs to be taken into account at active concentrations.
7. The only nematicide registered for use on turf, fenamiphos, will expire in 2008. The current research provides a desperately needed alternative to nematicide application by providing turf growers with reliable knowledge about the susceptibility of different bentgrass varieties to plant parasitic nematodes, allowing growers to avoid the use of these varieties in locations that have had perennial nematode problems. These results will reduce pesticide use and human and environmental exposure to pesticides.
8. Oligonucleotide probes have been developed for quantifying the level of P. penetrans infections in planta and determining the extent to which chemical nematicides need to be applied for effective control of root-knot nematodes.
9. A method has been developed for generating genomic libraries from the Pasteuria in single nematodes, allowing high-through sequencing for identification of genes associated with virulence of Pasteuria spp. and biotypes toward a particular host. This will allow the identification of populations of Pasteuria that may be accepted as suppressive agents for particular species and races of plant-parasitic nematodes, increasing the effective use of biological control.

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Report Information

Participants

Participants
" Magnarelli, Louis (Louis.Magnarelli@po.state.ct.us)  Connecticut Agric. Exp. Station
" Abawi, George (Gsa1@nysaes.cornell.edu)  Cornell University, Geneva, NY
" Bernard, Ernest (ebernard@utk.edu)  University of Tennessee
" Bird, George (birdg@msu.edu)  Michigan State University
" Burelle, Nancy (nancy.burelle@ars.usda.gov)  USDA ARS, Florida
" Dickson, Don, Secretary (dwd@ufl.edu)  University of Florida
" Parwinder Grewal (grewal.4@osu.edu)  Ohio State University
" Halbrendt, John (Jmh23@psu.edu)  Penn State University, Fruit Res & Ed Ctr
" Huettel, Robin (Huettro@auburn.edu)  Auburn University
" Kotcon, Jim (Jkotcon@wvu.edu)  West Virginia University
" LaMondia, Jim (James.LaMondia@po.state.ct.us)  Connecticut Agric. Exp. Station
" Meyer, Susan (susan.l.meyer@ars.usda.gov)  USDA ARS, Beltsville, MD
" Mitkowski, Nathaniel, Chair (mitkowski@uri.edu)  University of Rhode Island
" Neher, Deborah (Deborah.neher@uvm.edu)  University of Vermont
" Preston, James (Jpreston@ufl.edu)  University of Florida
" Thies, Judy (judy.thies@ars.usda.gov)  USDA ARS, Charleston, SC
" Wick, Robert (rwick@pltpath.umass.edu)  University of Massachusetts
" Zasada, Inga (inga.zasada@ars.usda.gov)  USDA ARS, Beltsville, MD

Brief Summary of Minutes

Tuesday 7 October 2008 (morning and afternoon)

Nathaniel Mitkowski, local arrangements host, welcomed the group. The meeting was held 7 October at the Newport Hyatt Hotel on Goat Island, Newport, Rhode Island.

The meeting was called to order by Nathaniel Mitkowski, interim chair and the meeting agenda was approved with Don Dickson serving as recording secretary.

Louis Magnarelli, administrative advisor, discussed the status of the new project proposal, and suggested we request a 7-year term rather than a 5-year term. He mentioned that 1 February 2009 was the deadline for submission of a corrected copy of the project proposal to the Directors. A response to the reviewer comments should be completed before that date. Nathaniel Mitkowski will serve as leader for the rewrite of the proposal. He requested that all members submit their individual milestones to him.

The new project would be placed on the Directors agenda during their meeting schedule on 31 March 2009. If approved the new project would be for 5 or 7 years beginning 1 October 2009 and ending 31 September 2014 or 31 September 2016. The current project NE 1019 ends 31 September 2009.

Participant oral reports followed:

Presenters: Robert Wick, Parwinder Grewal, George Abawi, Robin Huettel, Ernest Bernard, Nathaniel Mitkowski, Deborah Neher, Jim LaMondia, George Bird, and Don Dickson.

The business meeting was called to order by Nathaniel Mitkowski. An invitation for hosting the 2009 annual meeting was received from Robin Huettel, Auburn University. It was moved by George Abawi that we accept the invitation to meet at a facility located at Pine Mountain, AL. Ernest Bernard seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. It was suggested that in future meetings the Chair and Secretary each serve 2 year terms. Nathaniel Mitkowski volunteered to serve as Chair and George Bird volunteered to serve as recording secretary. Robin Huettel will serve as local arrangements chair for 2009.

A motion was placed on the floor by Jim LaMondia and seconded by Robin Huettel that the NE1019 documents be removed from the Connecticut Experiment Station web site since the site is a duplication of the information housed on the USDA web site. The motion passed unanimously.

A hardy thank you was extended to Nathaniel Mitkowski for hosting NE1019 in Newport Rhode Island.

The meeting adjourned at 5:00 pm.

Accomplishments

Accomplishments<br /> OBJECTIVE 1. Develop cultural controls for plant-parasitic nematodes based on resistant, non-host, or nematode-antagonistic rotation crops and green manures.<br /> Alabama. Crotalaria juncea plant introductions collected from different countries are being evaluated for agronomic characteristics and seed production suitable for the United States. There was a focus on the ability of four genotypes [PI 207657 (Sri Lanka), PI 314239 (Russia), PI 322377 (Brazil), PI 426626 (Pakistan)] to suppress root-knot and reniform nematodes. All genotypes suppressed both nematode species relative to the reproduction that occurred on tomato (P = 0.05). However, a few juveniles and adults of root-knot nematodes were observed surviving in C. juncea roots, whereas only 1-2 females of reniform nematode were observed in roots. Freeze-dried root exudates from C. juncea killed most second-stage juveniles of root-knot and reniform nematodes. The nematode mortality rate was highest at a 250 µl concentration.<br /> Connecticut. The effect of six Brassica seed meal amendments on the viability of northern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne hapla) juveniles (J2) was determined in laboratory bioassays. Seed meals from Brassica napus cultivars Dwarf Essex, Sterling, Sunrise Spring, and Hyola 401; B. juncea cv Pacific Gold and Sinapis alba cv Ida Gold were evaluated. The numbers of viable M. hapla J2 differed (P = 0.0001) between seed meal treatments, and nematode recovery as a percentage of the control was 7, 16, 33, 61, 83, and 94% for the high rates of Dwarf Essex, Pacific Gold, Sterling, Ida Gold, Sunrise Spring, and Hyola 401, respectively. In factorial experiments, Dwarf Essex seed meals were heated to 100 C for 24 hr to denature enzymes such as myrosinase or not treated, and then myrosinase was added to bioassay vials or not. The seed heat treatment did not affect experimental results, however, the addition of myrosinase to soil resulted in fewer viable nematodes recovered (P = 0.02). These results indicate that certain de-oiled seed meals were more efficacious against root-knot nematodes and that this activity was not affected by heat treating seed before pressing. While not necessary for activity, the addition of myrosinase to bioassay soils resulted in a slight decrease in numbers of viable juveniles recovered.<br /> Annual rotation crops of Canadian forage pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) hybrid 101, velvetbean (Mucuna spp. ), rapeseed (Brassica napus) cv. Dwarf Essex, buckwheat (Fagopyrum spp.), mustard (B. juncea), sudangrass (Sorghum vulgare var. sudanense ) cv. Trudan 8, grain millet (Pennisetum glaucum) hybrid Tifgrain 102, and Rutgers tomato were evaluated as rotation or green manure crops for suppression of dagger (Xiphinema americanum) and lesion (Pratylenchus spp) nematodes in two trials. Similar experiments with the first four rotation crops were conducted in PA (dagger nematode) and MD (lesion nematode). There were no differences in nematode densities in soil preplant. Pearl millet, and buckwheat had significantly lower lesion nematode numbers in roots after incorporation compared to velvetbean and rapeseed. Dagger nematode numbers were lowest after growing Dwarf Essex rapeseed. Canadian forage pearl millet suppressed lesion nematodes but was a good host for dagger nematodes. Dwarf Essex rapeseed reduced populations of dagger nematodes only after incorporation as green manure but did not suppress lesion nematode populations. Results were similar in Pennsylvania. Velvetbean has been reported to have nematicidal activity but our results showed that the variety used in these experiments appeared to be a good host for both lesion and dagger nematodes and was not nematicidal as a green manure. Results were similar in the second experiment, in that Brassica juncea suppressed dagger nematodes as an incorporated green manure but was a good host for lesion nematodes and not nematicidal as a green manure while Tifgrain 102 millet and Trudan 8 sudangrass suppressed lesion nematodes but increased dagger nematodes. <br /> The influence of rotation and green manure crops on early dying of potato caused by Verticillium dahliae and P. penetrans was investigated. Microplots were planted to Pearl millet 101, Dwarf Essex rapeseed, oats, Polynema marigold, Rudbeckia hirta, Trudan 8 sudangrass, or buckwheat in 2006. Rotation crop residue was mowed and removed or mowed and incorporated into soil. A single season of rotation to Black-eyed-Susan, Rudbeckia hirta, Polynema marigold, pearl millet or Trudan 8 sudangrass reduced P. penetrans recovery after the rotation crop and plots planted to Rudbeckia, millet and marigold still had fewer nematodes than plots planted to the oat rotation even after potato. Rudbeckia hirta and pearl millet increased tuber yields. The AUDPC was reduced after Rubeckia, millet and marigold compared to buckwheat, rapeseed and oats.<br /> New York. Twelve clover varieties that were tested as host of the lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans were equal in their host efficiency but AC Christie supported the highest densities. <br /> <br /> Of nine cover crops tested for their effect on Pratylenchus penetrans infection of bean cv. Hystyle, hairy vetch, red clover and rye supported the highest population density increases. The other six crops, Pearl millet CFPM101 and FMH101, sudangrass, perennial ryegrass, marigold and buckwheat, moderate to low densities of lesion nematode.<br /> <br /> Pennsylvania. In collaboration with Dr. J. LaMondia, a series of bioassay experiments was initiated to evaluate the nematicidal properties of Brassica seed meal when used as a soil amendment. The bioassays were conducted in pasteurized soil that was thoroughly incorporated with seed meals in a range of concentrations. The meals included Brassica napus cultivars Dwarf Essex, Sterling, Sunrise Spring, and Hyola 401; B. juncea cv Pacific Gold and Sinapis alba cv Ida Gold. Two nematodes were tested, i.e. the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne hapla (M.h.) and the dagger nematode Xiphinema americanum (X.a.). In each experiment, each treatment was replicated at least four times. Details of the experimental design varied somewhat between X.a. and M.h. but in all cases the results showed that increasing concentrations of seed meal resulted in increased nematode mortality and that there were statistically significant differences in nematode mortality from different meal sources. The order from least toxic to most toxic was untreated check < Hyola < Sunrise Spring < Ida Gold < Sterling < Pacific gold < Dwarf Essex. Presumably, the biofumigation effect results from isothiocyanates (ITC) produced by the hydrolysis of glucosinolates in the meal.<br /> <br /> In collaboration with Drs. I. Zasada, E. Masler and S. Rogers, a series of experiments was designed to evaluate the sublethal effects of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) on M. incognita. Concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 0.03 mM BITC were not lethal but had long lasting effects on nematode behavior and movement. Bioassays to evaluate root penetration and reproduction showed that sublethal exposure to BITC reduced the ability of nematodes to enter the root and thus inhibited reproduction.<br /> <br /> In related experiments, a subset of BITC treated nematodes was examined for the production of stress (heat-shock) proteins (HSPs). A survey of HSP70 among M. incognita, Heterodera glycines, and Xiphinema americanum exposed to BITC revealed significant differences in constitutive levels of HSP70, suggesting responses to stress, may vary among plant-parasitic nematodes. Understanding how BITC modifies nematode behavior may ultimately provide insight as to how better to manage brassicaceous cover crops for plant-parasitic nematode management.<br /> <br /> In collaboration with Dr. S. Meyer, bioassays were conducted with several different species of nematode to evaluate 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG) as a potential nematicide. DAPG is naturally produced by some strains of Pseudomonas. The compound is known to have antifungal and anti bacterial activity and has been linked with disease suppression. Of the various nematodes tested, DAPG was only toxic to Xiphinema sp.<br /> <br /> Rhode Island. Screening of lettuce germplasm for resistance to Meloidogyne hapla was completed. Accessions of Lactuca sativa, L. virosa and L. serriola were inoculated with M. hapla in the greenhouse and assayed for galling after 8 weeks. Five hundred different accessions of Lactuca were screened for M. hapla resistance. While L. sativa has typically been considered highly susceptible to M. hapla, approximately a dozen accessions were found to have moderate to high levels of resistance in repeated trials. Most isolates of L. virosa and L. serriola ranged from moderately to completely resistant. <br /> <br /> An attempt was made to develop tissue culture protocols for future protoplast fusion, however, we were unsuccessful in culturing wild type protoplasts. Additional tissue culture work was undertaken to examine the factors influencing the tissue culturability of different Lactuca accessions utilizing multiple explant types. Our results suggest that Lactuca sativa is a poor choice for tissue culture experiments. When compared to other Lactuca species using traditional culture methods, it was slow growing and often failed to differentiate into mature tissue types, regardless of plant growth regulator regimen.<br /> <br /> Chemical mutigenization of Lactuca sativa was undertaken with EMS, in an attempt to induce nematode resistance. Multiple concentrations were applied and a number of treatment produced plants with observable phenotypes. Plants were allowed to self and F1 seed are currently being screened for resistance.<br /> <br /> Establishment of a bentgrass experiment to examine nematode feeding preference was undertaken in October 2007. Seven different bentgrass varieties were seeded in 5 x 5 inch blocks in a RCB design at the URI Turfgrass Research Facility. Plots were sampled in July of 2008, however, no significant differences were observed between varieties. At the time, plants were still relatively young and rooting was shallow. Additional sampling will continue in 2009 and 2010.<br /> <br /> Tennessee. Host parasite relationships of Meloidogyne incognita on Chenopodium epazote were studied. Epazote is used traditionally in Mexico as a food preservative in the absence of refrigeration; as a food additive and in laboratory studies it demonstrates fungistatic, fungicidal, and bacteriocidal properties. Galls typically were small (<2 mm diameter) and without adventitious root branching. Development of females and egg production were variable but never as robust as on a good host. Giant cells were poorly developed and sometimes appeared to be in the cortex. Vessel deformation and fragmentation were common in vascular tissue. Many galls developed a woody texture due to proliferation of either poorly formed vessels or endodermis-like fibers.<br /> <br /> Several experimental switchgrass fields were sampled for plant-parasitic nematodes. Switchgrass is being developed as a biofuel crop for production of ethanol. The only phytoparasite found in the very droughty fields samples was Helicotylenchus dihystera.<br /> <br /> USDA-Beltsville. Rye (Secale cereale) produces compounds known as benzoxazinoids which can be toxic to nematodes. The benzoxazinoid 2,4-dihydroxy-(2H)-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (DIBOA) was applied to soil, and the investigation determined that the compound was rapidly broken down. Low concentrations of DIBOA did not suppress nematode numbers. <br /> <br /> USDA (South Carolina). Advanced sweetpotato breeding lines from USDA Charleston, Louisiana State University, and North Carolina State University were evaluated for resistance to root-knot nematodes. Sweetpotato seedlings from USDA breeding program were screened for resistance to root-knot nematodes in efforts to develop root-knot nematode resistant sweetpotato varieties. <br /> <br /> USDA (South Carolina). Advanced pepper breeding lines were evaluated for resistance to M. incognita. Two pimiento lines and one red habanero line were highly resistant. <br /> <br /> OBJECTIVE 2. Develop biological control agents, such as Pasteuria penetrans, for suppression of plant-parasitic nematodes.<br /> Florida. Based upon the identification of SNPs in biotypes of Pasteuria pentetrans P20 showing differential preference to Meloidogyne spp. as well a single biotype showing preference for Meloidogyne arenaria race efforts were made to obtain single spore isolates for propagation and sequencing of target genes. Isolates were obtained and are being evaluated for SNPs to determine if these can arise from mutations during the vegetative proliferation in the nematode host. The definition of the genetic stability of P. penetrans isolates will serve as a basis for identifying and maintaining virulent lines effective in the biocontol of specific Meloidogyne spp. <br /> <br /> As a parallel effort to the sequencing of the genome of Pasteuria penetrans P20 for the biocontrol of Meloidogyne spp., sequencing of the genome of Pasteuria ramosa, a parasite of the water flea, Daphnia magna, was undertaken. This selection was made as a result of the ease of obtaining and purifying quantities of spore from different host lines. The sequencing of sporulation genes for comparison of different host specificities was achieved, as well as random sequencing to obtain sequence for comparison with P. penetrans P20. The accumulated sequence for P. ramosa has identified candidate genes that may serve in the process of host recognition. <br /> <br /> Samples of ring nematode from peanut fields in Florida were found to be infected with an undescribed Pasteuria species. Endospores of this Pasteuria have a larger central core and thicker parasporium than P. penetrans. Immunofluorescent microcopy revealed that monoclonal antibody 2A41D10 raised against whole spores of P. penetrans P20 (isolate from peanut root-knot nematode) recognized the same epitope on the endospore surface of ring nematode Pasteuria. Universal primers were designed to amplify the sporulation genes sigE, sigF, spo0A and spoIIAB, and the corresponding products of which were cloned and sequenced. Homology was found between nucleic acid sequences of ring nematode Pasteuria and other Gram-positive bacterial species, particularly those belonging to Bacillus and Clostridium groups. Parsimony analysis confirmed the placement of ring nematode Pasteuria within the genus Pasteuria and that it was more closely related to P. penetrans than to P. ramosa and Candidatus Pasteuria usgae (Pasteuria specific to sting nematode). This is the first genomic definition of a Pasteuria species infecting ring nematode and provides a molecular basis for their identification and quantification in a soil environment, both fundamental to assessing their biological control potential.<br /> OBJECTIVE 3. Determine the effects of cultural and biological controls of plant-parasitic nematodes on nematode community ecology dynamics at the trophic group level. <br /> Alabama. A molecular fingerprinting method is being researched to determine total nematode community structures in soil rather than relying on conventional phenotypic observations. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) is the molecular fingerprinting method being employed. The focus presently is on comparing different commercial kits and universal nematode primers. For primer specificity 12 nematode species are being tested that includes five plant-parasitic nematodes, five bacterial feeding nematodes, and one each of a fungal and predatory nematode. <br /> <br /> Massachusetts. Determine the effects of cultural and biological controls of plant-parasitic nematodes on nematode community, ecology, and dynamics at the tropics group level.<br /> The efficacy of fenamiphos alternatives Neo-Tec S.O. (sesame oil) NatureCur, a proprietary extract from Juglans niger, DiTera, a freeze-dried formulation of Myrothecium, Wintergreen oil and D-Limonene were tested on golf greens for suppression of nematodes. Only DiTera, at one evaluation date significantly suppressed nematodes.<br /> <br /> New York. A training the trainers nematology workshop dealing with the diagnosis, on-farm visual assessment, and management of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with vegetable and small fruit production in northeastern USA was continued in 2008. The training is a collaborative effort among NYSAES, Cornell University, Geneva, NY (Dr. George Abawi), The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (Dr. Jim LaMondia), and Vermont (Dr. Debra Neher). The trainings were conducted in Hershey, PA, Batavia, NY, Fairlee, VT, Newport, RI, Westhampton, NJ, and Allentown, Pa.<br /> <br /> An evaluation of the effects of cropping systems and winter soil temperature (snow depth and winter vegetation) showed that total plant-parasitic nematodes decreased significantly in winter fallow plots compared with plots planted with winter rye. Snow cover did not affect the plant-parasitic nematode population. <br /> <br /> The effect of soil health management practices on free-living and plant-parasitic nematodes was continued into 2008. <br /> <br /> The biological seed treatment nematicide, AVICTA was effective in protecting roots of young plant seedlings from penetration by lesion and juveniles of M. hapla in both greenhouse and experimental field plots. Crops tested included carrot and onion.<br /> <br /> A soil bioassay with lettuce seedlings proved to be a good method for growers to use when they assess their field before making future nematode management decisions. A lettuce bioassay clearly has a higher sensitivity when assessing population densities of nematodes than direct extraction and counting of juveniles in soil.<br /> <br /> Impacts<br /> <br /> Genetic profiling generated by DGGE will aid in monitoring changes in nematode communities under different cropping rotations. The goal is to develop a monitoring approach that will integrate molecular profiles of free-living and plant-parasitic nematodes under different crop rotations and bacteria/fungi/alflatoxin contamination.<br /> <br /> Six hands-on training workshops dealing with the diagnosis, on-farm assessment, and management of plant-parasitic nematodes on vegetable and small fruits were conducted in 2008 by George Abawi in collaboration with Jim LaMondia, CT; Debra Neher, VT; and Beth Gugino, PA. The workshops were held in Hershey, PA; Batavia, NY; Fairlee, VT; Newport, RI; Westhampton, NJ: and Allentown, PA. These workshops are contributing to promoting IPM principals and the management of nematodes on as needed basis.<br /> <br /> A total of 13 clover varieties were evaluated for their reaction to the lesion nematode (Pratylenchus penetrans) and found equally susceptible, although each differed slightly in their efficiencies as hosts to this nematode.<br /> <br /> Cover crops grown in soils infected with the lesion nematode (P. penetrans) and then incorporated as green manure had a significant effect on the number of nematodes in roots of the subsequent bean crop. Highest numbers of lesion nematodes were found in roots of beans grown after a cover crop of hairy vetch and clover, followed next by rye grain, whereas the lowest numbers were found in roots of beans after marigold and forage pearl millet as well as the fallow (check) treatment.<br /> <br /> The identification and use of rotation crops that reduce plant-parasitic nematode population densities will assist in the development of effective nonchemical management. Some of these crops as developed in experiments in Connecticut may be useful as biodiesel energy feedstocks in addition to IPM.<br /> <br /> Accomplishments for development of biological control agents, such as Pasteuria penetrans, for suppression of plant-parasitic nematodes, have been published in peer-reviewed journals as noted below. These findings are available to all researchers and extension specialists throughout the world. <br /> <br /> A soil bioassay with lettuce was found to be more sensitive in assessing the need for control of the root-knot nematode in 11 randomly selected onion fields as compared to direct extraction and counting of juveniles from soil. The results of the bioassay and the direct extraction suggested the need for controlling this nematode in 6 and 3 fields, respectively.<br /> <br /> Survival of the northern root-knot nematode did not appear to be affected by soil surface cover or depth in the soil in two field tests conducted during fall 2007 to spring 2008.<br /> <br /> Soil health management practices are affecting nematode population dynamics at the long-term soil health site established at the Gates farm near Geneva. Highest populations of free-living nematodes were found in the no-till, vetch cover crop and rotation 2 (less frequency of vegetables and one year in soil quality building corps) plots. The population of lesion nematodes remain rather low, thus the trend of population changes is still not clear and variable. However, lesion nematode populations were lowest in the conventional tillage plots and highest in the vetch plots.<br /> <br /> Many old orchard sites are infested with lesion and dagger nematodes and both nematodes have the potential to cause problems on young trees in replant sites. Rotation crops offer an environmentally friendly alternative to chemicals for nematode control but as this research demonstrates, it is important to know which nematodes are present and what effect a rotation crop may have on the population.<br /> <br /> Comparative sequencing of DNA from Pasteuria spp. showing differential host specificity is expected to identify a genetic basis for the application of selected species and biotypes for the biocontrol of targeted plant-parasitic nematodes.<br /> <br /> This research assists in determining whether DIBOA production is a major factor in selecting rye cultivars for use in fields infested with nematodes. <br /> <br /> The use of Brassica seed meal as a biofumigant to control nematodes appears to have great potential as an environmentally sound agricultural practice. Meals having high levels of glucosinolate are the most effective. Because rapeseed is an excellent biodiesel crop the demand for production in the Northeast is expected to increase with a concomitant availability of seed meal. Selection or breeding of rapeseed varieties that produce both high quality biodiesel fuel and provide an effective biofumigant in the meal would potentially be more lucrative for farmers than biodiesel alone. Although biofumigation for nematode control is still a relatively novel approach, interest is increasing as research provides a better understanding of the mechanisms involved. Experiments showing that sublethal exposure to ITCs contribute to the overall biofumigation effect provides new insight into the evaluation of potential biofumigation crops which typically use nematode mortality as the sole criterion for efficacy. Furthermore, studies that show differential sensitivity to stress among different nematode genera may help explain why some nematodes are more easily killed by selected compounds.<br /> <br /> The only nematicide registered for use on turf, fenamiphos, expired in 2008. The current research provides a desperately needed alternative to nematicide application by providing turf growers with reliable knowledge about the susceptibility of different bentgrass varieties to plant parasitic nematodes, allowing growers to avoid the use of these varieties in locations that have had perennial nematode problems.<br /> <br /> A root-knot nematode resistant red-fruited habanero germplasm line, PA-559, was released by USDA-SC. This red habanero will be useful to commercial and public pepper breeders in developing root-knot nematode resistant habanero cultivars.<br /> <br /> Four commercially available products promoted as efficacious against plant-parasitic nematodes on turfgrasses in northeastern USA were found to be ineffective for their control. One product showed suppression on one application date and will be tested again next year.<br />

Publications

Publications<br /> <br /> Abawi, G. S., B. K. Gugino, and J. W. Ludwig. 2008. Cropping sequence and root health. Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo Proceedings, Cornell Coop. Extension. Pp. 65-68.<br /> <br /> Abawi, G. S., J. W. Ludwig, and B. K. Gugino. 2008. Diagnosis, biology, and management of root-knot and lesion nematodes on potato. Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo Proceedings, Cornell Coop. Extension. Pp. 18-20.<br /> <br /> Brito, J. A., Stanley, J. D., Kaur, R., Cetintas, R., Di Vito, M., Thies, J. A., and Dickson, D. W. 2007. Effects of the Mi-1, N and Tabasco genes on infection and reproduction of Meloidogyne mayaguensis on tomato and pepper genotypes. Journal of Nematology 39:327-332.<br /> <br /> Brito, J. A., R. Kaur, R. Cetintas, J. D. Stanley, M. L. Mendes, E. J. McAvoy, T. O. Powers and D. W. Dickson. 2008. Identification and isozyme characterization of Meloidogyne spp. infecting horticultural and agronomic crops, and weed plants in Florida. Nematology (In press)<br /> <br /> Cayuela, M. L., P. D. Millner, S. L. F. Meyer, and A. Roig. 2008. Potential of olive mill waste and compost as biobased pesticides against weeds, fungi and nematodes. Science of the Total Environment 399: 11-18.<br /> <br /> Conner, K. N., and R. N. Huettel. 2008. Nematode communities and their relationships to soilborne pathogens in peanuts. Phytopathology 98: S41. (Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Donald W. Dickson, James F. Preston, Robin M. Giblin-Davis, Gregory R. Noel, Dieter Ebert, and George W. Bird. 2008. Family Pasteuriaceae Laurent 1890AL. Pas.teu.ri.ace.ae.N.L. gen. n. Pasteuria type genus of the family; suff. -aceae ending denoting family; N.L. fem. pl. n. Pasteuriaceae, the Pasteuria family. Pp. Xx-xx in B. Whitman, editor-in-chief. Bergeys Manual of Systematic BacteriologyBergeys Manual Trust. (In press.)<br /> <br /> Fery, R. L., and Thies, J. A. 2007. 'TigerPaw-NR', a root-knot nematode resistant, habanero-type pepper. HortScience 421721-1722. <br /> <br /> Fery, R. L., Thies, J. A. 2008. Notice of Release of PA-559, a root-knot nematode resistant, red-fruited, habanero-type pepper. Germplasm Release. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Washington, D.C. 20350, September 19, 2008.<br /> <br /> Gugino, B. K., J. W. Ludwig, and G. S. Abawi. 2008. An on-farm bioassay for assessing Meloidogyne hapla infestation as a decision management tool. Crop Protection 27:785-791.<br /> <br /> Gugino, B. K., and G. S. Abawi. 2008. Assessing fungal and nematode root pathogens with visual on-farm soil bioassay. Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo Proceedings, Cornell Coop. Extension. Pp. 68-71.<br /> <br /> Gugino, B. K., G. S. Abawi, L. A. LaMondia, and D. A. Neher. 2008. Train the trainer workshops as a platform for disseminating applied nematological research to vegetable and small fruit stakeholders in the northeast. Phytopathology (Suppl.) 98:63.<br /> <br /> Gugino, B. K., J. W. Ludwig, and G. S. Abawi. 2008. An on-farm bioassay for assessing Meloidogyne hapla infestation as a decision management tool. Crop Protection 27:785-791.<br /> <br /> Halbrendt, J. M., J. A. LaMondia, and I. A. Zasada. 2008. Evaluation of millet and rapeseed as rotation or green manure crops to control nematodes in orchard replant sites. Proceedings of the Fifth International Congress of Nematology.<br /> <br /> Hamill, J. E., J. E. Thomas, L. -T. Ou, L. H. Allen, Jr., N. Kokalis-Burelle, and D. W. Dickson. 2008. Effects of reduced rates of Telone C35 and methyl bromide in conjunction with virtually impermeable film on weeds and root-knot nematodes. Nematologica 38: (In press)<br /> <br /> Halbrendt, J. M., I. A. Zasada and J. A. LaMondia. 2008. Evaluation of Canadian forage pearl millet as a rotation or green manure crop to control lesion and dagger nematodes. Pennsylvania Fruit News 87(1):39-42.<br /> <br /> Harrison, H. H., Thies, J. A., Fery, R. L., and Smith, J. P. 2006. Evaluation of cowpea genotypes for use as a cover crop. HortScience 41: 1145-1148.<br /> <br /> Jordan, K. S., and Mitkowski, N. A. 2007. Soil characteristics and management practices associated with population levels of plant-parasitic nematodes on golf course greens in southern New England. Agronomy Journal (Submitted).<br /> Kariuki, G. M., and D. W. Dickson. 2008. The effect of crop and population densities of Meloidogyne arenaria race 1 on the multiplication of Pasteuria penetrans. Journal of Nematology (In press)<br /> <br /> LaMondia, J. A. and W. H. Elmer. 2008. Ecological relationships between Meloidogyne spartinae and Salt Marsh grasses in Connecticut. Journal of Nematology. Accepted, in press.<br /> <br /> LaMondia J. A. and W. H. Elmer. 2008. Meloidogyne spartinae and a Fusarium sp. as possible stresses associated with decline of the salt marsh grass Spartina alterniflora. New England Estuarine Research Society Meeting. (Abstr.).<br /> <br /> LaMondia,J. A. and J. M. Halbrendt. 2008. The effects of Brassica seed meal amendments on Meloidogyne hapla viability in laboratory bioassays. Proceedings of the Third International Biofumigation Symposium.<br /> <br /> Marla, S. R., and R. N. Huettel. 2008. Evaluation of Crotalaria juncea as a summer crop to manage Meloidogyne incognita and Rotylenchulus reniformis. Nematologica (Submitted).<br /> <br /> Meyer, S. L. F., D. K. Lakshman, I. A. Zasada, B. T. Vinyard, and D. J. Chitwood. 2008. Phytotoxicity of clove oil to vegetable crop seedlings and nematotoxicity to root-knot nematodes. HortTechnology 18: 631-638.<br /> <br /> Meyer, S. L. F., D. K. Lakshman, I. A. Zasada, B. T. Vinyard, and D. J. Chitwood. 2008. Dose-response effects of clove oil from Syzygium aromaticum on the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Pest Management Science 64: 223-229.<br /> <br /> Mitkowski, N. A. 2008. Nematode sampling. URI Turf Management Program. Golf Course Superintendents Factsheet Series (4):1.<br /> <br /> Mitkowski, N. A. 2007. Coping with nematodes sans Nemacur. Turfgrass Trends 16(11): 1-3.<br /> <br /> Nyczepir, A. P., J. A. Brito, D. W. Dickson, and T. G. Beckman. 2008. Host status of selected peach rootstocks to Meloidogyne mayaguensis. HortScience 43(3):1-3.<br /> <br /> Ou, L.-T., J. E. Thomas, L. Hartwell Allen, Jr., J. C. Vu, and D. W. Dickson. 2008. Comparison of surface emissions and subsurface distribution of cis- and trans-1,3-dichloropropne and chloropicrin in sandy field beds covered with four different plastic films. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B. B43(5) (In press)<br /> <br /> Quesenberry, K. H., J. M. Dampier, B. Crow, and D W. Dickson. 2008. Response of native southeastern USA legumes to root-knot nematodes. Crop Science (In press)<br /> <br /> Schmidt, L.M., L. Mouton, G. Nong, D. Ebert, and J.F. Preston. 2008. Genetic and Immunological Comparison of the Cladoceran Parasite Pasteuria ramosa with the Nematode Parasite Pasteuria penetrans. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 74: 259-264. http://aem.asm.org/cgi/reprint/74/1/259<br /> <br /> Sudini, H., R. N. Huettel, C. Arias, and K. Bowen. 2008. Soil microbial communities among different cropping sequences and their effect on the occurrence of peanut soilborne pathogens. Phytopathology 98: S153.<br /> <br /> Sudini, H., K. Bowen, and R. N. Huettel. 2008. Role of microbial communities on the occurrence of peanut soilborne pathogens among different cropping sequences. Phytopatholgy 98: 212.<br /> <br /> Thies, J. A., Dickson, D. W., and Fery, R. L. 2008. Stability of resistance to root-knot nematodes in bell peppers in a sub-tropical environment. HortScience 43:188-190.<br /> <br /> Thies, J. A. and Levi, A. 2007. Characterization of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) germplasm for resistance to root-knot nematodes. HortScience 42:1509-1750.<br /> <br /> Wick, R. L., and Stone, L. 2008. Evaluation of Root RX® for controlling nematodes in golf greens 2007. Plant Disease Management Reports 2:T026. <br /> <br /> Wick, R. L., and Stone, L. 2008. Evaluation of Agroneem® for controlling nematodes in golf greens 2007. Plant Disease Management Reports 2:T025.<br /> <br /> Wick, R. L., and Stone, L. 2008. Evaluation of Neo-Tec® for controlling nematodes in golf greens 2007. Plant Disease Management Reports 2:T024.<br /> <br /> Zasada I. A., E. P. Masler, S. T. Rogers and J. M. Halbrendt. 2008. Behavioral response of Meloidogyne incognita to benzyl isothiocyanate. Nematology. (accepted for publication)<br />

Impact Statements

1. Genetic profiling generated by DGGE will aid in monitoring changes in nematode communities under different cropping rotations. The goal is to develop a monitoring approach that will integrate molecular profiles of free-living and plant-parasitic nematodes under different crop rotations and bacteria/fungi/alflatoxin contamination.
2. Six hands-on training workshops dealing with the diagnosis, on-farm assessment, and management of plant-parasitic nematodes on vegetable and small fruits were conducted in 2008 by George Abawi in collaboration with Jim LaMondia, CT; Debra Neher, VT; and Beth Gugino, PA. The workshops were held in Hershey, PA; Batavia, NY; Fairlee, VT; Newport, RI; Westhampton, NJ: and Allentown, PA. These workshops are contributing to promoting IPM principals and the management of nematodes on as needed basis.
3. The identification and use of rotation crops that reduce plant-parasitic nematode population densities will assist in the development of effective nonchemical management. Some of these crops as developed in experiments in Connecticut may be useful as biodiesel energy feedstocks in addition to IPM.
4. Accomplishments for development of biological control agents, such as Pasteuria penetrans, for suppression of plant-parasitic nematodes, have been published in peer-reviewed journals as noted below. These findings are available to all researchers and extension specialists throughout the world and will assist future research efforts.
5. A soil bioassay with lettuce was found to be more sensitive in assessing the need for control of the root-knot nematode in 11 randomly selected onion fields as compared to direct extraction and counting of juveniles from soil. The results of the bioassay and the direct extraction suggested the need for controlling this nematode in 6 and 3 fields, respectively, reducing pesticide exposure and grower costs.
6. Many old orchard sites are infested with lesion and dagger nematodes and both nematodes have the potential to cause problems on young trees in replant sites. Rotation crops offer an environmentally friendly alternative to chemicals for nematode control but as this research demonstrates, it is important to know which nematodes are present and what effect a rotation crop may have on the population.
7. The use of Brassica seed meal as a biofumigant to control nematodes appears to have great potential as an environmentally sound agricultural practice and reduce grower and environmental exposure to pesticides. Meals having high levels of glucosinolate are the most effective. We have shown differential sensitivity of biofumigants among different nematode genera. This may help explain why some nematodes are more easily killed by selected crops or cultivars.
8. The only nematicide registered for use on turf, fenamiphos, expired in 2008. The current research provides a desperately needed alternative to nematicide application by providing turf growers with reliable knowledge about the susceptibility of different bentgrass varieties to plant parasitic nematodes, allowing growers to avoid the use of these varieties in locations that have had perennial nematode problems.
9. A root-knot nematode resistant red-fruited habanero germplasm line, PA-559, was released by USDA-SC. This red habanero will be useful to commercial and public pepper breeders in developing root-knot nematode resistant habanero cultivars.

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