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Minutes 2009, Annual Meeting of new NE-1040 includes progress from NE-1019
Project No. and Title: NE-1019 Alternative Management Systems for Plant-Parasitic Nematodes in Horticultural and Field Crops

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/22/09 to 10/23/09
Period the Report Covers: 10/2008 to 09/2009

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

Thursday 22 October 2009 (morning and afternoon)

Robin Huettel, local arrangements host, welcomed the group. The meeting was held 22 October and 23 October at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia. The meeting began at 8:30am both mornings and concluded at 10:00 am on 23 October.

The term of the previous chair, Inga Zasada, had been filled by interim chairs the previous two years so the group elected a new chair. Nathaniel Mitkowski was nominated by Jim LaMondia and seconded by George Abawi. No other candidates were nominated and Nathaniel Mitkowski accepted the position by unanimous approval of the committee. The meeting was called to order by Nathaniel Mitkowski, chair. Don Dickson continued to serve as recording secretary. Both individuals will continue in these positions until 2011, when new officers will be elected.

Louis Magnarelli, administrative advisor, discussed the status of the new project proposal, indicating that it had been approved for a 7-year term. The new project, NE1040, began on 1 October 2009 and ends 31 September 2016. He also mentioned that the termination report for NE1019 was due by the end of December, 60 days after the meeting currently in progress, and that it was critical that the report address all the milestones associated with the 2009 phase of NE1019, indicating and explaining why any milestones were not met, in the unlikely event that was the case. He also pointed out that CSREES has been replaced by NIFA (National Institute of Food and Agriculture).

Participant oral reports followed:

Presenters: Robin Huettel, Jim LaMondia, Don Dickson, Jim Preston, George Bird, Senyu Chen, George Abawi, Parwinder Grewal, John Halbrendt, Nathaniel Mitkowski, Judy Thies, Jim Kotcon and Deborah Neher.

On 23 October 2009, the business meeting was called to order by Nathaniel Mitkowski. An invitation for hosting the 2010 annual meeting was received from Rob Wick at the University of Massachusetts via Jim LaMondia. The meeting would be in conjunction with the 2010 NEAPS Division Meeting in Northampton, MA. It was moved by Nathaniel Mitkowski that we accept the invitation to meet in conjunction with NEAPS. Don Dickson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

The group thanks Robin Huettel for hosting NE1019 at Callaway Gardens and the meeting adjourned at 10:00 am.

Accomplishments

All milestones were achieved during the project, including workshops for project participants on 1) the identification of nematode-suppressive soils and Pasteuria penetrans biocontrol, and 2) transferring nematode ecology concepts to agriculture. Project members conducted 12 hands-on train-the-trainer outreach workshops on diagnosis, on-farm assessment and management of plant-parasitic nematodes throughout the Northeast.<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 /> Nematode outreach workshops were conducted for nearly 100 participants by scientists from NY, PA, CT and VT during 2009 in RI, NJ, PA, and ME.<br /> <br /> Plant resistance or tolerance to root knot or lesion nematodes was described on peppers in SC, strawberry in CT and Lactuca spp. in RI.<br /> <br /> Rotation experiments demonstrated that forage green manure crops can control some nematodes (CT). A two-year cover crop field study preceding peanuts and cotton was conducted (AL) to evaluate winter grain reduction of plant nematodes.<br /> <br /> After 11 years of a 12-year on-farm study, Heterodera glycines resistant soybean yields were up to 48% higher than a non-resistant variety (MI). Three soybean outreach contributions including a Michigan Soybean Cyst Nematode Management Field Pocket Guide were published. A 10-yr farming systems trial evaluated methods for conversion from conventional to organic farming (WV).<br /> <br /> Bioassay experiments conducted in CT and PA determined that Brassica species controlled root-knot nematodes when plant seed mash was soil incorporated.<br /> <br /> OBJECTIVE 2. Develop biological control agents, such as Pasteuria penetrans, for suppression of plant-parasitic nematodes.<br /> <br /> Scientists (FL) compared Pasteuria penetrans and P. ramose sporulation genes and an epitope associated with the spore envelope. Sequences were obtained to differentiate Pasteuria species and biotypes. Three members of the group (FL and MI) authored a Pasteuria chapter of Bergeys Manual, published in 2009. <br /> <br /> Pseudomonas fluorescens produces 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG). DAPG toxicity against seven plant-parasitic and bacterial-feeding species was dependent on nematode species and life stages assayed (USDA-MD). DiTera, a freeze-dried formulation of Myrothecium, suppressed nematodes on golf green turf in MA.<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 /> The nematode community structure project at the Michigan State University Kellogg Biological Station Long Term Ecological Research (KBS/LTER) site was completed. Eighty-seven nematode taxa were identified. Most taxa were found in the pristine deciduous forest and fewest in no-till corn-soybean-wheat rotation. In New York, plots at the long-term soil health site that represent 3 tillage systems, 3 cover crops and 2 crop rotations were sampled in spring 2009 for plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes. Results were reported at the New York State Vegetable Exposition. A denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis protocol was developed to generate genetic profiles of nematode communities from peanut soils in Alabama. A statewide survey of the frequency, abundance and distribution of plant-parasitic nematodes was conducted for the first time in Vermont.<br />

Publications

Publications:<br /> <br /> Abawi, G. S., B. K. Gugino, J. A. LaMondia, and D. A. Neher. 2009. Train-The-Trainer workshops as a platform for extending nematological outreach in the northeast region of the U.S. Society of Nematologists and Soil Ecology Society meeting, Burlington, VT; July 12  15, 2009. Program page 59 (Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Abawi, G. S., J. W. Ludwig, and B. K. Gugino. 2009. Nematode research update and management practices. Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo Proceedings, Cornell Coop. Extension, pp. 54 - 57.<br /> <br /> Abawi, G. S., J. W. Ludwig, and B. K. Gugino. 2009. Results of the long-term tillage, rotation, and cover crop trial at the Gates Farm. Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo Proceedings, Cornell Coop. Extension, pp. 128  130.<br /> <br /> Bao, Y. 2009. Role of nematode community biodiversity in suppression of plant parasitic nematodes. M.S. Thesis, University of Vermont.<br /> <br /> Bird, G. 2009. Herodotus of Halicarnassus, Nematode Community Structure and the Law of Entropy. Proceedings of the Society of Nematologists. July 12, 2009. Burlington, VT (Abstr).<br /> <br /> Bird, G., L. Schumacher, J. Davenport and T. Kendle. 2009. Influence of precipitation on Populations of Heterodera glycines in the Presence and Absence of Resistant Cultivars. Proceedings of the Society of Nematologists. July 12, 2009. Burlington, VT (Abstr).<br /> <br /> <br /> Bird, G. W., M. Grieshop, P. Hepperly and J. Moyer. 2009. Climbing Mt. Organic: An Ecosystem Approach to Pest Management (pp. 191-208) in Organic Farming: The Ecological System, C. Francis (ed). ASA/CSSA/SSA/ASF Publishing. Madison, WI.<br /> <br /> Brown-Rytlewski, D., G. Bird, F. Warner and K. Barnett. 2009. Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) Field Guide. Department of Entomology, Michigan State University. 27 pp.<br /> <br /> Conner, K. and R.N. Huettel. 2009. Molecular fingering to monitor nematode populations in agronomic soils. J. Nematology (abstract  in press).<br /> <br /> Kaur, P. and Mitkowski, N.A. 2009. Evaluation of Lactuca germplasm for resistance to the Northern Root-knot Nematode (Meloidogyne hapla Chitwood). International Journal of Vegetable Science (submitted).<br /> LaMondia, J. A. and W. H. Elmer 2008. Ecological Relationships between Meloidogyne spartinae and Salt Marsh Grasses in Connecticut. Journal of Nematology 40(3):217-220.<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. http://www.neers.org/main/meetings/viewall_qry.asp<br /> <br /> LaMondia, J. A. and N. A. McHale. 2009. Brassica glucosinolate profiles associated with biofumigant activity against Meloidogyne hapla. Journal of Nematology, (abstract) in press.<br /> <br /> Masler E.P., I.A. Zasada, S. Sardanelli, S.T. Rogers and J.M. Halbrendt. 2009. Effects of Benzyl Isothiocyanate on the Reproduction of Meloidogyne incognita on Glycine max and Capsicum annuum. Nematology (pending)<br /> <br /> Meyer, S.L.F., C.P. Rice and I. A. Zasada. 2009. DIBOA: Fate in soil and effects on root-knot nematode egg numbers. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 41:1555-1560.<br /> <br /> Meyer S.L.F, J.M. Halbrendt, L.K. Carta, A.M. Skantar, T. Liu, H.M.E. Abdelnabby and B.T. Vinyard. 2009. Exposure of Plant-parasitic and Bacterial-feeding Nematodes to Diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG). Journal of Nematology (pending)<br /> <br /> Mitkowski, N.A. 2008. Nematode Sampling. URI Turf Management Program, Golf Course Superintendents Factsheet Series (4):1.<br /> <br /> Niblack, T., G. Tylka, J. Bond, G. Bird, F. Warner, S. Chen, D. Malvick, A. Dorrance, K. Harrison, P. Esker, A. MacGuidwin, J. Faghihi, V. Ferris, L. Giesler, T. Powers, D. Hershman, D. Jardine, T. Todd, B. Nelson, S. Markell, L. Osborne, T. Chase, L. Sweets, A. Tenuta and T. Welacky. 2009. SCN (Soybean Cyst Nematode) Management Guide (5th Ed). NC Soybean Research Program Publication. 16 pp.<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. <br /> <br /> Quintanilla, M and G. Bird. 2009. Nematode Community Structure of Soil from Alternative Management and Natural Ecosystems. Proceedings of the Society of Nematologists. July 12, 2009. Burlington, VT (Abstr).<br /> <br /> Weihong, Q., G. Nong, J.F. Preston, F. Ben-Ami, D. Ebert. 2009. Comparative metagenomics of Daphnia symbionts. BMC Genomics. 10:172. <br /> <br /> Wick, R. L. and Babineau, D. 2009. Evaluation of DiTera for controlling nematodes in golf greens 2008. Plant Disease Management Reports. Report 3: T020. <br /> <br /> Wick, R. L. and Babineau, D. 2009. Evaluation of wintergreen oil and D-Limonene for controlling nematodes I golf greens 2008. Plant Disease Management Reports, 3: T021<br /> <br /> Wick, R. L. and Babineau, D. 2009. Evaluation of Neo-Tec S.O. for controlling nematodes in golf greens 2008. Plant Disease Management Reports, 3: T022. <br /> <br /> Wick, R. L. and Babineau, D. 2009. Evaluation of NatureCur for controlling nematodes in golf greens 2008. Plant Disease Management Reports, 3: T023. <br />

Impact Statements

1. " The identification of sinigrin as the glucosinolate with the most nematicidal activity against Meloidogyne hapla and Pacific Gold as the cultivar with the most sinigrin and the most promising crop for management of M. hapla by biofumigation will assist in increasing efficacy of biofumigation, reducing nematicide use.
2. Information gained on the host status of cover and rotational crops to plant-parasitic nematodes impacting agronomic crop production is critical to designing crop rotations that will prevent the build up of these nematodes to damaging levels. Similarly, knowledge on the survival of nematodes during the winter months will aid in determining the need for controlling these nematodes on subsequent crops on an as-needed basis.
3. The regional workshops conducted on the diagnosis, on-farm assessment and management of plant-parasitic nematodes have provided growers, extension educators and various agriculture service providers with the knowledge needed to develop and implement sustainable nematode management options and on as needed basis.
4. The development of oligonucleotides complementary to DNA sequences of the sporulation genes of P. penetrans and P. ramosa has provided probes and primers for quantifying these different species in the environment. Distinguishing biotypes with these probes may allow determination of the levels of Pasteuria relative to a particular nematode host in the field and be used to monitor different biotypes in different environments.
5. The soybean cyst nematode research will serve as a basis for soybean cyst nematode resistance management recommendations. It is currently the longest field trial of its type in the U.S. The KBS/LTER nematode community structure work also represents the oldest nematode community structure analysis site in the U.S. with multiple management and natural ecosystem components. The new extension publications and book chapter are being used in producer and general citizen education programs in Michigan and elsewhere.
6. Research has demonstrated that a number of Lactuca sativa accessions contain high levels of Meloidogyne hapla resistance that may be useful in infested fields. These accessions appear to be relatively well adapted and can be used by growers in order to reduce the impact of this pathogen on lettuce yield. It is also clear from this research that most L. sativa is highly susceptible to M. hapla and growers should be extremely careful when choosing to plant lettuce in an infested field.
7. The predominant plant-parasitic nematode in all vegetable crops was identified in Vermont, and it was demonstrated that cover crops have a significant impact on reducing nematode populations, providing a cost effective control strategy for growers.

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Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Objective 1 <br /> <br /> CT: Using reverse phase HPLC, we characterized seeds of Brassica spp. for predominant glucosinolate (GSL type), and conducted bioassays to determine GSL toxicity to Northern root knot and dagger nematodes (Meloidogyne hapla and Xiphinema spp.). Sinigrin was the glucosinolate with the most activity and Pacific Gold was most promising for biofumigation of M. hapla. There were significant differences between glucosinolates from different species and Xiphinema nematodes required five times the GSL concentration for similar mortality compared to M. hapla. This contrasts with field observations that Brassica biofumigation is more effective for Xiphinema than M. hapla and may be because M. hapla reproduces in brassica roots prior to biofumigation and may be protected in root fragments during biofumigation.<br /> <br /> In cooperation with R. Cowles of CAES, we conducted greenhouse and field assessment of strawberry breeding lines for resistance or tolerance to black root rot and non-preference to black vine weevil. Because of differences in disease reactions between greenhouse evaluations of juvenile plants and field evaluations of mature plants, we concluded that field evaluations with lesion nematodes are essential for black root rot tolerance. Advanced lines were planted in field plots infested with black root rot pathogens and root weevils. In the second year (first harvest year), berry yield and vigor of one line was superior. That line was also selected as having exceptional fruit quality.<br /> <br /> FL: Following a 2010 peanut crop the percentage of second-stage juveniles of root-knot nematodes with the hyperparasite Pasteuria penetrans attached ranged from 5 to 75%, with a mean of 41%. Also, the field site had a high population density of the ring nematode, Mesocriconema ornata parasitized by a ring nematode Pasteuria. This Pasteuria, which appears to be new species, was partially characterized. The number of Meloidogyne incognita second-stage juveniles that penetrated three root-knot nematode resistant tomato cultivars (Amelia, BHN 586, and Crista) after 13 days at 28 C was 4.0, 1.4, and 1.6, respectively. This compared with 86.8 for the root-knot nematode susceptible cultivar, Talladega.<br /> <br /> MA: Plant parasitic nematodes continue to result in decline of turfgrass health in golf greens as evident by 130 composite soil samples assayed during the 2010 growing season. The loss of fenamiphos and the lack of efficacious, commercially-available alternatives leave golf course superintendents with no control measures. Cultural practices that increase root development are helpful, as is raising the height of cut. While these practices do not reduce nematode populations, they allow the grass to tolerate nematode feeding. During 2010, several proprietary products showed promise when tested in the field and lab, although phytotoxicity was an issue with one product, adjustments in the application rate may prove helpful.<br /> <br /> MD: Mustard seed meals made from Brassica juncea and Sinapis alba are nematotoxic and phytotoxic. The seed meals were tested alone and in combinations to determine nematotoxic rates of application that were not toxic to pepper seedlings. Certain tested rates of the seed meals from B. juncea and from some B. juncea + S. alba combinations can be applied close to transplant to suppress M. incognita populations on pepper.<br /> <br /> MI: Pacific Gold Mustard was evaluated as a biofumigant alternative to commercial chemical fumigants for control of plant parasitic nematodes in northern Michigan cherry orchards. Biofumigation reduced population densities of plant parasitic nematodes to below the pathogenicity threshold. Random measurement of tree trunk diameters of 20 percent of trees in each row showed the trees fumigated with Telone II before planting had an average of 0.25 inches larger diameter than those planted on sites where only the biofumigation process was used. It is believed that the response to the combined chemical and biofumigation was due to better distribution of the toxicant associated with chemical fumigation. <br /> <br /> Three SDS research projects were conducted in 2010. Two were variety trials and the other an inoculation-irrigation resistant variety trial with Fusarium virguliforme (Fv) and four irritation regimes. The variety trial conducted in Macomb Co., MI at a site with a moderate population density of SCN and a relatively non-aggressive population of Fv. One SCN susceptible variety and four SCN resistant varieties plus a mixture of varieties were evaluated. The lowest bean yield was associated with the SCN susceptible variety and the highest with the multi-var mixture. SDS susceptible (DF 8251) and SDS resistant (DF 8265) varieties were used in the inoculation-irrigation trial. In all cases, directly comparable bean yields were higher for the resistant variety than for the susceptible variety. Yields of the resistant variety were lower when the seed was inoculated with Fv, compared to non-inoculated seed. The same was not readily observable for the susceptible variety. The highest bean yields were associated with the resistant variety grown with the Fv seed inoculation and irrigated from flowering to harvest.<br /> <br /> NY: Fifteen potato varieties were evaluated in field microplots for their host efficiencies to the northern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne hapla). Superior, Rosa, and Keuka Gold had the lowest root-galling severity ratings (RGSR=1.5 to 2.0 on a scale of 1-9), lowest number of juveniles and eggs/g root (32.9-64.0), and lowest soil population (35.0-225.0 J2/100cc soil), whereas NY 138 was among the most susceptible varieties to M. hapla, with RGSR of 5.3, 705 J2 and eggs/g root, and 1,650.0 J2/100cc soil.<br /> <br /> Several cultivars of mustard (Pacific Gold, Caliente 199, Ida Gold, and Tilney) and rapeseed (Dwarf Essex and Rangi) were compared to soybean and sundangrass cv. Trudan 8 in greenhouse tests for their host efficiency and suppression of M. hapla. This nematode reproduced on all the crops tested, except Sudangrass cv. Trudan 8. However, the lowest reproduction occurred on rapeseed cvs. Dwarf Essex and Rangi, whereas highest reproduction occurred on mustards cvs. Tilney, Ida Gold and Caliente 199. All the crops tested significantly suppressed M. hapla when they were incorporated as green manures in comparison to soybean. Trudan 8 and Dwarf Essex were the most effective against M. hapla in this test.<br /> <br /> RI: Twelve different varieties of Lactuca sativa with potential resistance to root-knot nematode were tested for susceptibility to M. incognita. L. sativa Red Orient has previously been demonstrated as being resistant to M. hapla but was moderately susceptible to M. incogita in these trials. The varieties Seoul Green and Seoul Ruby are presumably related to Red Orient and showed moderate to good resistance to M. incognita. The remaining ten varieties were highly susceptible to M. incognita.<br /> <br /> Four organic nematicides were compared to thiophanate-methyl to determine efficacy against stunt and lance nematodes on golf course putting greens. While at least one of the organic products slowed nematode reproduction, only thiophanate-methyl showed significant difference from the control, reducing stunt nematodes by more than half. <br /> <br /> SC: Advanced sweetpotato breeding lines from USDA Charleston, Louisiana State University, and North Carolina State University were evaluated for resistance to Southern root-knot nematodes in efforts to develop root-knot nematode resistant varieties. Advanced pepper germplasm lines were screened for resistance to Northern root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne hapla, and resistant plants were selected for development of homozygous resistant lines. Advanced southernpea (cowpea) breeding lines from Louisiana State University, University of Arkansas, and Texas A&M University were evaluated for resistance to Southern root-knot nematode, M. incognita. Wild watermelon rootstock lines were evaluated as rootstocks for seedless watermelon in root-knot nematode infested fields. The wild watermelon rootstock lines exhibited moderate resistance to Southern root-knot nematode and produced higher yields than watermelon grafted on bottle gourd and squash hybrid rootstocks, which were highly susceptible.<br /> <br /> TN: Seven different species of Chenopodiaceae and Dysphania ambrosioides Glossy (epazote) were tested for ability to reduce Meloidogyne incognita invasion of tomato roots. All selections were grown to maturity, leaves were harvested, dried, and crumbled. Four selections were used as live plants to determine host status. The experiment consisted of: Rutgers tomato alone, tomato with soil amended with dried leaves, and tomato planted along with live test plants. Each pot received 10,000 M. incognita eggs. None of the live Chenopodiaceae plants reduced galling on tomato, and all but one were moderately to heavily galled. Galling in the presence of dried leaf amendments of two of the Chenopodiaceae species was reduced to a level similar to that with epazote.<br /> <br /> WV: A large farming systems trial, begun in 1999 to evaluate transition methods for conversion from conventional to organic farming practices, was continued through 2010. A vegetable crop trial evaluated a high input, compost intensive management system versus a low-input system that relies on green manures and cover crops. Soil samples were collected preplant and late season in each year and were analyzed for plant-parasitic and predatory nematodes, and assayed for nematode biocontrol agent activity. Common nematodes found include Pratylenchus crenatus, Xiphinema rivesi, Helicotylenchus spp., Hoplolaimus spp. Meloidogyne hapla, and Clarkus papillatus (predator). Population densities remained low for all plant parasites throughout the ten years of this experiment and few differences among compost treatments or crops were statistically significant. <br /> <br /> Laboratory experiments evaluated the mode of action of Neem products for suppression of Meloidogyne incognita in tomato. Results suggest that Neem reduces motility of nematodes, but is not directly toxic nor does it affect molting or development of nematodes, as it does in insects. The experiment is being repeated with a comparison of M. incognita versus M. hapla and with a comparison of Neem oil versus an azadiractin product (Molt-X).<br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 2<br /> <br /> AL: PCR-DGGE fingerprinting analysis was applied to a peanut rotation cropping system to determine if the nematode community has an effect on plant health and yield. The rotations included: continuous Bahia, continuous peanut, peanut-corn, and peanut-cotton. Bands from each sample as well as common bands in all samples were excised from gels, re-amplified and sequenced. Sequences were compared to those present in GenBank using BLASTn and assigned to known species. Gels were photographed in order to analyze fingerprints from each sample. The images were analyzed with BioNumerics software using normalization and mathematical algorithms to calculate the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (r) from each sample. The results indicated that rotation sequences resulted in population shifts in crop rotations. Common bands were observed among the majority of samples irrespective of sampling period and cropping sequence. Sampling time also impacted nematode community structures. Free-living nematodes accounted for 64% of the recovered DNA sequences, although plant-parasitic nematodes, animal parasitic nematodes and entomopathogenic nematodes were present in lower percentages. Sequences that showed 97 - 100% maximum identity with those in the nucleotide collection of the GenBank database accounted for 41% of the recovered sequences.<br /> <br /> MN: A four-year field experiment was initiated in 2009 at two locations in southern Minnesota to study the effects of rotation with non-host crop and resistant soybean, and tillage on soil suppressiveness to the soybean cyst nematode (SCN). In 2010, we observed that the biocide formaldehyde treatment of soil in the field plots reduced the fungal parasitism of the SCN second-stage juveniles at planting and increased midseason SCN egg population density. Conventional tillage resulted in greater SCN population density in the midseason as compared with no-till. <br /> <br /> A field experiment was conducted in SCN-suppressive and conducive soils in 2009-2010 to study the effect of liquid swine manure and chemical fertilizers on SCN and other plant-parasitic nematodes, and crop yields. There was no effect of fertilizer on SCN egg density, but manure increased beneficial bacterial-feeding nematodes. The manure and PK application increased soybean yield in the nematode-conducive soil, but not in the nematode-suppressive soil. This study demonstrated that soil fertility management, especially with manure application, is an effective strategy to alleviate SCN damage. <br /> <br /> NY: Soil populations of plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes in the 72 plots (3 tillage x 3 cover crops x 2 crop rotations x 4 replicates) at the long-term soil health site were again sampled in 2010. Nematode populations did not differ among the tillage and the two crop rotations at this site. However, the total populations of plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes were higher in plots planted to vetch cover crop as compared to those planted to rye grain or the no cover crop (fallow) plots.<br /> <br /> PA: Anecdotal evidence suggested there may be a cause and effect relationship between field applications of humic acid, soil fertility and free-living nematode population levels. To test this hypothesis, experiments were established to evaluate the effect of humic acid on plant growth and nematode population levels in apple orchard soil, vineyard soil and in pasteurized and non-pasteurized soil in a greenhouse pot experiment. Data collected on plant growth measurements and nematode population levels have not yet been statistically analyzed.<br /> <br /> VT: A survey was conducted in Vermont to determine the frequency, abundance and distribution of nematodes associated with mixed vegetable production A total of 66 composite soil samples were collected from tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) fields on 36 vegetable farms across Vermont in spring and fall. The farmer managing each field provided data including cropping history, pest management, and crop rotations. The survey revealed the presence of plant-parasitic nematodes: Pratylenchus, Meloidogyne, Paratylenchus, Criconemoides, Heterodera, Helicotylenchus and Hoplolaimus in Vermont vegetable fields. Among them, lesion nematode was encountered most frequently, with positive detection of 97% of the fields sampled. Half of vegetable fields were heavily infested by lesion nematodes at the end of the growing season. <br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 3 <br /> <br /> CT, NY, VT: The 10th and final Train-the-Trainer workshop on the diagnosis, on-farm assessment and management of plant-parasitic nematodes was held on November 19, 2009 in Portland, NY. These workshops were funded by NE-SARE program and were conducted in collaboration with Jim LaMondia (CT. Exp. Sta.), Debra Neher (Univ. of VT) and Beth Gugino (The Penn. State Univ.). A follow-up survey with all participants to assess the impact of the training provided with the 10 workshops conducted throughout the NE region over the duration of the project is in the last stages of completion. <br /> <br /> Milestones Accomplished<br /> (From 2010 List)<br /> <br /> " Cover and rotational crops and green manures appropriate for each states research efforts will be identified and screened against target nematodes.<br /> " Continue screening of vegetable germplasm (carrot, onion, pepper, tomato) for resistance to Meloidogyne spp, including M. hapla.<br /> " Brassica species and cultivars that differ in glucosinolate content and type will be grown, harvested and pressed to produce seed meals.<br /> " Vermont plant-parasitic nematodes on vegetable surveyed<br />

Publications

Abawi, George S., John W. Ludwig, and Beth K. Gugino. 2010. The Cornell soil health assessment protocol and the connections between soil health and root health. Pp. 206  207. Proceedings, Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Convention, Feb. 2-4, 2010, Hershey, PA.<br /> <br /> Bao, Y., Neher, D. A., and Chen, S. Y. 2009. Effect of biocides and soil disturbance on nematode community and extracellular enzyme activity in soybean cyst nematode suppressive soil. Journal of Nematology 41:306-307. (Abstr.)<br /> <br /> Bao, Y., Vetsch, J., Chen, S., and Randall, G. 2010. Manure and chemical fertilizer effect on soybean cyst nematode, nematode community, and soybean yield in SCN-suppressive and conducive soils. Journal of Neamtology 42:in press. (Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Bird, G, B. Kudwa, D. Sullivan, L. Wernette and M. Otto. 2010. Michigan Metam Sodium Atmospheric Emission Study. Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Potato Association of America. Corvallis, Oregon.<br /> <br /> Brown-Rytewski, D., G. Bird, F. Warner and K. Barnett. 2010. Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) Management. Michigan Soybean News Vol. 1(3):14-21.<br /> <br /> Conner, K. N. and R. N. Huettel. 2010. Molecular fingerprinting to monitor nematode populations in agronomic soils. J. Nematology. 41: 320 (abstract) <br /> <br /> Conner, K. N. and R. N. Huettel. 2010. DGGE fingerprinting to monitor nematode populations in a peanut rotation system. J. Nematology (in press)<br /> <br /> Conner, K. N. and R. N. Huettel. 2010. DGGE fingerprinting of nematode community structure under peanut rotation systems. J. Nematology. (submitted)<br /> <br /> Deimi, A. M. and N. A. Mitkowski. 2010. Nematodes associated with vineyards throughout Markazi Province (Arak), Iran. Australasian Plant Pathology 39(6) 571577. doi:10.1071/AP10044<br /> <br /> Fery, R.L., Thies, J.A. 2009. Notice of Release of `Truhart-NR-, a Root-knot Nematode Resistant, Pimento-type Pepper. Germplasm Release. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Washington, D.C. 20350, October 20, 2009.<br /> <br /> Fery, R.L., Thies, J.A. 2009. Notice of Release of PA-560, a Root-knot Nematode Resistant, Yellow-fruited, Habanero-type Pepper. Germplasm Release. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Washington, D.C. 20350, October 20, 2009.<br /> <br /> Fery, R.L., Thies, J.A. 2010. PA-559, a Root-knot Nematode Resistant, Red-fruited, Habanero-type Pepper. HortScience 45(5):822-823.<br /> <br /> Fuchs, M., G.S. Abawi, P. Marsella-Herrick, R. Cox, K.D. Cox, J.E. Carroll, and R.R. Martin. 2010. Occurrence of tomato ringspot virus and tobacco ringspot virus in highbush blueberry in New York State. J. of Plant Pathology 92:451-459.<br /> <br /> Grigar, J., D. Bromeimier, J. Sova, S. Moore and G. Bird. 2010. Soil Quality Enhancement of Northern Michigan Tree Fruit Production and Seed Potatoes Using Compost and Pacific Gold Oriental Mustard Cover Crop. Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Agronomy Society. San Diego.<br /> <br /> Harrison Jr., H.F., Fery, R.L., Thies, J.A., Smith, J.P. 2010. Notice of Release of US-1136, US-1137, and US-1138 Cowpea Germplasm Lines with Potential For Use As A Cover Crop. Germplasm Release. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Washington, D.C. 20350, January 4, 2010.<br /> <br /> Jackon, D.M., J.R. Bohac, J.A. Thies, and H.F. Harrison. 2010. Charleston Scarlet sweetpotato. HortScience 45(2):306-309.<br /> <br /> LaMondia, J.A. 2010. Strawberry black root rot. New York Berry News 9(1): 7-15.<br /> <br /> LaMondia, J. A. and N. A. McHale. 2009. Brassica glucosinolate profiles associated with biofumigant activity against Meloidogyne hapla. Journal of Nematology 41(4):346.<br /> <br /> Levi, A., Harris-Shultz, K.R., Wechter, W.P., Kousik, C.S., Thies, J.A. 2010. DNA markers and pollen morphology reveal that Praecitrullus fistulosus is more closely related to Benincasa hispida than to Citrullus spp. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. 135:369-378.<br /> <br /> Levi, A., J.A. Thies, K. Ling, A.M. Simmons, C.S. Kousik, and R. Hassell, 2009. Genetic diversity of Lagenaria siceraria and identification of accessions useful for the development of disease and pest resistant rootstocks. Plant Genetic Resources: Characterization and Utilization (2009); 1-11 doi:10.1017/S1479262109225354<br /> <br /> Pokharel, R.R., G.S. Abawi, J.M. Duxbury, C.D. Smart, X. Wang, and J.A. Brito. 2010. Variability and the recognition of two races in Meloidogyne graminicola. Australasian Plant Pathology 39:326-333.<br /> <br /> Schumacher-Lott, L., G. Bird, J. Davenport and T. Kendle. 2010. Effects of Soybean Cyst Nematode-Resistant varieties on Field Populations of Heterodera glycines in Michigan. Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Society of Nematologists. Boise, Idaho.<br /> <br /> Stewart, C., C. Hoepting, and G.S. Abawi. 2010. Managing the bloat nematode in garlic. Veg Edge 6 (10): 3-4. Cornell University Cooperative Extension, Cornell Vegetable Program, Ithaca, NY.<br /> <br /> Thies, J.A., and J. J. Ariss. 2009. Comparison between the N and Me3 genes conferring resistance to the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in genetically different pepper lines (Capsicum annuum). European Journal of Plant Pathology 125:545-550. DOI 10.1007/s10658-009-9502-7<br /> <br /> Wernette, L., G. W. Bird and J, Davenport.2010. corky Ring Spot Disease of Potato Control Research. Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Potato Association of America. Corvallis, Oregon.<br /> <br /> Wernette, L., G. W. Bird, W. Kirk and J. Davenport. 2010. Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Society of Nematologists. Boise, Idaho.<br /> <br /> Wick, R. L. and Babineau, D. Evaluation of thiophanate methyl and iprodione for controlling lance nematode in golf greens 2009. Plant Disease Management Reports (online). Report 4: T044. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN. <br /> <br /> Wick, R. L. and Babineau, D. Evaluation of DiTera for controlling lance nematode in golf greens 2009. Plant Disease Management Reports (online). Report 4: N028. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN. <br /> <br /> Wilson, L. 2010. Getting to Know an MSU Researcher. Michigan Soybean News Vol. 2(40:4-5)<br /> <br /> Zasada, I.A., S.L.F. Meyer and M.J. Morra. Brassicaceous seed meals as soil amendments to suppress the plant-parasitic nematodes Pratylenchus penetrans and Meloidogyne incognita. Journal of Nematology 41: 221-227. 2009. <br />

Impact Statements

1. T: Growers are currently using Brassica species for green manure biofumigation of dagger nematodes. The advanced strawberry line with tolerance to black root rot, non-preference to black vine weevil, and exceptional fruit characteristics is being patented, to be used by growers to combat these pests and reduce pesticide usage.
2. CT, NY, VT: Increased knowledge of stakeholders with the multiple effects of production practices on nematode population and soil health in general will be used as a decision tool in the implementation of sustainable soil health management strategies that are also suppressive to nematodes.
3. FL: Identification of nematode suppressive soils will aid producers with options in the management of their nematode diseases. Characterizing the utility of tomato cultivars that are root-knot nematode resistant will provide producers with alternative options to use of chemical nematicides for managing nematode diseases.
4. MD: This research is valuable for determining optimal uses of seed meal amendments for managing plant-parasitic nematodes without toxicity to crop plants.
5. MI: Michigan soybean growers use SCN resistant varieties and are becoming aware of SDS. Many test for SCN. They are also beginning to ask questions about the aggressiveness of their SCN populations and beginning to use the HG Type test or the truncated SCN Type Test.
6. MN: This study will add our knowledge of ecology of nematode-suppressive soil, which will help develop long-term effective strategies for the soybean cyst nematode management, and enhance crop productivity in the Midwest.
7. NY: Determination of the reaction of commercial crop varieties to the prevalent plant-parasitic nematodes and also the suppressive ability of locally adopted cover crops will contribute to the development of effective crop rotations and IPM programs. Increased knowledge of stakeholders with the multiple effects of production practices on nematode population and soil health in general will be used as a decision tool in the implementation of sustainable soil health management strategies that are also suppressive to nematodes.
8. SC: The release of three cover crop cowpea germplasm lines with weed-suppressiveness and resistance to root-knot nematodes will be useful to scientists and growers in the development of sustainable vegetable production systems. The development of a root-knot nematode resistant yellow-fruited habanero germplasm line, PA-560 and a RKN resistant pimento-type pepper cultivar, Truhart-NR, will aid commercial and public breeders in developing root-knot nematode resistant cultivars.
9. TN: Selections of C. berlandieri, along with epazote, have promise as amendments for organic management of root-knot nematode as an alternate approach to pesticide use.

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Report Information

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

NE-1040 2011 Annual Meeting Minutes

Project Title: Plant-Parasitic Nematode Management as a Component of Sustainable Soil Health Programs in Horticultural and Field Crop Production Systems

Administrative Advisor:
Magnarelli, Louis (Louis.Magnarelli@po.state.ct.us)  Connecticut Agric. Exp. Station

Chair:
George Bird (birdg@msu.edu)  Michigan State University

Recording Secretary
Senyu Chen (chenx099@umn.edu)  University of Minnesota

Technical Committee Members
Abawi, George (Gsa1@nysaes.cornell.edu)  Cornell University, Geneva, NY
Bernard, Ernest (ebernard@utk.edu)  University of Tennessee
Burelle Nancy (nancy.burelle@ars.usda.gov)  USDA ARS, Fort Pierce, Florida
Dickson, Donald (dwd@ufl.edu)  University of Florida
Grewal, Parwinder (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
Melakeberhan, Haddish (melakebe@msu.edu) - Michigan State University
Mitkowski, Nathaniel (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

Meeting Location and Date: Burlington, Vermont, October 10-11, 2011

Meeting attendants:

Members: George Abawi, Ernest Bermard, George Bird, Senyu Chen, Don Dickson, Parwinder Grewal, John Halbrendt, Jim LaMondia, Louis Magnarelli, Haddish Melakeberhan, Nathaniel Mitkowski, Deborah Neher, James Preston.

Other attendants: Tharshani Nishanthan, and Jie Zhao  Graduate students, Univ. VT.

Monday, October 10, 2011
The meeting was started at 8:15 a.m. in the conference room in the Department of Plant and Soil Science, University of Vermont.
Deb Neher, the meeting host, welcomed the group, and announced local arrangements.

Tom Vogelmann, Dean of UVM College of Agriculture and Life Science, welcomed the meeting attendants, and introduced the college.

The meeting was called to order by Chair George Bird. The minutes of last year meeting were reviewed and there were no changes. George requested that the state written reports be submitted to him within a week.

Louis Magnarelli, administrative advisor, discussed issues related to funding in federal agencies and regional levels. He announced that the deadline for submitting the project report is Dec 11, 2011. The report should be concise including key results, and mile stones. This is a 7-year project, and mid-term will be 3.5 years. We may need to consider a mid-term report at next years meeting.

It was announced that Michigan AgBioResearch (formerly Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station) is in the process of appointing Haddish Melakeberhan to NE-1040, and that Robin Huettel has retired from her position at Auburn University.1

George Bird reviewed the project objectives and milestones before the state reports began.

State reports were presented by the following presenters: Jim LaMondia (CT), Tharshani Nishanthan (VT), Senyu Chen (MN), John Halbrendt (PA), George Abawi (NY), Don Dickson (FL), Jim Preston (FL), Haddish Melakeberhan (MI) and Nathaniel Mitkowski (RI).

During the afternoon break, the group visited Deb Nehers new laboratory, department and greenhouse facilities.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

The final three state reports were presented by Ernest Bernard (TN), Parwinder Grewal (OH), and George Bird (MI).

The business meeting was called to order by George Bird. George put forward a resolution to thank Deb Neher for the excellent local arrangements and the resolution was agreed to by all meeting members. Ernest Bernard invited NE-1040 to have the next annual meeting in Knoxville, TN. George Abawi also expressed willingness to host a meeting in Geneva, NY in near future. Both invitations were accepted and the meeting site for 2012 will be in Knoxville and 2013 in Geneva.

Following the business meeting, there was an open discussion on general nematology issues for about 20 minutes before the meeting adjourned at 10:50 a.m.

__________________________________________
1Subsequent to the meeting, it was determined that Dr. Melakeberhans appointment to NE-1040 was approved on April 13, 2011.

Accomplishments

Objective 1: Develop effective and economically-viable cultural management tactics for plant-parasitic nematodes based on host resistance, nematode antagonistic rotation or cover crops, soil amendments and biological agents.<br /> <br /> Biological Control. - A new species of Pasteuria, Candidatus Pasteuria aldrichii, propagated in the bacterivore Bursilla RGD244, was identified (FL). Based on sequences of genes encoding 16S rRNA, this Pasteuria sp. is closely related to P. penetrans and other species associated with phytoparasitic nematodes. The cultivation of P. aldrichii in Bursilla RGD244 on a single bacterial species with a sequenced genome should allow the application of established high-throughput sequencing systems to provide the first genome sequence to be obtained for a species of Pasteuria. This sequence may in turn provide a template for deciphering sequences from Pasteuria with biocontrol potentials that are often contaminated with genes from other soil bacteria (FL). Pasteuria spp. associated with H. glycines and H. schachtii were detected for the first time in MI. In a 2010 soybean field trial in MI, seed treatment with Bacillus firmus did not enhance yield or reduce population densities of H. glycines under very high initial population densities of H. glycines and Fusarium viguliforme. <br /> <br /> Cover Crops. - A collaborative (NY, PA, CT) project was initiated in 2009 to assess the efficacy of nine cover crops (rye grain/hairy vetch, oats, sudax, forage radish, red clover, rapeseed, buckwheat, and wheat) in suppressing root pathogens and improving soil health and vegetable crop yield in research and on-farm trials under four management systems (conventional, organic, present integrated pest management (IPM) and future IPM). The research sites had different management histories and varied levels of pathogen pressure, free-living nematodes and soil quality. Due to the use of grain, population densities of lesion nematodes were highest in the future IPM system. Almost no lesion nematodes were detected in the organic system, suggesting a suppressive soil. In contrast, population densities of root-knot nematodes were highest in the present IPM and organic systems, compared to the future IPM and conventional systems. Populations of beneficial nematodes were lowest and highest in the organic and present IPM systems, respectively. Grain crops and rapeseed reduced root-knot nematode population densities; whereas, red clover, radish and rye/hairy vetch increased the populations. All cover crops increased the population densities of Pratylenchus spp., especially sudax, oats, wheat and the rye/hairy vetch and fallow systems. Several Pratylenchus spp. weed hosts were associated with the fallow treatment. The rye/hairy vetch, oat, wheat and sudax supported the highest population densities of free-living nematodes.<br /> <br /> Canadian forage pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) hybrid 101 is a suppressive rotation crop for Pratylenchus spp. It is not yet commercially available in the United States. Other millet cultivars were evaluated for host status of P. penetrans in field microplots and compared them to bare fallow, tomato and a rye/vetch mix (CT). The rye/vetch mixture resulted in higher populations of P. penetrans than all other treatments. The lowest nematode populations were observed in hybrid 101, hybrid III and cattail millet plots. The experiment was repeated in different microplots in 2010. P. penetrans population densities associated with all millet types were significantly lower than from tomato, but not different from each other. Tuber yields were lower for rye/vetch than for Pearl millet 101, Tifgrain 102, hybrid pearl millet III, and several other treatments.<br /> <br /> Resistance. - Twelve varieties of Lactuca sativa with potential resistance to root-knot nematode were tested for susceptibility to M. hapla (RI). In previous studies, the same varieties were tested against M. incognita but have shown very different reactions to M. hapla infection. Red Orient was confirmed as being resistant to M. hapla but was moderately susceptible to M. incognita. Long-term turfgrass plots for evaluating varietal resistance in creeping bentgrass were established in 2011. Advanced sweetpotato breeding lines from USDA Charleston, North Carolina State University, and Louisiana State University were evaluated for resistance to M. incognita (USDA/ARS/South Carolina). Sweetpotato seedlings from the USDA breeding program were screened for resistance to root-knot nematodes in efforts to develop root-knot nematode resistant sweetpotato varieties. Advanced pepper germplasm lines were screened for resistance to M. hapla and resistant plants were selected for development of homozygous resistant lines. Advanced southernpea (cowpea) breeding lines from Louisiana State University, University of Arkansas, and Texas A&M University were evaluated for resistance to M. incognita. Advanced wild watermelon rootstock lines developed by USDA-SC were evaluated as rootstocks for seedless watermelon in root-knot nematode infested fields. Wild watermelon rootstock lines exhibited resistance to M. incognita and produced higher yields than watermelon grafted on commercial bottle gourd and squash hybrid rootstocks, which were highly susceptible. A new root-knot nematode germplasm was released as Fery, R.L. and J.A. Thies (Notice of release of PA-566, New root-knot nematode germplasm , pimento-type pepper. USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Washington, D.C. Cultivar Release, April 30, 2010).<br /> <br /> In cooperation with R. Cowles of CAES, CT conducted field assessment of strawberry cultivars over three years for yield, vigor, black root rot (Rhizoctonia fragariae and P. penetrans) and tolerance to black root rot, as well as leaf-feeding preference bioassays to identify tolerance to black vine weevil (BVW). Primetime and Lester exhibited resistance or tolerance to black root rot and non-preference to BVW in feeding preference trials. Idea was moderately susceptible to root rot, but produced a large, vigorous root system. Progeny of crosses made between Primetime, Lester, Allstar, Delmarvel, and Idea were selected for resistance or tolerance to black root rot in greenhouse pots and in the field in infested soils as well as low preference in BVW feeding trials. Progeny were screened for fruit yield, size, and flavor. Selection over three years reduced the progeny population from more than 4,000 genotypes to a few elite clones with promising horticultural characteristics, tolerance to black root rot, and low feeding preference by BVW. The results demonstrated that sufficient variation exists in certain octoploid parents to develop effective resistant/tolerant lines. Because of differences in disease reactions between greenhouse evaluations of juvenile plants and field evaluations on mature plants, evaluations in the field are essential for selecting for black root rot tolerance. Breeding line IP-5 has exceptional fruit quality and has been named Rubicon. A plant patent has been submitted.<br /> <br /> Research was initiated on the susceptibility of grafted tomato to Meloidogyne incognita (TN). In the first replicated greenhouse experiment, galling on 11 potential rootstocks, 3 potential scions, and a check cultivar (Rutgers) was evaluated 90 days after inoculation of seedlings with the aid of the Zeck rating scale. During the growth period, all plants of most selections exhibited foliar symptoms similar to herbicide damage, but all plants of 3 rootstocks (Emperador, ResiStar, Maxifort) were normal. The damage likely was caused by unauthorized use of herbicides around the greenhouse or by unusually high greenhouse temperatures during a record-hot summer affecting plant chemistry. Most rootstock selections had little or no galling, but 4 (Emperador, Vigostar 10) had average gall ratings above 3. Two scions (Brandywine, Mountain Fresh) and Rutgers had gall ratings of 6 or higher. Because greenhouse heat may have affected nematode survival, all of the rootstocks will be retested to confirm resistance or susceptibility. <br /> <br /> In field trials in MI, the two Heterodera schachtii resistant varieties (BTS18RR4N and BTS19RR1N) available to MI sugar beet growers in 2010 yielded 4.2 and 4.1 tons per acre more, respectively, than a H. schachtii susceptible control (SX1260RR). In a 2010 field trial at a MI site with high soil population densities of both Heterodera glycines and Fusarium viguliforme, a PI 88788 x PI 548402 soybean variety yielded 39.94 bu/acre more than the susceptible control. <br /> <br /> Crop Rotation. - In Minnesota, a four-year field experiment was initiated in 2009 at two locations in southern Minnesota to study the effects of rotation with non-host crop and resistant soybean, and tillage on soil suppressiveness to the soybean cyst nematode (SCN). In 2010-2011, the biocide formaldehyde treatment of soil in the field plots reduced the fungal parasitism of the SCN second-stage juveniles at planting and increased midseason SCN egg population density. <br /> <br /> CT and NY cooperatively conducted research to evaluate the effects of certain rotation crops on Pratylenchus spp. and bean root rot in micro-plots. Crops were grown in 2009 and followed by Caprice beans in 2010. Rotation crops consisted of fallow, hairy vetch, radish, Tifgrain 102 millet, Rangi rapeseed, Red Clover, LA 604 oats, buckwheat, and sorghosudangrass. In 2010, tillage radish and Rangi rapeseed had the highest shoot and root weights and radish, then rapeseed, sorghosudangrass and millet had the lowest root rot ratings. In 2011, radish again had the highest shoot, root and bean yield. <br /> <br /> Soil Amendments. - Brassica spp. produce a broad range of glucosinolates (GSLs) that decompose into toxic metabolites that can be utilized in biofumigation for nematode management (CT). Seeds of these species make a number of minor GSLs, but typically produce one predominant type. Reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography was used to characterized predominant GSL types. Bioassays were used to determine which GSLs are most toxic to northern root knot nematode (Meloidogyne hapla). The predominant GSLs tested from plant seed sources were: progoitrin (Brassica napus Dwarf Essex, Sterling), sinigrin (B. juncea Pacific Gold and Brassica nigra), 4-methylsulfinylbutyl (B. oleracea Calabrese), not identified (Camelina sativa), epiprogoitrin (Crambe abyssinica Meyer), 4-methylthiobutyl (Eruca sativa), and sinalbin (Sinapis alba Ida Gold). Exposure to glucosinolates caused mortality of M. hapla. Researchers have demonstrated that growing brassica cover crops alters soil nematode communities, and that biofumigation with brassica meals disrupts biological control by insect-pathogenic nematodes. Seed meal bioassays were used to further determine the effects of exposure to glucosinolates to both M. hapla and Caenorhabditis elegans. Seeds of test plants were frozen, ground in a mortar and pestle, and mixed with water to result in rates of: 2.5, 0.5, 0.25, 0.1, 0.02 or 0 g seed per L soil. Vials were capped and incubated at 21 C. After 48 hr, vial contents were poured into counting dishes and nematodes were scored as viable or non-viable, and counted. There were no differences in survival of either nematode at 0.25 or 0.02 g meal per liter water. At 0.1 g meal per liter, C. elegans was generally more affected than M. hapla, however, there were significant differences in survival between the two nematodes for different meals. For example, one of the highest levels of survival of C. elegans occurred with Pacific Gold, which has consistently been the most effective meal for biofumigation management of M. hapla. This may indicate that targeting plant parasitic nematodes does not necessarily mean that free-living nematodes will be affected.<br /> <br /> A two-year demonstration of compost for management of plant pathogens and weed seeds was conducted in partnership with Highfields Center for Composting. On-farm field trials were conducted at Intervale Community Farm (Burlington, Vermont) and Riverside Farm (East Hardwick, Vermont) on mixed vegetables. Compost treatments included manure (not to recipe), recipe with hay, recipe with softwood, recipe with hardwood, non-composted rice hulls and bare soil. Incidence and severity of early blight disease was monitored throughout the growing season. Compost made to recipe and reaching target temperatures killed both giant crab grass seed and the Alternaria, early blight pathogen on brassica crops. Kill was more complete in mesh than solid plastic bags indicating that a combination of microbes and heat are responsible. Kill was achieved after reaching NOFA-Vermont standards for making compost and remained through final stages of the thermophilic and curing phases of compost production. Microbial communities started the composting process with a relative dominance of species that produced hydrolytic and urease as extracellular enzymes and were followed successionally by an increase in production of oxidative enzymes. In the field trials, disease incidence and severity increased as the season progressed at both farms. The study was terminated at the Intervale Farm at the end of August due to flooding by tropical storm Irene. Post-Irene, the severity and incidence of disease at Riverside Farm increased exponentially. No clear patterns of the impact of compost recipe at Intervale. At Riverside, there was a trend that hardwood compost suppressed disease severity and reduced splash of pathogen spores more than the other compost recipes or controls. There was no difference observed between the two types of controls, so we conclude that the physical barrier of compost made less difference than the microbial composition of the material. <br /> <br /> Field experiments were conducted in 2009 and 2010 to determine the effects of manure and PK fertilizers on soybean and corn yields, the soybean cyst nematode (SCN), nematode community, soil food web, and associated soil properties in an SCN-suppressive field and an SCN-conducive field in Minnesota. Manure did not affect SCN egg population density, but resulted in lower SCN second-stage juvenile population density in the SCN-suppressive soil at 45 days after planting (DAP) in 2009. Manure also reduced spiral nematodes at 45 DAP. PK increased SCN egg population density in 2010. Increase of soybean yield by fertilizers was observed in the SCN-conducive soil but not in SCN-suppressive soil, and manure was more effective than PK. The fertilizer effect on yield was greater for SCN-susceptible soybean than resistant soybean; yield difference between the SCN-susceptible soybean and resistant soybean was greater in no-fertilizer treatment than PK and manure treatments. Corn yield was greater when treated with manure than the PK and no-fertilizer. <br /> <br /> Mustard seed meals, a byproduct of the biodiesel industry, are applied to agricultural fields as fertilizers and pesticides. Consequently, methods are being developed to optimize use of these amendments for suppressing plant-parasitic nematode populations. Seed meals made from different plant species vary in chemistry, so seed meal combinations have potential for a wider range of activity against pathogens and pests than seed meal amendments derived from one plant species. Seed meals from Brassica juncea and Sinapis alba were tested in the greenhouse for effects on pepper plant vigor and on populations of root-knot nematodes; a seed meal combination was as effective as an individual seed meal for improving plant vigor and suppressing nematode populations (USDA/ARS/Beltsville). In MI, scalable models were developed to identify what soil amendments work at site-specific locations and how they work at these locations.<br /> <br /> Objective 2: Evaluate cultural management procedures for plant-parasitic nematodes in relation to their impacts on the sustainability of soil health: with special research to the utility of nematode community structure as an indicator of overall soil quality and their roles in plant nutrient cycling.<br /> <br /> Nematode Community Structure Analysis. - Application of manure reduced the percentage of plant-parasitic and fungal-feeding nematodes, and increased bacterial-feeding nematodes (MN). The nematode guild of Ba1 responded to manure dramatically and immediately. The higher values in Dominance and EI, and the lower values in Diversity, MI, FFB, and CI occurred when manure was applied in both SCN-conducive and suppressive soils. Manure increased the nitrate, ammonium, and zinc levels in soil; and the PK increased phosphorus. This study suggests that improvement of soil fertility with application of manure and PK is a useful strategy to alleviate the SCN damage. Assessment of nematode community structure continued in 2011 at the 14 acre long-term Soil Health Site at the Gates Farm near Geneva, NY. <br /> <br /> As urban agriculture is gaining momentum, NE-1040 work in OH is focused on urban soil quality assessment. Nematode community structure analysis is used as a surrogate for soil food web health and quality. With this procedure, soil food web health and quality varies tremendously in the urban landscapes and the soil nematode food web appears to be highly enriched indicating abundance of nutrients, but is less structured indicating disturbance. Compared to the urban core, soil food webs are more disturbed on the urban fringe indicating the effect of recent development activities. There is greater un-coupling of the soil food web and nutrient cycling process with proximity to the road indicating anthropogenic impact such as chemical contamination from road salts and vehicle emissions. <br /> <br /> Cultural Management. - Use of engineered charcoal (biochar) in soil is gaining attraction as a soil amendment that may improve crop yield. Little is known, however, about the relationships between charcoal structure and its biological function in soil. Due to its high surface area and microporosity, charcoal is a potent adsorbent of organic compounds, with the potential of reducing bioavailability of signaling compounds. Disruption of host recognition by adsorption of root exudate chemicals by charcoal would result in cyst nematodes staying dormant and not hatching or infecting roots, resulting in the avoidance of significant damage and nematode reproduction and population increase. Cyst nematode hatch was reduced by 50% in the presence of both root-diffusates and biochar. Biochar dramatically reduced cyst nematode hatch stimulation to levels similar to the 100-fold dilution of root diffusates in the absence of biochar when root diffusates were perculated through soil with 10% biochar and measuring hatch stimulation by full strength, or 10 and 100-fold dilutions over a period of weeks.<br /> <br /> In MI, it was shown that the diversity of crops such as carrots, celery, onions, peas and potatoes that are susceptible to plant parasitic nematodes, such as Pratylenchus spp. Meloidogyne hapla and Ditylenchus spp., mandates that the quantification and documentation are an integral component of soil health management under pesticide-intensive or less-intensive production systems.<br /> <br /> Cultural management procedures for plant-parasitic nematodes were evaluated in PA in relation to their impacts on the sustainability of soil health: with special reference to the utility of nematode community structure as an indicator of overall soil quality and their roles in plant nutrient cycling. Humic acid is a fundamental component of healthy soil and the concentration of humic acid is linked to organic matter and biological activity. Soil samples from fields supplied with exogenous applications of humic acid indicated a concomitant increase in free-living nematode populations. Based on these observations, experiments were designed to determine if there may be a cause and effect relationship between field applications of humic acid, soil fertility and free-living nematode population levels. The effect of humic acid applications on plant growth and nematode population levels were compared to untreated plots in both a vineyard and an apple orchard. Plant growth measurements showed no significant differences between treated and untreated plots after one season. There were also no significant differences in the numbers of plant-parasitic nematodes between treated and untreated plots. The free-living nematode population however was 23% greater in the humic acid treated plots at the end of the season than in the untreated plots. These results suggest humic acid may stimulate microbial activity leading to a subsequent increase in bacterial and fungal feeding nematode populations. <br /> <br /> Plant-parasitic nematodes continue to result in decline of turfgrass health in golf greens as evident by 172 composite soil samples assayed during the 2011 growing season. The loss of fenamiphos and the lack of efficacious, commercially-available alternatives leave golf course superintendents with no control measures. Cultural practices that increase root development are helpful, as is raising the height of cut. While these practices do not reduce nematode populations, they allow the grass to tolerate nematode feeding. During 2011, ActinoGrow (Streptomyces lydicus), Azatrol (azadirachtin) and a proprietary product were tested on golf greens. The results indicated that there are no commercially-available products that are effective (MA). <br /> <br /> In MI, soil pH was identified as the driving factor associated with cherry tree decline. Scalable models were developed to identify what soil amendments work at site-specific locations and how they work at these locations. A Ditylenchus dipsaci of NY garlic was conducted in cooperation with the Garlic Seed Foundation. Cotton and sunflower seedlings were grown in Mega germination bags and root systems were inoculated with freshly hatched M. incognita juveniles (TN). After gall initiation, plants were moved to a private facility and planted in an X-ray-transparent substrate. Root systems were periodically and non-destructively X-rayed to observe root architecture, root growth and gall development. Gall enlargement was successfully observed over a 27-day period. Nematodes successfully developed to the female stage and produced egg masses by 30 days after inoculation. <br /> <br /> Objective 3: Provide educational materials and programs on cultural management of plant-parasitic nematodes based on host resistance, nematode antagonistic rotation or cover crops, soil amendments and biological agents. <br /> <br /> The results of the NY survey for Ditylenchus dipsaci were made available to garlic growers through the Garlic Seed Foundation and two Extension publications. MA and RI presented a seminar at the New England Turf Grass Management Conference to 300 golf course superintendents that included a substantial amount of material regarding chemical and cultural nematode control practices and other related techniques to improve turf and soil quality. Nematode and soil ecology information from NE 1040 was included in 20 potato/sugar beet/soybean grower education meetings in MI in 2011. The results of a 2010 Heterodera glycines survey of MI and a Field Guide for soil fumigant management plans were developed and made available to the agricultural community in 2011. An additional number of invited soil quality presentations were given in the North Central region during 2011. The MI component of NE-1040 also had international soil quality education outreach in 2011 in Montenegro and Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan). <br /> <br /> Milestones Accomplished<br /> <br /> All nine of the 2010 Milesones described in the original NE-1040 project description were achieved.<br /> <br /> Seven of the eight 2011 Milestones described in the original NE-1040 project description were achieved. Progress in relation to the CT/NY/PA development of M. hapla- resistant pepper varieties needs to be evaluated.<br />

Publications

Abawi, G. W., K. Moktan, C. Stewart, C. Hoepting and R. Hadad. 2011. Occurrence and damage of the bloat nematode to garlic in New York. Proc. 2011 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nematologists (Abstr) p. 42.<br /> <br /> Abawi, G. W. and K. Moktan. 2011. Bloat nematode problem on garlic: symptoms, distribution and management guidelines. The Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo Proceedings. Syracuse, N.Y. 4 pp.<br /> <br /> Abawi, G. S., C. H. Petzoldt, B. K. Gugino, and J. A. LaMondia. 2011. Prioritizing cover crops for improving root-health and yield of vegetables in the Northeast. Phytopathology in press.<br /> <br /> Bao, Y., D. A. Neher, and S. Y. Chen. 2011. Effect of biocides and soil disturbance on nematode community and extracellular enzyme activity in soybean cyst nematode suppressive soil. Nematology 13:687-699.<br /> <br /> Bao, Y., J. Vetsch, S. Chen, and G. Randall. 2011. Manure and chemical fertilizer effect on soybean cyst nematode, nematode community, and crop yield in SCN-suppressive and conducive soils. Abstracts of Society of Nematologists Annual Meeting 48.<br /> <br /> Bao, Y., and Neher, D.A. 2011. Survey of lesion and northern root-knot nematodes associated with vegetables in Vermont. Nematropica 41: 98-106.<br /> <br /> Bird, G. W. 2011. Relationship between genetic diversity and primary productivity: A Heterodera glycines case study. Proceedings of the 2011 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nematologists. (Abstr.). p. 53.<br /> <br /> Fery, R.L. and J.A. Thies. 2011. PA-566, a root-knot nematode resistant, pimento-type pepper. HortScience 46(4):668-669.<br /> <br /> Fery, R.L. and J.A. Thies. 2011. Truhart-NR, a root-knot nematode resistant, pimento-type pepper. HortScience 46(5):815-816. <br /> <br /> Fery, R.L. and J.A. Thies. 2011. PA-560, a southern root-knot nematode resistant, yellow-fruited, habanero-type pepper. HortScience 46(6):647-947. <br /> <br /> Giblin-Davis, R. M., G. Nong, J. F. Preston, D. S. Williams, B. J. Center, J. A. Brito and D. W. Dickson. 2011. Candidatus Pasteuria aldrichii sp. nov., an obligate parasite of the bacterivorous nematode, Bursilla sp. int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol. 61:2073-2080.<br /> <br /> Grewal, S. S., Cheng, Z., Wolboldt, M., Masih, S., Knight, A., Huda, M. & Grewal, P. S. 2011. An assessment of soil nematode food webs and nutrient pools in community gardens and vacant lots in two post-industrial American cities. Urban Ecosystems 14, 181-190. DOI: 10.1007/s11252-010-0146-3.<br /> <br /> Halbrendt, J. Evaluating the Benefits of Humates in Tree Fruit Production. Pennsylvania Fruit News. February 2011 vol.1 pages 33-37. <br /> <br /> Jackson, D.M., H.F. Harrison, J.A. Thies, J.R. Bohac, and J.D. Mueller. 2011. Liberty dry-fleshed sweetpotato. HortScience 46 (1):125-129.<br /> <br /> Kaur, P. and Mitkowski, N.A. 2011. Evaluation of Lactuca germplasm for resistance to the northern root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne hapla Chitwood). International Journal of Vegetable Science 17:26-36.<br /> <br /> Kikkert, J. R., and G. W. Abawi. 2011. Major Plant-parasitic nematodes. Legume ipmPIPE diagnostic pocket series, http://legume,ipmpipe.org.<br /> <br /> LaMondia, J. A. 2011. Plant parasitic nematodes in irrigation water. Pp ## - ## In Biology, Detection and Management of Plant Pathogens in Irrigation Water.<br /> <br /> LaMondia, J.A. 2011. Strawberry root problems. New York Berry News 10(2): 19-20. <br /> <br /> LaMondia, J. A. and J. M. Halbrendt. 2010. Rotation and green manure crops for management of lesion and dagger nematodes. Journal of Nematology 42:251.<br /> <br /> LaMondia, J. A. and R. S. Cowles. 2010. Evaluation of strawberry breeding lines for tolerance to black root rot and black vine weevil feeding. Phytopathology 100(6S):195.<br /> <br /> Levi, A., J.A. Thies, A.M. Simmons, H.F. Harrison, R. Hassell, and A.P. Keinath. 2011. USVL-220, a novel watermelon breeding line. HortScience 46 (1):135138. <br /> <br /> Melakeberhan, H. 2011. Strategic challenges to and opportunities for managing all nematodes and soil health: 1) Concepts. Vegetable Growers News, May 20.<br /> <br /> Meyer, S. L. F., Halbrendt, J. M., Carta, L. K., Skantar, A. M., Liu, T., Abdelnabby, H. M. E., and Vinyard, B. T. 2009. Toxicity of 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG) to plant-parasitic and bacterial-feeding nematodes. Journal of Nematology 41 (4):274-280.<br /> <br /> Nyczepir, A. P., and Meyer, S. L. F. 2010. Host status of endophyte-infected and noninfected tall fescue grass to Meloidogyne spp. Journal of Nematology 42 (2):151-158. <br /> <br /> Pajovic, I, G. W. Bird, A Diop, N. Perovic, M. Radulovic, B. Morgan and J. Scrimger. 2011. Compost, soil quality, nematodes and greenhouse vegetable production. University of Montenegro , Montenegro Phytosanitary Directorate. 2 pp. <br /> <br /> Pajovic, I and G. W. Bird. 2011. Root-knot nematode problems in vegetable greenhouses in Montenegro. University of Montenegro , Montenegro Phytosanitary Directorate. 2 pp. <br /> <br /> Park, S., Cheng, Z., McSpadden Gardener, B. B. & Grewal, P. S. 2010. Are nematodes effective bioindicators of soil conditions and processes along distance from roads and age of development in urban areas? Journal of Environmental Indicators 5, 28-47. <br /> <br /> Park, S., Cheng, Z., Yang, H., Morris, E. E., Sutherland, M., McSpadden Gardener, B. B. & Grewal, P. S. 2010. Soil chemical properties vary with distance to roads and age of urban development. Urban Ecosystems 13, 483-497. DOI: 10.1007/s11252-010-0130-y<br /> <br /> Roberts, D. P., Maul, J. E., McKenna, L. F., Emche, S. E., Meyer, S. L. F., Collins, R. T., and Bowers, J. H. 2010. Selection of genetically diverse Trichoderma spp. isolates for suppression of Phytophthora capsici on bell pepper. Canadian Journal of Microbiology 56 (10):864-873.<br /> <br /> Thies, J.A., and J. J. Ariss. 2009. Comparison between the N and Me3 genes conferring resistance to the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in genetically different pepper lines (Capsicum annuum). European Journal of Plant Pathology 125:545-550. DOI 10.1007/s10658-009-9502-7<br /> <br /> Thies, J.A., J.J. Ariss, R.L. Hassell, S. Olson, C.S. Kousik, and A. Levi. 2010. Grafting for management of southern root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, in watermelon. Plant Disease 94 (10):1195-1199. <br /> <br /> Timper, P., Davis, R. F., Webster, T. M., Brenneman, T. B., Meyer, S. L. F., Zasada, I. A., Cai, G., and Rice, C. P. 2011. Response of root-knot nematodes and Palmer amaranth to tillage and rye green manure. Agronomy Journal 103 (3):813-821.<br /> <br /> Tornel, M. Q., G. Bird and S. Gage. 2010. Impact of microwaves and water on acoustical signature of yard and kitchen refuse compost. Compost Science and Utilization 18:140-144. <br />

Impact Statements

1. The root-knot nematode resistant pimento pepper germplasm line, PA-566, was released by USDA-SC will be useful to commercial and public pepper breeders in developing root-knot nematode resistant pimento pepper cultivars.
2. The development of wild watermelon rootstocks with resistance to root-knot nematodes significantly enhanced yields of grafted seedless watermelon compared with commercial squash hybrid and bottle gourd rootstocks when grown in fields in South Carolina and Florida that were highly infested with M. incognita. These findings are highly significant for the watermelon industry and demonstrate that grafting watermelon on resistant rootstocks is a viable alternative to methyl bromide treatments in reducing soil-borne diseases and nematode damage in watermelon fields.
3. Identification of the genetic basis for host recognition, infection and propagation of Pasteuria spp. will allow selection of virulent strains for biocontrol of phytoparasitic nematodes.
4. Identification and use of rotation crops that reduce plant parasitic nematode populations will assist in development of effective nonchemical management practices. Some of these crops also have utility as biodiesel energy feedstocks.
5. Identification of nematode suppressive soils will aid producers with options for the management of plant parasitic nematodes. This will add to our knowledge of the ecology of nematode-suppressive soil, which will help develop long-term effective strategies for the H. glycines management, and enhance crop productivity in the Midwest. Many farmers in the region apply swine manure to corn and soybean fields. The effectiveness of swine manure in alleviating SCN damage will add the value to the manure application in the SCN-infested fields.
6. Results indicate that there is potential for a seed meal combination to be applied as an amendment for suppressing nematode and weed populations.
7. Evaluation of bentgrass varietal resistance to plant-parasitic nematodes is imperative in the absence of chemical nematicides. Currently, golf course superintendents should be advised not to waste time and money on products that are not efficacious.
8. Continuation of outreach activities about all types of nematode damage and their management is critical to the sustainability of soil health and a sustainable and prosperous food system.

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Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Accomplishments:<br /> Objective 1: Develop effective and economically-viable cultural management tactics for plant-parasitic nematodes based on host resistance, nematode antagonistic rotation or cover crops, soil amendments and biological agents.<br /> <br /> Biological Control. - <br /> <br /> The genome of Paenibacillus sp. JDR-2, a xylanolytic spore-forming bacterium isolated from soil, has been fully sequenced and annotated. Based upon 16S rRNA sequence, the isolate is most closely related with the entomopathogenic species P. popilliae and P. lentimorbus, and Paenibacillus sp. SdTc and Paenibacillus nematophilus, respectively ectoparasites of the entomoparasitic nematodes, Steinernema diaprepes and Heterorhabditis spp. Based upon 16S rRNA sequence, these Paenibacillus species are in clades adjacent to Pasteuria species, suggesting derivation of both clades from a common progenitor during the evolution of spore-forming bacteria. It is likely that these bacteria play a role in soil health and agricultural productivity. Differences in immune defense systems in selected inbred lines of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora were discovered in two white grub species. Bacillus firmus was evaluated for Heterodera glycines control in three NE 1040 trials in 2011 and two in 2012. In 20 trials, 14 resulted in soybean bean yield increases ranging from 0.5 to 7 bu/acre. Greenhouse trials with Pasteuria sp. were also conducted in 2012 for control of H. schachtii. <br /> <br /> Host-Plant Resistance.  <br /> <br /> The use of resistant varieties for nematode control related to small acreage specialty crops is underutilized, making the NE-1040 breeding work exceptionally important. Commercial cucurbit rootstocks, cucurbit Plant Introductions, and African horned cucumber (Cucumis metulifer) germplasm lines were evaluated as rootstocks for grafted cantaloupe in a root-knot nematode infested field. Melon and squash hybrid rootstocks were highly susceptible to root-knot. The C. metulifer lines were resistant to root-knot and were highly compatible rootstocks for grafted cantaloup. Advanced sweetpotato breeding lines and seedlings from the USDA program were screened for resistance in efforts to develop root-knot nematode resistant sweetpotato varieties. Advanced pepper germplasm lines were screened for resistance to Meloidogyne incognita, and resistant plants were selected for use in a backcross breeding program to develop resistant lines of sweet banana, sweet cherry, and Cubanelle peppers. <br /> <br /> A plant health regulator protein (Harpin) was evaluated as a seed treatment for control of H. glycines in nine trials throughout six states. Bean yield increased from 0.5 to 8 bu/acre in six of the trials. When a PI 88788 derived H. glycines resistant variety was planted in 2012 in a field trial with a very aggressive HG Type 1 nematode population, bean yields only averaged 18 bu/acre, compared to 54 bu/acre with almost no nematode reproduction with this type of resistant variety at the same site in 2010 and 2011. Under these conditions, abamectin used as a nematicide seed treatment had no impact on soybean yield or H. glycines densities. When this seed treatment was evaluated in 2011 on PI 88788 varieties in twenty trials throughout 12 north central states and Ontario bean yields increased from 0.5 to 8 bu/acre in 17 of the trials.<br /> <br /> Nematode Suppressive Soil.-<br /> <br /> A four-year field experiment was initiated in 2009 at two locations to study the effects of cultivation and/or application of crop rotation/general biocides on soil suppressiveness to Heterodera glycines. Cultivation, application of biocides, and rotation to corn all reduced soil suppression. When soybean was rotated to corn, abundance of fungivorous nematodes increased. Nematode maturity and trophic diversity indices were positively correlated with H. glycines suppressive soils. Suppression of H glycines is more closely associated with fungi than bacteria. In this trial, natural suppression of H. glycines was associated with the microbial community fostered by a combination of no-till and soybean monoculture.<br /> <br /> The ecology of H. glycines nematode-supressive soil was studied in a four-year field experiment using five crop-biocide treatments. Soil suppressiveness to SCN was determined using a greenhouse bioassay of soil collected at midseason. Overall, treatment effects on nematode suppressiveness increased from 2009 to 2011. Formaldehyde increased H. glycines egg density in 2010 and 2011. In addition, fungicide treatment resulted in greater egg density than the no-biocide control and bactericide treatments in 2011, and there was no effect of streptomycin on egg density. Autoclaving increased the nematode population density. Mixing 10% of the non-treated soil with autoclaved soil resulted in lower H. glycines egg density compared with the autoclaved soil, confirming that the suppression of nematode population was biological and could be transferred. Of the fungi isolated, 72.3% were Hirsutella rhossiliensis, 11.9% H. minnesotensis, and 15.8% other species, suggesting that Hirsutella rhossiliensis was the most important fungus in suppressing the SCN population density at the site studied.<br /> <br /> Cover Crops-Biofuel Crops. - <br /> <br /> Nine cover crop systems: 1) rye grain +hairy vetch, 2) oat, 3) sudax, 4) forage radish, 5) red clover, 6) rapeseed, 7) buckwheat, 8) wheat, and 9) a weedy fallow control were evaluated in four fields having different management histories and different levels of pathogen pressure and soil quality in relation to changes in the densities of plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes. The cover crops impacted populations of plant-parasitic M. hapla and P. penetrans and total non-plant-parasitic nematodes. Lesion nematodes were highest in the system with frequent use of grain and forage crops to improve soil quality and lowest in the organic system, regardless of the cover crop. Nematode populations were influenced by cover crops: all of the grains and rapeseed reduced populations of root-knot; whereas, red clover, radish, and rye/vetch increased populations. All cover crops, however, increased lesion nematodes; especially sudax, oats, wheat, and rye/vetch as well as the weedy fallow treatment. <br /> <br /> Very little is known about the relationships between plant parasitic nematodes and native grasses grown on marginal soils with minimal inputs for biofuel production. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) cultivars as well as big blue stem (Andropogon gerardii), coastal panic grass (Panicum amarum), and orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) were planted in 2008 with or without dairy manure compost. Relatively little plant growth occurred until 2011. In the fall of 2011, there were no differences among the grasses in population densities of Xiphinema, Pratylenchus, or Mononchus. Compost had no significant effect on yields or nematode densities. Yields of grasses were negatively correlated (P = 0.02) with densities of Helicotylenchus spp. <br /> <br /> Soil Amendments- Foliar Treatments.  <br /> <br /> Two field sites, corn and soybean, were used in 2011 to study effects of swine manure, chemical fertilizer, and tillage on plant-parasitic nematodes, nematode community, and soybean/ corn yields. There were no effects of fertilizer or nematicide on egg densities of H. glycines 45 days after planting or at harvest for corn or soybean at both sites in 2011. Minimum tillage resulted in higher SCN egg density compared with conventional tillage at harvest at the soybean site and increased spiral nematodes at midseason. Bacteria-feeding nematodes were more abundant in manure and minimum tillage treatments than in the fertilizer or conventional tillage treatments. <br /> <br /> Laboratory experiments using vertically segregated three-layer soil microcosms were conducted to determine the mode of action of Neem products for suppression of Meloidogyne incognita to test the hypothesis that soil drenches with Neem affect nematode motility, host finding ability, and life cycle. Neem oil drenches reduce the motility of M. incognita, but neem is not directly toxic and does not affect molting or development of M. incognita, as is the mode of action in insects. Mustard seed meals were used individually and in combinations to determine phytotoxicity to tomato and suppressive effects on Meloidogyne. Tomato shoot growth was greatest when seedlings were transplanted at least 2 weeks after seed meal was added to soil and some mustard meals reduced the number root galls compared to the non-treated controls. <br /> <br /> Greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the efficacy of Avid, Azatin, Kontos, MeloCon, Neemix 4, NI-108X, Pylon, Safari, and Proclaim for control of Aphelenchoides fragariae associated with Anemone sylvestris. The lowest nematode numbers in foliage were observed in the Pylon, Neemix, Kontos drench and Avid treatments. The NI 108X biological and untreated controls had the highest populations. None of the treatments were completely free of infection after 2 to 3 months. Based on these trials, the plant protection materials evaluated will not stand-alone for foliar nematode management.<br /> <br /> A vegetable crop farming systems trial, 1999-2012 was used to evaluate transition methods for conversion from conventional to organic farming practices. It consisted of a high input, compost intensive management system versus a low-input system relying on green manures and cover crops. High input treatments received 10 tons/acre of composted dairy manure annually and were planted to one of four vegetable families in rotation: legumes, Solanaceae, cucurbits, and leafy vegetables. Soil samples were collected pre-plant and late season in each year and were analyzed for plant-parasitic and predatory nematodes, and assayed for nematode biocontrol agent activity. Common nematodes found include Pratylenchus crenatus, Xiphinema rivesi, Helicotylenchus spp., Hoplolaimus spp. Meloidogyne hapla, and Clarkus papillatus (predator). Population densities remained low for all plant parasites throughout the twelve years of this experiment and few differences among compost treatments or crops were statistically significant. <br /> <br /> Rotational Grazing.- <br /> <br /> A trial was concluded that compared grazing management practices for control of intestinal parasites (Haemonchus contortus) of sheep in organic farming systems. Rotational grazing, with or without supplemental protein nutrition were evaluated. Supplemental feed provided to ewes before lambing resulted in lambs with higher weight, and fecal egg counts were lower on some sampling dates. Newly-weaned lambs were dosed (or not) with Cydectin. Lambs were weighed at weaning and monthly thereafter. Final weights were 4 lb. greater in lambs receiving grain and 4 lb. greater in lambs treated with anthelminthics than controls, and effects were additive. Anthelminthics reduced fecal egg counts initially, but counts of dewormed lambs tended to rise over time, while fecal egg counts in lambs receiving only grain supplements tended to decline. Both grain supplementation and anthelminthics reduced effects of parasitism in lambs.<br /> <br /> Nematode Population-Symptom Dynamics Assessment.- <br /> <br /> Observation of nematode symptom development on roots in an X-ray-transparent medium was facilitated through non-destructive two-dimensional X-ray imaging of cotton and sunflower seedlings at Phenotype Screening, Inc., Knoxville, TN. Root systems were periodically and non-destructively X-rayed to observe root architecture, root growth and gall development. Gall enlargement was successfully observed over a 27-day period. Nematodes developed to the female stage on sunflower and produced egg masses after 30 days. Nematodes did not appear to be harmed by repeated X-rays; eggs obtained from X-rayed females hatched and developed normally on tomato. Sunflower roots infected with Rotylenchulus reniformis in the greenhouse were X-rayed. Egg masses were visible in the X-ray images as distinct hemispheres on the root with a darker ring around the egg mass base compared to the rest of the egg mass. This appearance was distinct from merging or dead root tips and from particles of soil and organic matter. This approach has great potential for studying nematode development and resistance, and the influence of root architecture on nematode parasitism. In addition, stereo X-ray imaging of cotton roots heavily laden with R. reniformis egg masses indicated a high potential for rapid counting of egg masses or attached endoparasitic nematodes.<br /> <br /> Little is known about how H. glycines increases to damaging levels when introduced into SCN-virgin land. In 2001, H. glycines was introduced into field plots under till and no-till with either corn, resistant soybeans, or susceptible soybeans, monocrop, or resistant soybeans/corn or susceptible soybeans/corn rotations. By 2003-2004, densities remained less than 1 cyst/100 cm3 of soil and reached a maximum of less than 10 cysts/100 cm3 in 2005 and 2006. Populations were highest in susceptible soybeans and lowest with corn or corn/resistant soybean. Soybean yield did not differ until 2007 when yield of SCN-infested plots was lower than non-infested plots. Nematode community structure was quantified in 2008 and 2009. H. glycines densities were correlated with total nematode abundance, total non-H. glycines, free-living nematode, and bacteria-feeding nematode abundance, suggesting that conditions favoring free-living nematodes can also favor H. glycines during the early years of infestation. The food web study also illustrated the possibility of indirect impacts of tillage and susceptible cultivar on increasing H. glycines populations through favoring free-living nematodes, while crop rotation is likely to have an indirect impact in decreasing SCN population through decreasing free-living nematodes.<br /> <br /> Knowing the nematode host status of common weeds is an essential component of next generation nematode management systems, especially in vegetable and floriculture production systems. In greenhouse and field trials Malva parviflora was shown to be a natural host of M. arenaria. Aeschynomene americana and P. oleracea roots supported all three species of Meloidogyne tested, and had the highest number of eggs/g root for Meloidogyne incognita, M. arenaria, and M. javanica despite observation that roots did not exhibit excessive galling. It is necessary to evaluate reproductive potential in order to assess the impact of this weed on root-knot nematode populations.<br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 2: Evaluate cultural management procedures for plant-parasitic nematodes in relation to their impacts on the sustainability of soil health: with special research to the utility of nematode community structure as an indicator of overall soil quality and their roles in plant nutrient cycling.<br /> <br /> Soil Health Management Practices<br /> <br /> The effects of rotation crops on root lesion nematodes and bean root rot were evaluated in in microplots. Rotation crops of fallow, hairy vetch, radish, Tifgrain 102 millet, Rangi rapeseed, Red Clover, LA 604 oats, buckwheat, and sorghosudangrass were planted and followed by beans from 2009 to 2012. In 2010, plots that had forage radish and Rangi rapeseed had the highest bean shoot and root weights and radish, then rapeseed, sorgho-sudan-grass and millet had the lowest root rot ratings. In 2011, forage radish and Rangi rapeseed again had the highest shoot, root and bean yield. Two years of Tifgrain 102 pearl millet also increased bean growth and yield. Root-knot nematodes were highest after red clover and tomato. Bean shoot weight, root weight and yield increased after cover cropping microplots with forage radish and Rangi rapeseed in all three years. In repeated measures analysis, there was a significant interaction of crop by year for root rot, as red clover decreased root rot rating in 2011 compared to 2010 and 2012. There were no effects of cover crop on seed damping-off. In 2010, Pratylenchus numbers were highest in bean after fallow, hairy vetch, oats and sorgho-sudan-grass. Lesion nematodes declined over time under fallow cover and increased under hairy vetch. Red clover was a host.<br /> <br /> Biochar, an engineered charcoal soil amendment that sequesters soil carbon and has been associated with increased plant growth and yield was evaluated for potential to reduce the bioavailability of cyst nematode specific hatch signaling compounds in soil. Full-strength or 1:10 and 1:100 tobacco plant or nightshade diffusates were percolated though pasteurized sandy loam soil or biochar or in subsequent experiments pasteurized sandy loam soil or soil amended with biochar at rates of 1% or 10% biochar by volume. Hatch of juveniles of Globodera tabacum from cysts exposed to diffusates leached through biochar was reduced compared to diffusates leached through non-amended pasteurized sandy loam soil. Both biochar amendments were effective in reducing juvenile hatch from full-strength root diffusate to levels similar to water alone or the 100-fold dilution of the root diffusate control, which were not different. Biochar may adsorb host-specific hatch signaling compounds, disrupting G. tabacum host recognition and subsequent hatch stimulation. <br /> <br /> Humic acid is a fundamental component of healthy soil and is linked to organic matter and biological activity. Soils supplied with exogenous humic acid showed an increase in free-living nematodes. The effects of humic acid applications on a commercial vineyard and commercial apple orchard had no differences in plant growth or numbers of plant-parasitic nematodes between treated and untreated plots in two seasons. However, the free-living nematode populations were 23% greater in the humic acid treated plots in the first year and 18% greater in the second year. These results suggest humic acid may stimulate microbial activity leading to an increase in bacterial and fungal feeding nematodes. Increased soil biological activity is considered an indicator of improved soil health and sustainable nutrient recycling. <br /> <br /> Nematode Community Structure Analysis. <br /> <br /> Effects of two coal surface-mining reclamation approaches on nematode community recovery were evaluated. An old reclamation approach, based on the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA), allowing for minimal soil replacement (mostly rock) and use of non-native plants for ground cover, was compared to a more recent approach, the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI), which requires better soil preparation and replanting with native plant species, including trees. Nematode communities in different-aged sites for each recovery method were compared to each other and to communities from adjacent intact forest. Nematode biodiversity increased with soil age, with forest soils having the highest biodiversity. Communities in ARRI sites reached forest nematode diversity levels much more quickly than those in SMCRA sites. Bacterial feeders were the dominant trophic group, suggesting high C:N ratios. Plectid diversity was higher in the oldest age soils for of both SMCRA and FRA. <br /> <br /> Nematode community structure analysis is being used as a guide for urban blight reclamation and decision-making in relation to urban agriculture development. <br /> <br /> Cultural Management. - <br /> <br /> Innovations in management intensive grazing (MIG) have allowed many small farms to become profitable by reducing feed, labor and energy costs. Concepts from MIG were incorporated into three season-extension practices (bedded pack, out-wintering, and stockpiling) that were monitored in permanent pastures on Vermont cow dairy farms. Nematode community bioindicators were one of three measures of soil quality. There was an inverse relationship between the maturity index (MI) of free-living nematodes and plant-parasites (PPI) for all three season-extension practices, suggesting enrichment of soils with nitrogen amendments and increased forage productivity. Application of extended season measures was mainly bacterially driven and decreased predators. <br /> <br /> The potato industry has identified soil health as a key limiting factor. Soil samples from 97 potato sites were collected in accordance with the Cornell University Soil Health Protocol. The sites were selected to represent potential high yield, potato early-die and potato scab fields. Pratylenchus penetrans and Verticillium dahliae data are also available for the sites included in the survey. It is widely recognized that the longer the crop rotation cycles the higher the yields.<br /> <br /> Plant parasitic nematodes continue to result in decline of turfgrass health in golf greens as evident by 212 composite soil samples assayed during the 2012 growing season; about half of the samples have damaging nematode populations. Cultural practices that increase roots are helpful, as is raising the height of cut. While these practices do not reduce nematode populations, they allow the grass to tolerate nematode feeding. A late-season trial was established at three golf courses to determine the efficacy of chlorpyrifos against plant-parasitic nematodes. Results indicated that a single application of chlorpyrifos reduced stunt nematodes by 50%, however, 3-4 applications were required to affect lance nematode populations, and stunt nematode populations rebounded quickly in the summer without additional applications. <br /> <br /> Objective 3: Provide educational materials and programs on cultural management of plant-parasitic nematodes based on host resistance, nematode antagonistic rotation or cover crops, soil amendments and biological agents. <br /> <br /> Outreach activities were greatly expanded in 2012 on the destructive and damaging outbreak of the stem and bulb nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci) on garlic. Additional funding for this project was obtained from the Specialty Crop Program through the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets and is used to subsidize the bloat nematode diagnostic and outreach on appropriate garlic and soil sampling protocols, interpretations of results obtained, and management options against this nematode for both organic and conventional garlic producers. Three workshops were held in 2012 on the biology, assessment and management of the bloat nematode as well as other various pest and production constraints of garlic. In addition, several field visits and discussions were held with garlic growers in collaboration with Cooperative Extension personnel. Bloat nematode infection continues to be detected in about 30% of the garlic samples submitted for diagnosis.<br /> <br /> Pocket field guides on Potato Nematodes and Soil Fumigant Reregistration Regulations were produced, widely distributed and used in potato grower education programs in 2012. Soybean seed treatment, resistant variety and HG Type information was presented at grower meetings and published in trade journals. Presentations on nematode community structure analysis, cover crops, role of nematodes in nutrient mineralization and nature of soil health were given at growers meetings throughout the region, nationally and internationally.<br /> <br /> A few of the additional outreach activities associated with NE 1040 in 2012 included: <br /> <br /> - The University of Arizona, Tucson, AR; The Cornell Soil Health Assessment Protocol and the Connections Between Soil Health and Root Health; March 1, 2012; one hour and 50 in attendance. INVITED<br /> - Garlic Growers School, Albany, NY; The bloat Nematode on garlic and management options; March 26, 2012; one hour with 65 in attendance.<br /> - Garlic Growers School, Geneva, NY (Jordan Hall, NYSAES); The bloat nematode and management options; March 27, 2012; one hour with 34 in attendance.<br /> - Garlic Growers School, Ithaca, NY (CCE Building); The bloat nematode and management options; March 28, 2012; one hour with 14 in attendance.<br /> - Oral presentations at Society of Nematologists 2012<br /> - Kidane, E., Hu, W., Chen, S., and Neher, D.A. Ecology of soils suppressive to the soybean cyst nematode: I. Effect of tillage and crop-biocide treatments on soil suppressiveness to nematode and soybean yield. <br /> - Kidane, E., Hu, W., Chen, S., and Neher, D.A. Ecology of soils suppressive to the soybean cyst nematode: II. Effect of tillage and crop-biocide treatments on nematophagous fungi. <br /> - Nishanthan, T., Neher, D.A., and Chen, S. Ecology of soils suppressive to the soybean cyst nematode: III. Association of nematode and microbial communities with soil suppressiveness. <br /> - Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont<br /> Neher, D.A. General Soil Science for Beginning Farmers, Burlington, Vermont, 11 February 2012. <br /> - Neher, D.A. Biological Indicators of Soil Health, Burlington, Vermont, 11 February 2012.<br /> - Vermont Organic Recycling Summit<br /> Neher, D.A., Crafting compost to manage plant pathogens and weed seeds, Vermont Technical College, Randolph, Vermont, 29 March 2012<br /> - George Abawi of Cornell-Geneva and Jim LaMondia of CAES with Beth Gugino of Penn State University conducted a day-long SARE-funded workshop on the identification, assessment and management of soilborne plant pathogens in vegetable systems held in Allentown PA (30 people, March 20) and in Saratoga NY (13 people, March 22, 2012).<br /> <br /> - Invited plenary presentations at international meetings 2012<br /> Neher, D.A. Carbon currency: Soil pathogens, sequestration, and defense. Invited keynote symposium speaker at the Plant Protection Research Institute, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 11-13 September 2012.<br /> <br /> Milestones Accomplished<br /> <br /> 2010-2011<br /> <br /> All of the 2010-2011 NE 1040 Milestones were accomplished with the following two exceptions: <br /> <br /> " Continue screening of vegetable germplasm (carrot, onion, pepper, tomato) for resistance to Meloidogyne spp., including M. hapla and lesion nematodes, principally P. penetrans.<br /> " Meloidogyne hapla-resistant pepper will be supplied to cooperators and tested against nematode populations in CT, NY and PA.<br /> The request for the Material Transfer Agreement to USDA/ARS has been made and the three NE states await approval so that these Milestones can be accomplished. It is anticipated the first one will be achieved in 2013 and the second in 2014. <br /> <br /> 2012 <br /> The following six 2012 NE 1040 Milestones were accomplished. <br /> <br /> " Evaluate the effects of identified non-host or antagonistic rotation crops against nematodes under field conditions.<br /> <br /> " Brassica seed meals will be evaluated against lesion, root-knot and dagger nematodes using bioassays developed. <br /> <br /> " Evaluation of bentgrass varietal resistance to plant-parasitic nematodes.<br /> <br /> <br /> " Characterize microbial enzyme products and free-living nematode community associated with increased level of soil suppressiveness to Heterodera glycines.<br /> <br /> " Field evaluation of identified nematode-resistant vegetable cultivars.<br /> <br /> " Continuation of outreach activities on nematode damage and management needs.<br /> <br /> The fate of the following NE 1040 2012 Milestone currently rests in the hands of corporate America.<br /> <br /> " Develop lines of Pasteuria spp. with enhanced virulence toward specific RKN and lesion nematodes.<br /> <br /> Since approval of NE 1040 in 2009, the venture capital company, Pasteuria BioScience, has focused on H. glycines and H. schachtii and not on M. hapla or P. penetrans. Pasteuria BioSience was recently purchased by Syngenta. Both the current culturing technology and developed lines are proprietary. Hopefully, well before the end of NE 1040 in 2016, the members of the Technical Committee will be able to provide Syngenta with lines of Pasteuria spp. appropriate of development as biological control agents for M. hapla and P. penetrans. <br />

Publications

Publications:<br /> <br /> Abawi, G. S., K. Moktan, C. Stewart, R. Hadad, and C. Hoepting. 2012. Current status of the bloat nematode on garlic in New York. Journal of Nematology (in-press), Poster presented at the SON Annual Meeting held in Savannah, GA during August 12  15, 2012.<br /> <br /> Abawi, G. S. and K. Moktan. 2012. Vegetable disease control and the impact of soil health<br /> management practices. Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo, Syracuse, NY; 3 pp.<br /> <br /> Bakelaar, J.E., Neher, D.A., and Gilker, R. 2012. Effects of season extension pasture <br /> management in Vermont. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems (submitted)<br /> <br /> Bird, G. W. and L. Wernette. 2011. Potato Nematodes: A Farm Guide to Nematode Diagnostics and Management. Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. 24 pp.<br /> <br /> Blaine, T. W.., C. S. Robins and P. S. Grewal. 2012. Homeowner attitudes and practices toward residential landscape management. Environ. Manag. 50:257-271.<br /> <br /> Cheng Z., Mennan, S., Grewal, P.S., and Melakeberhan, H. (2012). Effects of long-term <br /> tillage and rotation the relationship between Heterodera glycines and soil nematode <br /> community. 51st Annual Meeting of the Society of Nematologists Meeting, Savannah, <br /> Georgia, 47.<br /> <br /> Chow, V., G. Nong, F.J. St. John, J.D. Rice, E. Dickstein, O. Chertkov, D. Bruce, C. Detter, T. Brettin, J. Han, T. Woyke, S. Pitluck, M. Nolan, A. Pati, J. Martin, A. Copeland, M. Land, L. Goodwin, J.B. Jones, L.O. Ingram, K.T. Shanmugam, and J.F. Preston. 2012. Complete genome sequence of Paenibacillus sp. strain JDR-2. Stand. Genomic Sci.6:1-10.<br /> <br /> Donald, P.A., R. Heinz, E. Bernard, D. Hershman, D. Hensley, S. Flint-Garcia, and R. Joost. 2012. Distribution, host status and potential sources of resistance to Vittatidera zeaphila. Nematropica 42:91-95.<br /> <br /> Douches, D. S., J. Coombs, K. Felcher, W. W. Kirk and G. W. Bird. 2010. Missaukee: A round white potato variety combining chip-processing with resistance to late blight, Verticillium wilt and golden cyst nematode. Amer. J. Potato Res.87:10-18.<br /> <br /> Elmer, W. H., J. A. LaMondia, and F. L. Caruso. 2012. Association between Fusarium. <br /> spp. on Spartina alterniflora and dieback sites in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Estuaries and Coasts. 35: http://www.springerlink.com/content/513j718224020n15/<br /> <br /> Gekara, J., Basweti, E., Kotcon, J.*, Minch, M., Eddy, J., Mata, D. & Bryan, W. 2011. Effect of protein supplementation of ewes and grazing management on performance of organic lambs. In: Neuhoff, D., S.M. Sang, C. Ssekyewa, N. Halberg, I. Rasmussen & J. Hermanson, (eds.) Organic Is Life-Knowledge for Tomorrow. Proceedings of the Third Scientific Conference of the International Society for Organic Agriculture Research, Namnangju, Republic of Korea. ISOFAR, University of Bonn, Germany. <br /> <br /> Grewal, S. S. and P. S. Grewal. 2012. Can cites become self-reliant in food? Cities 29:1-11.<br /> Grewal, P. S. 2012. Entomopathogenic nematodes as tools in integrated pest management. In: Integrated Pest Management: Principles and Practice (D. P. Abrol, Ed.), CABI Publishing, Wallingford, UK, 162-236. <br /> <br /> Grewal, P. S. 2012. From IPM to ecosystem management: the case of urban lawn. In: Integrated Pest Management: Principles and Practice (D. P. Abrol, Ed.), CABI Publishing, Wallingford, UK, 450-488. <br /> <br /> Guan, W., Zhao, X., Hassell, R., and Thies, J. 2012. Defense mechanisms involved in disease resistance of grafted vegetables. HortScience 47(2):164-170. 2012.<br /> <br /> Halbrendt, J.M. 2012. Evaluating the benefits of humates in fruit production - further research. Pennsylvania Fruit News Vol. 92:1; pp. 18-21<br /> <br /> Kokalis-Burelle, N., Rosskopf, E.N., and Holzinger, J. 2012. First report of the root-knot<br /> nematode Meloidogyne arenaria on cheeseweed mallow (Malva parviflora) in the United<br /> States. Plant Disease 96(2): 296.3 <br /> <br /> Kokalis-Burelle, N., and Rosskopf, E.N. 2012. Susceptibility of several common <br /> subtropical weeds to Meloidogyne arenaria, M. incognita, and M. javanica. Journal of <br /> Nematology 44(2):142-147.<br /> <br /> LaMondia, J. A. 2012. Biochar inhibits host recognition by Globodera tabacum. Journal <br /> of Nematology in press.<br /> <br /> LaMondia, J. A. 2012. Management of foliar nematodes, Aphelenchoides fragariae, in <br /> ornamentals. Phytopathology in press.<br /> <br /> Levi, A., Thies, J., Wechter, W., Harrison, H., Simmons, A., Reddy, U., Nimmakayala, P., and Fei, Z. 2012. High frequency oligonucleotides - targeting active gene (HFO-TAG) markers reveal wide genetic diversity among Citrullus spp. accessions useful for enhancing disease or pest resistance in watermelon cultivars. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. DOI 10.1007/s10722-012-9845-3. <br /> <br /> Melakeberhan, H., Douches, D. and Wang, W. (2012). Interactions of selected potato <br /> cultivars and populations of Meloidogyne hapla adapted to the US Midwest soils. <br /> Crop Science, 52:1-6. <br /> <br /> Melakeberhan, H. and Wang, W. (2012). Suitability of celery cultivars to populations <br /> of Meloidogyne hapla. Nematology, 14:623-629.<br /> <br /> Melakeberhan, H. and Wang, W. (2012). Proof-of-concept for managing Meloidogyne <br /> hapla parasitic variability in carrot production soils. Nematology, 14:623-629. <br /> <br /> Melakeberhan, H., Kravchenko, A., and Thelen, K. (2012). Effects of Agronomic <br /> practices on the establishment of Heterodera glycines in virgin land. 51st Annual Meeting <br /> of the Society of Nematologists Meeting, Savannah, Georgia, 79.<br /> <br /> Meyer, S.L.F., Zasada, I.A., Orisajo, S.B., Morra, M.J. 2011. Mustard seed meal mixtures: management of Meloidogyne incognita on pepper and potential phytotoxicity. Journal of Nematology 43(1):7-15.<br /> <br /> Neher, D.A., Weicht, T.R., and Barbercheck, M.E. 2012. Linking invertebrate communities to decomposition rate and nitrogen availability in pine forest soils. Applied Soil Ecology 54: 14-23.<br /> <br /> Pajovic, I. G. Bird, S. Sirca, G. Urek, D. Rajkovic, L. Barsi and M Radivojevic. 2010. Meloidogyne (Nematoda: Heteroderidae) detected in greenhouses in Zeta-Bjelopavlici Valley. Natura Montenegrina, Pdogorica 9:913-925.<br /> <br /> Pokharel, R. R., G. S. Abawi, and J. M. Duxbury. 2011. Greenhouse evaluation of rice and wheat germplasms for resistance to Meloidogyne graminicola with comments on evaluation indices and proposal of a new one. Nematologia Mediterranea 39: 157  168.<br /> <br /> Schumacher-Lott, Lesley. 2011. Bionomics of Heterodera glycines and Pratylenchus penetrans associated with Michigan Soybean Production. M.S. Thesis. Department of Entomology. Michigan State Univ., East Lansing. 92 pp.<br /> <br /> Tiffany L. Fess, James B. Kotcon and Vagner A. Benedito. 2011. Crop Breeding for Low Input Agriculture: A Sustainable Response to Feed a Growing World Population. Sustainability 3:1742-1772.<br /> <br /> Voss, A. T., M. Jagdale, G. B. Grewal and P. S. Grewal. 2012. Differences of immune defence in selected inbred lines of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora in two white grub species. <br /> Wernette, Loren. 2011. Potato Nematode Research: With Special Reference to Potato-Early Die, Corky Ringspot and Soil Enzymes. M.S. Thesis. Department of Entomology. Michigan State Univ., East Lansing. 74 pp.<br /> <br /> Wernette, L. and G. W. Bird. 2011. Potato Soil Fumigation: A Field Guide to Fumigant Management Plans: With Special Reference to Potato Early-Die in Michigan. Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. 24 pp.<br /> <br /> Wernette, L., G. Bird, K. Wickings and S. Grandy. 2011. Impact of Alfalfa on Soil-Borne Enzymes in Potato Systems., Proceedings of the Potato Association of America. Wilmington, North Carolina. pp. 41-42.<br /> <br /> Yadav, P., K. Duckworth and P.S. Grewal. 2012 Habitat structure influences below ground bio-control services: A comparison between urban gardens and vacant lots. Landscape and Urban Planning 104:238-244. <br /> <br /> Zalom, F., B. Tashpulatova, R. Maulvanova, G. Bird and K. Maridia. 2012. IPM Packages for Central Asia. Proc. 7th Int. IPM Symposium. Mar 27-29, Memphis TN. Abstr. 25.7.<br /> <br /> Zoppolo, R., D. Stefanelli, G. Bird and R. Perry. 2012. Soil prioperties under different orchard floor management systems for organic apple production, Organic Agriculture Vol. No. 4:231-246.<br /> <br /> Germplasm Releases<br /> <br /> Thies, J.A. and R.L. Fery. 2012. Notice of release of watermelon RKVL-318, a novel root-knot nematode resistant, watermelon rootstock line. USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Washington, D.C. Cultivar Release, July 19, 2012. (Cultivar Release)<br /> <br /> <br />

Impact Statements

1. Paenibacillus sp. JDR-2 and related species isolated from rhizosphere of relevant plant species may have a positive effect on agricultural productivity. Further evaluation of their effects as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and as antagonists to nematodes in the soil may enhance soil health and agricultural productivity.
2. RKVL-318, a novel wild watermelon germplasm line, was released by USDA, ARS. The RKVL-318 plants are resistant to three root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne incognita, Meloidogyne arenaria, and Meloidogyne javanica and provides a yield advantage over the commonly used interspecific squash hybrid and bottle gourd rootstocks, susceptible to root-knot nematodes. The release will provide watermelon breeders access to a near-cultivar quality rootstock with resistance to root-knot nematodes.
3. The identification and use of rotation crops that reduce plant parasitic nematode populations will assist in the development of effective nonchemical management. Some of these crops may be useful as biodiesel energy feedstocks in addition to next generation IPM systems.
4. The H. glycines and H schachtii resistant variety, seed treatment and HG Type information is imperative for the continued success of soybean and sugar beet industries, whereas, the soil health initiatives are farmer-based and expected to have a major long-term positive impact on not only the potato industry, but all agronomic crops grown in the mid-west and northeast.
5. Increased knowledge on the impact of specific cover crops and other production practices on plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes will help design sustainable production systems that improve soil health, crop productivity and suppress nematode damage as well as other pests.
6. Providing timely background information on the occurrence, distribution and needed management options on emerging nematode problems to stakeholders is essential for the cost-effective management of such problem and to limit further spread and damage to other host crops, especially in vegetatively-propagated crops like garlic.
7. The research quantifies the high impact of P. oleracea as a host for M. incognita, M. arenaria, and M. javanica compared to several other common important weeds, and highlights the potential for A. americana to serve as an important weed host of the three species of root-knot nematode tested.

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Report Information

Participants

Administrative Advisor, Janine Sherrier, Associate Dean for Research, University of Delaware,

Chair, Jim LaMondia, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station,

Technical Committee Members,
George Abawi, New York, Geneva, Cornell University,
Ernest Bernard, Tennessee, University of Tennessee,
George Bird, Michigan, Michigan State University,
Senyu Chen, Minnesota, University of Minnesota,
Don Dickson, Florida, University of Florida,
John Halbrendt, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University,
Jim Kotcon, West Virginia, West Virginia University,
Jim LaMondia, Connecticut, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station,
Haddish Melakeberhan, Michigan, Michigan State University,
Nathaniel Mitkowski, Rhode Island, University of Rhode Island,
Deb Neher, Vermont, University of Vermont
Larry Phelan, Ohio, Ohio State University
Rob Wick, Massachusetts, University of Massachusetts
Kyle Wickings, New York, Geneva, Cornell University

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes of the NE-1040 Annual Meeting
Oct. 3-4, 2013, Geneva New York.

Participants:
Administrative Advisor, Janine Sherrier, Associate Dean for Research, University of Delaware

Chair, Jim LaMondia, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

Technical Committee Members
George Abawi, New York, Geneva, Cornell University
Ernest Bernard, Tennessee, University of Tennessee
George Bird, Michigan, Michigan State University
Senyu Chen, Minnesota, University of Minnesota
Don Dickson, Florida, University of Florida
John Halbrendt, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University
Jim Kotcon, West Virginia, West Virginia University
Jim LaMondia, Connecticut, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
Haddish Melakeberhan, Michigan, Michigan State University
Nathaniel Mitkowski, Rhode Island, University of Rhode Island
Deb Neher, Vermont, University of Vermont
Larry Phelan, Ohio, Ohio State University
Rob Wick, Massachusetts, University of Massachusetts
Kyle Wickings, New York, Geneva, Cornell University

The meeting convened at 8 AM, Oct. 3, 2013 at the Ramada Geneva Lakefront, with Jim LaMondia as Chair. Jim Kotcon volunteered to serve as Secretary. Opening announcements were made by Local Arrangements Chair, George Abawi.
The Administrative Advisor, Dr. Janine Sherrier discussed allocation of Funds for travel publications. She described change at USDA in research programs, including an emphasis on more integration of projects, research and extension should be included in every project. Research proposals should use, for example, 4-H and Extension to increase outreach. The emphasis in the NE-1040 project on looking at soil health and sustainability is the right way to approach nematodes. Annual reports need an impact statement, identifying what things are transformational, and what is valuable and impactful in this program? It was suggested that we work with a Science writer to generate a document. A Request to Renew the NE-1040 project needs to be submitted in early 2014.

State reports were presented from Connecticut by James LaMondia, Florida by Don Dickson, Michigan by George Bird and Haddish Melakeberhan, Minnesota by Senyu Chen, Massachusetts by Robb Wick, New York by George Abawi, Ohio by Larry Phelan, Pennsylvania by John Halbrendt, and Rhode Island by Nathaniel Mitkowski
The meeting recessed at 5 PM, and reconvened at 8:30 AM on October 4, 2013. Additional State Reports were presented from Tennessee by Earnest Bernard, Vermont by Deb Neher, and West Virginia by James Kotcon.
The Business Meeting commenced at 10 AM.
George Bird has compiled a summary of Milestones in the extensive history of the project, including work from successive projects beginning with NE-34 and including NE-171, NE-1019, and NE 1040.

Mid-Term Review. Jim LaMondia will send a reminder to Committee, asking for impact statements and other details needed by Janine Sherrier for a Mid-term Review.
Since annual reports are limited to a couple pages, the Committee needs to boil it down to 2 pages.

Proposed Milestones.
1) A workshop on soil health scheduled for 2014 will be postponed to 2015, in conjunction with SON.
2) Project needs 2-3 to put in a major research grant
3) Prepare an outreach publication. Sarah Delheimer is an impact writer in western region. Identify major impacts of project. Also, soil health publication would be logical outcome of workshop.

George Bird introduced Jarrett Alli at MSU. He is focusing on chemical ecology, multi-trophic interactions and nematode responses to signaling to manipulate nematode behavior. He is currently a postdoc at Ithaca in ecology and Evolutionary biology program, working on molecular probes and primers to identify responses to signaling. He is also studying milkweed roots and how long-horn beetles fend off entomopathogenic nematodes.

The Committee approved sending a plaque and letter of appreciation for Lou Magnarelli, past Administrative Advisor who passed away earlier this year.

Don Dickson moved that the Committee express appreciation to George Abawi for hosting the meeting, and for outstanding local arrangements, and especially for the apples. The resolution was adopted by acclamation.

The next meeting will be in West Virginia for 2014. The Committee accepted an invitation to meet in Jacksonville Florida in 2015.

The meeting adjourned at 11:25AM

Respectfully submitted by James Kotcon, Secretary.

Accomplishments

Accomplishments:<br /> Objective 1: Develop effective and economically-viable cultural management tactics for plant-parasitic nematodes based on host resistance, nematode antagonistic rotation or cover crops, soil amendments and biological agents.<br /> <br /> Biological Control. - <br /> <br /> Votivo®, a biological control agent (Bacillus firmus) from Bayer, was evaluated for Heterodera glycines control in Michigan. The trial appears to have an excellent response with susceptible PI 88788 and PI 548402 varieties. Greenhouse trials with Pasteuria sp. were also conducted for control of H. schachtii. The results are currently proprietary information. Pasteuria Bioscience was purchased by Syngenta in 2012 and Pasteuria is being marketed as a seed treatment for control of H. glycines in 2014 in the north central region.<br /> <br /> Host-Plant Resistance.  <br /> <br /> The use of resistant varieties for nematode control related to small acreage specialty crops is underutilized, making the NE-1040 breeding work exceptionally important. Commercial cucurbit rootstocks, cucurbit Plant Introductions, and African horned cucumber (Cucumis metulifer) germplasm lines were evaluated as rootstocks for grafted cantaloupe in a root-knot nematode infested field. Melon and squash hybrid rootstocks were highly susceptible to root-knot. The C. metulifer lines were resistant and were highly compatible rootstocks for grafted cantaloupe. Advanced sweetpotato breeding lines and seedlings from the USDA program were screened for resistance to root-knot nematode. Advanced pepper germplasm lines were screened for resistance to Meloidogyne incognita, and resistant plants were selected for use in a backcross breeding program to develop resistant lines of sweet banana, sweet cherry, and Cubanelle peppers. <br /> <br /> A broadleaf cigar wrapper type tobacco (B2) developed with single-gene resistance to the tobacco cyst nematode was evaluated for host status to Meloidogyne hapla. Tomato, C9 (cyst nematode susceptible) or the resistant B2 tobacco were inoculated with M. hapla. After 10 weeks, the numbers of galls per pot were less for B2 than tomato and C9. The cyst nematode resistant tobacco may also reduce root-knot populations. The experiment will be repeated.<br /> <br /> A significant number of sugar beet varieties were available in 2013 for management of H. schachtii in Michigan. They are all, however, BCN tolerant and not BCN resistant. The 2013 SCN resistant variety/seed treatment trial is an excellent example of the development a HG Type two population that can no longer be adequately managed with a PI 88788 derived variety. A new H. glycines resistance blend will be marketed in Michigan for the first time in 2014.<br /> <br /> Soft-tissue X-ray imaging of the entire root volume of a plant can be captured in a single high-resolution image, allowing sophisticated comparisons of nematode numbers or egg masses with root volume and length. Experiments conducted with reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) and resistant or susceptible cotton selections showed that nematode egg masses characteristically appeared on X-rays as hemispheres with a dark basal ring next to the root and a lighter dome, distinct from artifacts such as soil particles and root stubs. Each cotton line had a unique distribution of roots and a unique distribution of nematode feeding sites. The use of X-ray technology and digital image analysis can provide a much more accurate approach to nematode relationships with plant host roots.<br /> <br /> Cover Crops-Biofuel Crops. - <br /> <br /> Nine cover crop systems: 1) rye grain +hairy vetch, 2) oat, 3) sudax, 4) forage radish, 5) red clover, 6) rapeseed, 7) buckwheat, 8) wheat, and 9) a weedy fallow control were evaluated in four fields having different management histories and different levels of pathogen pressure and soil quality in relation to changes in the densities of plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes. Total soil populations of plant-parasitic nematodes were highest after wheat, rye/vetch and clover cover crops and lowest after buckwheat, radish and fallow (no cover crop).<br /> <br /> Tall fescue has been recommended as a preplant cover crop for suppressing plant-parasitic nematode populations in Georgia peach orchards, providing an alternative to chemical pesticide application for management of these plant pathogens. To aid in determining mechanisms of action against nematodes, natural products from tall fescue were tested for activity against root-knot nematodes. Extracts from tall fescue shoots, and extracts and exudates from roots, were found to be nematotoxic and/or nematostatic. <br /> <br /> Three newly released commercial biofumigation products were evaluated for control of dagger nematodes and compared to a standard practice. The products included two Brassica green manure rotation crops bred and the third was a pelletized rapeseed meal that reportedly contained high levels of glucosinolate promoted as a nitrogen fertilizer treatment. When incorporated into soil as green manure, the biofumigation crops effectively suppressed dagger nematodes but did not outperform the current standard rapeseed Dwarf Essex. Dwarf Essex seed was more available and economical. Pelletized rapeseed meal did not suppress dagger nematodes. Our previous results have indicated that type of glucosinolate may be more important than amount.<br /> <br /> Field plots infested with Meloidogyne hapla were planted to Pacific Gold brassica, rye or tomato in 2012. In September, Pacific Gold plots were either tilled in or allowed to senesce without tillage. All plots were planted to San Marzano tomato transplants in 2013. Root galls in the tomato bioassay were similar for tomato or Pacific Gold without tillage, as were those planted to the non-host rye crop or tilled (biofumigation) Pacific Gold.<br /> <br /> Combinations of cover crops (mustard and oil seed radish), rotation crops (corn and soybean), and sugar beet cultivars (nematode-tolerant and susceptible) on have similar effects on parasitic and beneficial nematode communities, crop yield, soil physiochemical changes, and overall soil health. <br /> <br /> Soil Amendments- Foliar Treatments.  <br /> <br /> The plant defense stimulator acibenzolar was applied to Lactuca sativa var. Salinas to determine efficacy against Meloidogyne hapla. The material was applied using multiple protocols and application methods but had no effect on nematode galling, compared to infected control plants.<br /> <br /> Plant parasitic nematodes continue to result in decline of turfgrass health in golf greens as evident by 203 composite soil samples assayed during the 2013 growing season; usually about half of the samples received have damaging populations. The loss of fenamiphos and the lack of alternatives leave golf course superintendents with no control measures. Cultural practices that increase root development are helpful, as is raising the height of cut, allowing the grass to tolerate nematode feeding. Neemix (4.5% azadirachtin), Nemitol (0.42% capsaicin and 3.7% allyl isothiocyanate), Agritrap (potassium mono-phosphate, polysaccharides and surfactants), and Pro-Max (3.5% thyme oil) were tested as all claim to control nematodes. None of the materials had any effect on Tylenchorhynchus or Hoplolaimus nematodes in turf.<br /> <br /> The nematicide Avid (abamectin) was employed in a number of controlled field studies and trials on golf course putting greens. While results did not demonstrate uniform effectiveness of the material, it did control nematode populations more frequently than any of the other alternative materials used and generally produced significant drops in nematode population when it was effective. Application timing and carrier have a significant impact on efficacy, but it is the most promising turf nematicide since the cancellation of Nemacur and is likely to be accepted by superintendents.<br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 2: Evaluate cultural management procedures for plant-parasitic nematodes in relation to their impacts on the sustainability of soil health: with special research to the utility of nematode community structure as an indicator of overall soil quality and their roles in plant nutrient cycling.<br /> <br /> Soil Health Management Practices<br /> <br /> The Michigan Potato Industry Commission has identified soil health as a key limiting factor for the future success of the industry. Soil samples were collected from 96 locations on eight Michigan potato farms for analysis by the Cornell University Soil Health Laboratory. Sites were selected to represent potential high yield, potato early-die and potato scab fields. Samples from woodlots and sites with no history of potato were also included. Available water capacity, soil organic matter, active carbon and mineralizable nitrogen potential were poor; aggregate stability, subsurface hardness, root health and pH were fair, and surface hardness, phosphorus, potassium and minor elements good, resulting in an overall Soil Health Score of 57.8. A Specialty Crop Block Grant was obtained for additional research support.<br /> <br /> On-going studies on the effects of plant- and animal-based organic and non-organic soil amendment application in mineral soils on carrot quality and yield, soil physiochemical properties, nematode community, and overall soil quality show increased Maturity Index (MI) compared with the controls, suggesting improvement in soil conditions.<br /> <br /> Nematode Community Structure Analysis. <br /> <br /> Roadways have a potential number of ecological effects on adjacent soil communities via physical and chemical alteration of the roadside. The effects of roads by traffic road type (highway, two-lane paved, and gravel) and distance from the road, on soil forest soil nematode communities, was determined in conjunction with chemical and physical measures of soil quality. Spatial patterns of road effects varied by road type, with interactions between road type and both distance and topography. There were differences in all nematode community measures based upon distance as a main effect, as well as some interactions between distance, road type, and topography. Nematode community index values reflect increased disturbance closer to the road, particularly at the shoulder, with later ecological succession and a shift in the decomposer foodweb with increased distance from the road. Gravel roads were the least disturbed nematode community. The ditch and the forest were areas of increased trophic structure, while abundance of plant-parasites was greatest along the roadside. The results suggest that conscious design and management of the forest buffer and intentional inclusion of a ditch as a roadside feature may minimize pollutant movement and protect surrounding landscapes.<br /> <br /> The effects of coleopteran-active Bt corn on nontarget soil nematodes was evaluated. During the growing season, maturity index values and relative abundance of fungivorous nematodes were greater in Bt than the non-Bt isoline with insecticide and isoline without insecticide, respectively. Nematode trophic diversity values were greater in Bt than non-Bt isoline without insecticide, and this effect continued through the following spring before planting. Abundance of nematode predators increased two weeks after insecticide was applied to non-Bt isoline, but decreased without insecticides on either Bt or the non-Bt isoline. Insecticide appeared to have more non-target effects on nematode communities than Bt. Insecticides temporarily increased relative abundance of predaceous nematodes but eventually reduced successional maturity by harvest. <br /> <br /> Nematode genera from 3 ecosystems (grassland, cropland, and forest) were analyzed to compare relative magnitude of energy pathways through the soil food web (67 data sets). Bacterial-, fungal- and herbivorous-based energy pathways were compared using abundances or biomass. The patterns of soil energy pathways were similar whether expressed as relative abundance or relative biomass. Relative abundance of bacterivorous nematodes was similar among ecosystems but mean values of biomass were greatest in grassland. In contrast, both relative abundance and biomass of fungivorous nematodes decreased progressively from forest to cropland and grassland ecosystems. The opposite pattern across ecosystems was observed for both relative abundance and biomass of herbivorous nematodes. Energy pathways are bacterial-dominated in all of the ecosystems and fungal and herbivorous pathways are second in dominance in forest and grassland ecosystems, respectively. The relative size of the fungal-based energy pathway suggests a gradient of resource quality among ecosystems. This suggests that herbivorous-based energy pathways are more important in grassland ecosystems than reported previously.<br /> <br /> Rhabditid nematodes infest earthworm cocoons and destroy developing embryos, presumably by introduction of bacteria that consume the yolk-like food reserve. This relationship may impact soil biodiversity and function by reducing earthworms. Numerous Eisenia fetida cocoons from a compost operation were observed to be infested with nematodes (Oscheius sp.). Many of the adult nematodes contained a fungus inside the nematode intestine. The fungus did not directly harm infected nematodes, implying a non-pathogenic relationship. Identification of the fungus was confirmed with PCR amplification as Sarocladium strictum (= Acremonium strictum). <br /> <br /> Cultural Management. - <br /> <br /> Monitoring of plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes continued in 2013 in plots at the long-term Soil Health Site on the Gates Farm near Geneva, NY. This experiment, initiated in 2003, was divided into 72 plots (18 treatments replicated 4 times). The treatments represent no-till, zone-till and plow/conventional-till systems, three cover crops (no cover, rye grain, and vetch), and two crop rotations. One rotation includes high value vegetable crops, whereas the second rotation includes season long soil-building crops. Data collected in 2013 showed an effect of cover crops on soil populations of nematodes, with both free-living and plant-parasitic nematodes higher after vetch. No effect of tillage practices and crop rotation was evident.<br /> <br /> A Minnesota field study assessed the impact of tillage, fertilizer, and nematicide on plant-parasitic nematodes, nematode community, and corn and soybean yields. Tillage had minor impacts on major plant-parasitic nematode genera. Aldicarb nematicide increased soybean and corn yields under some conditions. Manure strongly enriched the nematode community which also disturbed community structure, while inorganic fertilizers had minimal impact on the nematode community. Intensified tillage increased bacterivore and fungivore populations. <br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 3: Provide educational materials and programs on cultural management of plant-parasitic nematodes based on host resistance, nematode antagonistic rotation or cover crops, soil amendments and biological agents.<br /> <br /> Two training workshops were provided in 2013 on the stem and bulb nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci) on garlic, one in Geneva, NY with 38 in attendance and the other in Albany, NY with 40 in attendance. The training workshops and the subsidized diagnostic services provided under this project were funded by a grant from the Specialty Crop Program through the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets. In 2013, over 130 garlic samples were submitted and analyzed for possible infestation by the garlic bloat nematode. The percentage of samples testing positive for the bloat nematode has dropped from 30% in 2010  2011 to less than 10% in late 2012 and 2013. We speculate that this is due to the outreach activities of the program and the management options implemented by garlic producers and industry personnel. In addition, the project leader and cooperators have had extensive correspondence and visits with garlic growers throughout New York and elsewhere on the biology and available management options against the bloat nematode and other diseases and pests of garlic.<br /> <br /> In preparation for a 2013 soil health presentation at the 109th Annual Meeting of the Washington State Horticultural Association, previous research data from the NE Regional Nematology Project were reanalyzed. It appears that reconstruction of an O-horizon is of significance for increased productivity, soil health and fruit tree health. The data indicate that application of mulch can contribute to this process. <br /> <br /> A few of the additional outreach activities associated with NE 1040 in 2013 included: <br /> <br /> Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Hershey PA. Bloat Nematode on garlic and other hosts. January 30, 2013. 30 minutes with 100 growers and industry personnel in attendance. INVITED.<br /> <br /> Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO. Grand Rapids MI. G Abawi, C. Petzoldt, and K. Moktan: Practical Ways to access and manage soil health for disease control and improved yield. December 5, 2013. 45 minutes with 200 in attendance. INVITED<br /> <br /> A poster was presented to growers on Bloat Nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci) Infecting Garlic at the Connecticut Vegetable and Small Fruit Growers Conference in Vernon (197 people, January 17, 2013).<br /> <br /> George Abawi of Cornell-Geneva, J. LaMondia of the CAES and Beth Gugino of Penn State University conducted a day-long SARE-funded workshop on the identification, assessment and management of soilborne plant pathogens in vegetable systems held in Hershey PA (40 people, January 28, 2013).<br /> <br /> J. LaMondia was interviewed about vegetable pathology and the importance of outreach by Jamie Klein of the Reading Eagle newspaper (January 28, 2013).<br /> <br /> January 23, 2013 1 hour at the NYSTA Southern Regional Meeting, "Difficult Turf Diseases to Diagnose, Bacteria and Nematodes".<br /> <br /> February 27, 2013 1 hour at the Western Penn Turf Conference, "Diagnosing and Managing Nematode Problems on Golf Courses without Nemacur"<br /> <br /> January 15, 2013 1 hour at the Conn GCSA Winter Educational Meeting, "Deciphering Nematode Counts and Managing Nematodes without Nemacur".<br /> <br /> Milestones Accomplished<br /> <br /> 2010-2012<br /> <br /> All of the 2010-2012 NE 1040 Milestones were accomplished with the following two exceptions: <br /> <br /> " Continue screening of vegetable germplasm (carrot, onion, pepper, tomato) for resistance to Meloidogyne spp., including M. hapla and lesion nematodes, principally P. penetrans.<br /> " Meloidogyne hapla-resistant pepper will be supplied to cooperators and tested against nematode populations in CT, NY and PA.<br /> The request for the Material Transfer Agreement to USDA/ARS has been made and the three NE states await approval so that these Milestones can be accomplished. It is anticipated the first one will be achieved in 2013 and the second in 2014. <br /> <br /> 2013 <br /> The following 2013 NE 1040 Milestones were accomplished. <br /> <br /> Developed and validated integrated nematode management options based on results obtained on effective cover and rotational crops, bio-control agents and resistant crop germ-plasm. Established demonstration trials in experimental and production fields.<br /> <br /> Evaluated the effectiveness of the established trials of soil management practices on nematode damage and assessed their cost-benefits.<br /> <br /> Identify whether Brassica seed meals differed in efficacy against target nematodes.<br /> <br /> Continued outreach activities on nematode damage and management needs. <br />

Publications

Atwood, L. W., J. Bingen and G. W. Bird. 2012. Does the Source of Agricultural Management Advice Influence Growers Perception of Problematic Weeds? Poster Session. Annual Meeting of the Weed Science Society of America.<br /> <br /> Abawi, George S. and Kundan Moktan. 2013. Bloat Nematode: A re-emerging and damaging pest of garlic and other hosts. Proceedings of the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Hershey, PA held during January 29-31, 2013. Pages 168170.<br /> <br /> Bao, Y., Chen, S. Y., Vetsch, J., and Randall, G. 2013. Soybean yield and Heterodera glycines responses to liquid swine manure in nematode suppressive soil and conducive soil. Journal of Nematology 45:21-29.<br /> <br /> Bird, G. W. and J. Smith. 2013. Observations on the Biology of Organic Orchard Soils. Acta Horticulture . 1001:287-293<br /> <br /> Bird, G. W. 2012. Nature of Soil Health: With Special Reference to Nematodes. Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of ONRA. Cancun, Mexico. p. 46.<br /> <br /> Bird. G. 2012. Observations on the Biology of Organic Orchard Soils. Proceedings of the Second International Organic Fruit Research Symposium. Leavenworth, WA. p. 19.<br /> <br /> Chen, S. Y., Sheaffer, C. C., Wyse, D. L., Nickel, P., and Kandel, H. 2012. Plant-parasitic nematode communities and their associations with soil factors in organically farmed fields in Minnesota. Journal of Nematology 44:361-369.<br /> <br /> Chen, S., Kurle, J. E., Sun, M., Naeve, S., Wyse, D. L., and Stahl, L. A. 2013. Preceding crops affected iron-deficiency chlorosis and vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in soybean cyst nematode infested fields. Crop Science 53:250-259. doi: 10.2135/cropsci2012.03.0170<br /> <br /> Cheng Z., S. Mennan, P.S. Grewal, and H. Melakeberhan 2012. Effects of long-term tillage and rotation the relationship between Heterodera glycines and soil nematode community. 51st Annual Meeting of the Society of Nematologists Meeting, Savannah, Georgia.<br /> <br /> Grabau, Z., and Chen, S. 2012. Efficacy of organic soil amendments for control of soybean cyst nematode in greenhouse experiments. Journal of Nematology 44:463.<br /> <br /> Halbrendt, J. and J. A. LaMondia. 2012. Dagger nematodes and perennial fruit crops. Journal of Nematology 44:465.<br /> <br /> Halbrendt, J.M. 2013. Evaluation of New Commercial Biofumigation Products for Orchard Renovation. Pennsylvania Fruit News 93(1):25-27.<br /> <br /> Kidane, E., Hu, W., Chen, S., and Neher, D. A. 2012. Ecology of soils suppressive to the soybean cyst nematode: I. effect of tillage and crop-biocide treatments on soil suppressiveness to nematode and soybean yield. Journal of Nematology 44:471.<br /> <br /> Kidane, E., Hu, W., Chen, S., Liu, X., and Neher, D. A. 2012. Ecology of soils suppressive to the soybean cyst nematode: II. effect of tillage and crop-biocide treatments on nematophagous fungi. Journal of Nematology 44:472.<br /> <br /> LaMondia, J. A. 2012. Biochar inhibits host recognition by Globodera tabacum. Journal <br /> of Nematology 44:473.<br /> <br /> LaMondia, J. A. 2012. Management of foliar nematodes, Aphelenchoides fragariae, in <br /> ornamentals. www.apsnet.org/meetings/Documents/2012_Meeting_Abstracts/aps12abP202.htm.<br /> <br /> Melakeberhan, H., Douches, D. and Wang, W. 2012. Interactions of selected potato cultivars and populations of Meloidogyne hapla adapted to the US Midwest soils. Crop Science, 52:1-6. <br /> <br /> Melakeberhan, H., A. Kravchenko, and K. Thelen 2012. Effects of Agronomic practices on the establishment of Heterodera glycines in virgin land. 51st Annual Meeting of the Society of Nematologists Meeting, Savannah, Georgia.<br /> <br /> Melakeberhan, H. and Wang, W. 2012. Suitability of celery cultivars to populations of Meloidogyne hapla. Nematology, 14:623-629. <br /> <br /> Meyer, S.L.F., Nyczepir, A.P., Rupprecht, S.M., Mitchell, A.D., Martin, P.A., Brush, C.W., Chitwood, D.J., Vinyard, B.T. 2013. Tall fescue Jesup (Max-Q): Meloidogyne incognita development in roots and nematotoxicity. Agronomy Journal 105(3):755-763.<br /> <br /> Neher, D.A., Weicht, T.R., Bates, S.T., Leff, J.W., and Fierer, N. Changes in bacterial and fungal communities across compost recipes, preparation methods, and composting times. PloS ONE DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0079512<br /> <br /> Nishanthan, T., Neher, D. A., and Chen, S. 2012. Ecology of soils suppressive to the soybean cyst nematode: III. association of nematode and microbial communities with the soil suppressiveness . Journal of Nematology 44:482.<br /> <br /> Zalom, F., B. Tashpulatova, R. Maulvanova, G. Bird and K. Maridia. 2012. IPM Packages for Central Asia. Proc. 7th Int. IPM Symposium. Mar 27-29, Memphis TN. Abstr. 25.7.<br /> <br /> Zhao, J., and Neher, D.A. 2012. Soil nematode genera that predict specific types of disturbance. Applied Soil Ecology 64: 135-141.<br /> <br /> Zhu, Y., Shi, F., Tian, J., Liu, J., Chen, S., Xiang, M., and Liu, X. 2013. Effect of soybean monoculture on the bacterial communities associated with cysts of Heterodera glycines. Journal of Nematology 45:228-235.<br /> <br />

Impact Statements

1. The identification and use of rotation crops that reduce plant parasitic nematode populations will assist in the development of effective nonchemical management. Some of these crops may be useful as biodiesel energy feedstocks in addition to next generation IPM systems.
2. The H. glycines and H schachtii resistant variety, seed treatment and HG Type information is imperative for the continued success of soybean and sugar beet industries, whereas, the soil health initiatives are farmer-based and expected to have a major long-term positive impact on not only the potato industry, but all agronomic crops grown in the mid-west and northeast.
3. Increased knowledge on the impact of specific cover crops and other production practices on plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes will help design sustainable production systems that improve soil health, crop productivity and suppress nematode damage as well as other pests.
4. Increased knowledge on the impact of specific cover crops and other production practices on plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes will help design sustainable production systems that improve soil health, crop productivity and suppress nematode damage as well as other pests.
5. Nematode community indices can be used to quantify environmental impact of roads. Results suggest that conscious design of roads to include a ditch will reduce negative impact on surrounding landscapes.
6. There is less detrimental impact on belowground soil communities with coleopteran Bt corn than with applications of insecticides on isolines.
7. In comparison to bacterial and fungal, herbivorous-based (nematode) energy pathways are just as important in grassland as agricultural ecosystems.
8. Four commercially available nematicides have been tested in golf greens and found to be ineffective against Tylenchorhynchus or Hoplolaimus nematodes. These results will help guide golf course superintendents away from products that are ineffective.
9. Providing timely background information on the occurrence, distribution and needed management options on emerging nematode problems to stakeholders is essential for the cost-effective management of such problem and to limit further spread and damage to other host crops, especially in vegetatively-propagated crops like garlic.

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Report Information

Participants

Abawi, George (gsa1@cornell.edu) – Cornell University; Bird, George (birdg@msu.edu) – Michigan State University; Kotcon, James (jkotcon@wvu.edu) – West Virginia University; LaMondia, James (james.lamondia@ct.gov) – The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station; Neher, Deb (deborah.neher@uvm.edu) – University of Vermont; Sherrier, Janine (sherrier@udel.edu) – University of Delaware;Wick, Rob (rlwick@umass.edu) – University of Massachusetts, Amhurst

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Accomplishments: Outcomes, Outputs, Activities<br /> <br /> Objective 1: Develop effective and economically-viable cultural management tactics for plant-parasitic nematodes based on host resistance, nematode antagonistic rotation or cover crops, soil amendments and biological agents.<br /> <br /> Biological Control<br /> Samples from potentially Meloidogyne hapla suppressive soils in CT associated with Pasteuria were provided to Dr. Don Dickson in Florida for experimental purposes. We had previously observed a decline of populations of the northern root-knot nematode Meloidogyne hapla over time in CT field plots infested with the nematode since 1995 and repeatedly inoculated with the pathogen. Pasteuria endospores were observed on the cuticles of M. hapla juveniles exposed to soil and endospore-filled females were observed. A culture of this CT Pasteuria penetrans specific to Meloidogyne hapla is being developed by Dr. Don Dickson. Two isolates of M. hapla were collected from strawberry plantings in Florida. The Connecticut isolate of Pp attaches to both M. hapla isolates, but it has not yet been determined whether the Pp will infect and develop inside the females of M. hapla. <br /> <br /> A new species of Pasteuria, Candidatus Pasteuria aldrichii, isolated from and propagated in the bacterivore Bursilla RGD244, was characterized by gene sequencing (FL). Based upon sequences of genes encoding 16S rRNA, this Pasteuria sp. is closely related to Pasteuria penetrans and other species associated with plant parasitic nematodes. The cultivation of P. aldrichii in Bursilla RGD244 on a single bacterial species with a sequenced genome should allow the application of established high-throughput sequencing systems to provide the first genome sequence to be obtained for a species of Pasteuria. This sequence may in turn provide a template with which to decipher sequences from Pasteuria species with biocontrol potentials that are often contaminated with genes from other soil-borne bacteria. <br /> <br /> The genome of Paenibacillus sp. JDR-2, a xylanolytic spore-forming soil-borne bacterium, has been fully sequenced and annotated. Based upon 16S rRNA sequence, the isolate is most closely related with the entomopathogenic species P. popilliae and P. lentimorbus, and Paenibacillus sp. SdTc and Paenibacillus nematophilus, respectively ectoparasites of the entomoparasitic nematodes, Steinermema diaprepesi and Heterorhabditis spp. Based upon 16S rRNA sequence, these Paenibacillus species are in clades adjacent to Pasteuria species, suggesting derivation of both clades from a common progenitor during the evolution of spore-forming bacteria. The role of these bacteria in soil health and agricultural productivity deserves further study. The transcriptome of sp. JDR-2 has been determined following growth on native substrates, including methylglucuronoxylans from dicots (sweetgum wood), monocots (sorghum and sugarcane bagasse), barley glucan as well as monosaccharides. The different substrates show selective up-regulation of enzymes involved in the processing of the different plant polysaccharides coordinate with ABC transporters and transcriptional regulators required for the expression of enzymes and transporter proteins. This approach may be used to define the expression of genes in relation to nematode associations to identify environmental relationships influencing soil health. It will be used to define mechanisms of host-specific virulence in Pasteuria spp. associated with propagation and spore maturation in nematode hosts. <br /> <br /> VT - Identified plant-parasitic nematodes for a project led by Terrance Bradshaw and funded by Northeast SARE ONE14-199. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of two biopesticides on populations of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with apple replant disease. MeloCon and Actinovate reduced relative abundance of Meloidogyne but not Pratylenchus, compared to non-treated controls, at two sites in Vermont. <br /> <br /> Host-Plant Resistance<br /> The use of resistant varieties for nematode control related to small acreage specialty crops is underutilized, making the NE-1040 breeding work exceptionally important. Commercial cucurbit rootstocks, cucurbit Plant Introductions, and African horned cucumber (Cucumis metulifer) germplasm lines were evaluated as rootstocks for grafted cantaloupe in a root-knot nematode infested field. Melon and squash hybrid rootstocks were highly susceptible to root-knot. The C. metulifer lines were resistant and were highly compatible rootstocks for grafted cantaloupe. Advanced sweetpotato breeding lines and seedlings from the USDA program were screened for resistance to root-knot nematode. Advanced pepper germplasm lines were screened for resistance to Meloidogyne incognita, and resistant plants were selected for use in a backcross breeding program to develop resistant lines of sweet banana, sweet cherry, and Cubanelle peppers. <br /> <br /> Pepper breeding lines under development by the USDA Vegetable Lab in Charleston, SC were provided by Dr. Judy Thies for evaluation against Meloidogyne hapla in Connecticut. Two S4 lines had been screened against M. hapla in SC. We evaluated 20 replicate pots of each of these lines and a susceptible control pepper variety ‘California Wonder’ in the greenhouse in pots and in the field. All transplants were inoculated with 6,000 eggs and juveniles of Meloidogyne hapla. USDA 1348 had significantly fewer galls than USDA 1390 and California Wonder pepper, which were not different from each other. Evaluation of egg production is underway.<br /> <br /> A tomato cultivar with the Mi-1 gene for root-knot nematode (RKN) resistance and a RKN susceptible tomato cultivar were evaluated in the field in FL with and without soil fumigation. Although less than 10% of the resistant tomatoes were galled compared with nearly 100% galling on the susceptible tomatoes, neither yielded well compared with those grown in fumigated soil. Although soil temperatures were often recorded above those shown in laboratory studies to break the resistance there was no indication this occurred in these field trials. In laboratory studies fewer second-stage juveniles enter resistant cultivar roots than susceptible cultivar roots. The reason for the MI gene tomato yielding less without soil fumigation is under investigation.<br /> <br /> Through surveys we are identifying species of root-knot nematodes on root-knot nematode resistant peach rootstock. Meloidogyne arenaria and M. javanica are being found much more frequently than M. floridensis, the peach root-knot nematode. <br /> <br /> Soft-tissue X-ray imaging of the entire root volume of a plant can be captured in a single high-resolution image, allowing sophisticated comparisons of nematode numbers or egg masses with root volume and length. Experiments conducted with reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) and resistant or susceptible cotton selections showed that nematode egg masses characteristically appeared on X-rays as hemispheres with a dark basal ring next to the root and a lighter dome, distinct from artifacts such as soil particles and root stubs. Each cotton line had a unique distribution of roots and a unique distribution of nematode feeding sites. The use of X-ray technology and digital image analysis can provide a much more accurate approach to nematode relationships with plant host roots.<br /> <br /> Host Plant Resistance and Seed Treatments<br /> In three 2013 MI field studies, soybean cyst nematode (SCN) resistant cultivars derived from a PI 548402 source of resistance yields significantly higher than susceptible cultivars. At these locations, final population densities of SCN associated with resistant varieties derived from a PI 88788 source of resistance were not significantly different from the susceptible cultivars. Seeds treated with N’Hibit (plant health regulator) or VOTiVO (Bacillus firmus) resulted in yielded greater than those associated with the non-treated seed. The seed treatments did not, however, result in lower final SCN densities compared to the non-treated controls. Eighteen sugar beet cultivars were approved by Michigan Sugar Inc. for planting in MI in 2014. Four of these are resistant to the beet cyst nematode (BCN), including the three most economically viable cultivars. In an on-farm research trial, beet yields and sugar content associated with the resistant cultivar were significantly greater than those associated with the susceptible cultivar. <br /> <br /> During the past five years, Golden Nematode (GN) resistant potato varieties have been evaluated in the Central Asia IPM CRSP funded by USAID. Dr. Murat Amitov and Dr. Nurali Saidov served as program coordinators for the Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan projects, respectively. Potato cyst nematodes (Globodera sp?) are key pests in both countries. A number of GN resistant varieties have been developed by the Michigan State University potato breeding program and confirmed through PCR analysis. It is not possible to evaluate them under field conditions in the U.S. They have, however been evaluated in potato production systems in Central Asia. In one 2012 potato cyst nematode (PCN) site in the Kemin Region of Kyrgyzstan, tuber yields of cultivars Boulder and Missaukee were significantly greater than those associated with Picasso, an important local, but PCN susceptible cultivar. While the results in the 2012 trial with Boulder and Missaukee in Tajikistan were even better, the cultivars Dakota Diamond and Kalkaska, both, considered as PCN susceptible were the top two cultivars when grown under a PCN infestation. In the Kemin Region 2012 trial, no new PCN cysts were produced in the presence of cultivars Boulder or Missaukee, however, there were no tuber yield increases associated with cultivars Boulder and Missaukee, indicating that the nematode species might be G. pallida or some other Globodera sp. When Dakota Diamond was planted in 2014 in a PCN infested site, it was an excellent performer; whereas, the GN resistant cultivars did poorly. This is an indication that Dakota Diamond may be resistant to G. pallida or possibly multiple species of Globodera. This hypothesis will be tested molecularly in 2015. <br /> <br /> Tomato is a major vegetable crop in Uzbekistan, where Macrosiphum euphorbiae and Trialeurodes vaporariorum are devastating pests of this plant. It has been reported that the Mi gene (gene for resistance to Meloidogyne incognita) can confer cross-resistance to both M. euphorbiae and T. vaporariorum. For this to become a practical procedure for use in integrated pest management programs in Uzbekistan, the trait must be available in acceptable local tomato cultivars. The objective of this research is to determine if the resistance trait from the rootstock cv. Anahu is transferred to the scion when it is grafted to cv. Rutgers, both in the presence and absence of M. incognita. The research also involves quantification of the changes in phyllosphere volatiles in response to both grafting and the impacts of M. euphorbiae, T. vaporariorum and M. incognita. In initial studies, less than 30 volatiles were detected in the phyllosphere of cv. Rutgers tomato plants infected with M. incognita; whereas, 44 were associated with plants not infected with M. incognita. The rates of volatiles emitted into the phyllosphere ranged from 88.6 to 43,595 ng/g tissue per hour for non-infested plants and 66.6 to 66,868 ng/g tissue per hour for plants infested with M. incognia. In both cases, the greatest emission rate was for phellandrene <beta>, with the rate for the infected plants being significantly (P = 0.05) greater than that recovered from non-infected plants. It is anticipated that grafting highly desirable tomato scion cultivars to rootstocks with pest resistance properties can have a major impact on tomato IPM practices in Uzbekistan.<br /> <br /> Cover Crops<br /> In 2013, the lesion nematode (Pratylenchus sp., most likely P. penetrans) was recovered from the roots of all 11 pea varieties been evaluated for tolerance to root rot pathogens (primarily Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi) in a commercial field near LeRoy, NY with a long history of severe root rot. Interestingly, the lesion nematode was recovered from root of all the varieties at populations ranging from 15.3 to 55.3 nematodes/1 g roots. In 2014, pea plants were randomly collected from 17 pea fields in western New York in order to assess the role of the lesion nematode, if any in the increasing occurrence and damage of root rot diseases in recent years. The roots of collected plants were washed and evaluated for root rot severity on a scale of 1 (healthy) to 9 (most severe disease, >75% of root tissues affected and at a late stage of decay). Five grams of root where then selected and processed for nematode extraction for 3 days. The lesion nematode was recovered from roots of plants from 11 out of the 17 field samples. However, the population recovered from roots was rather low, except in field #11 where the number of the lesion nematode recovered was 1031/1 g root. Also, no correlation was evident between root rot severity and the number of lesion nematode recovered from roots.<br /> <br /> Trap crops are being developed for nonchemical control of cyst nematodes. A solanaceous weed, sticky nightshade (Solanum sisymbriifolium)is being evaluated to control potato cyst nematodes Globodera pallida. Because of the difficulties in working with this regulated pathogen, we are conducting experiments with the closely related tobacco cyst nematode G. tabacum as a model system. In initial experiments, we evaluated S. sisymbriifolium for ability to stimulate hatch of G. tabacum. Twenty cysts per cell were exposed to root full strength or 1 to 10 dilutions of diffusates of tobacco, sticky nightshade or distilled water. Hatch of nematodes was significantly higher for S. sisymbriifolium than from tobacco. We are currently evaluating the effects of S. sisymbriifolium as a trap crop in field microplots compared to resistant or susceptible crops. Cyst-nematode resistant tobacco lines are also being evaluated for host status and hatch stimulation in the Idaho. <br /> <br /> Mustard seed meals are byproducts of biodiesel fuel production from brassicaceous plants, and these meals can be amended into soil as fertilizers and for management of pests, pathogens and weeds. Mustard seed meal amendments (Brassica juncea and Sinapis alba) were therefore tested in the field, alone and in combinations, for management of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita on tomato, and for weed suppression. At the tested application rates, mustard seed meal from Sinapis alba showed some activity against the nematode but results were not consistent between years. No treatment affected weed population numbers.<br /> <br /> Field plots (12 ft by 50 ft) at the CAES Griswold Research Farm naturally infested with Meloidogyne hapla were planted to Pacific Gold brassica, rye or tomato in June of 2012. In September, Pacific Gold plots were either tilled in and rolled to seal, or allowed to senesce without tillage. The four resulting treatments were replicated six times. All plots were planted to San Marzano tomato transplants on 6 June 2013 and four plants per plot were dug on 25 July 2013. Roots were washed, weighed and numbers of galls counted. Gall counts from plots planted to tomato or Pacific Gold without tillage were similar, as were those planted to rye or Pacific Gold that had been tilled. In the fall of 2013, plots were either planted to Pacific Gold or winter rye as a winter cover, and tomatoes were again planted in field plots on 20 June 2014. Gall counts from end of September samples were not significantly different but additional samples are being evaluated. Pacific Gold grown over the summer may be a host to M. hapla and increase populations similar to tomato. However, tillage of shoots of this biofumigant crop results in nematode reduction similar to growing a non-host small grain rye. Growth of Pacific Gold as a winter cover crop disease not appear to increase M. hapla densities and may have been more effective than rye as a winter cover.<br /> <br /> In current mid-west agriculture, cover crops, soil health and a possible conversion to bio-agriculture are currently the hottest three topics. In a 2012-2013 trial with oil seed radish, both corn and soybean yields associated with the use of oil seed radish as a cover crop were greater than those associated with winter fallow. The opposite was true with the use of annual rye grass. The MSU program has conducted numerous cover crop trials with BCN, SCN and northern root-knot nematode. George Bird and Fred Warner intend to publish an Extension bulletin on cover crops and nematodes before the end of 2014. This is currently in very high demand. One individual has traveled from the west coast to look at the data and another is being scheduled to come from the Netherlands later this fall.<br /> <br /> Soil Amendments<br /> Soil Amendments on Heterodera glycines (MN): In a repeated greenhouse experiment, organic soil amendments were screened for effects on population density of soybean cyst nematode (SCN), Heterodera glycines, and soybean growth. Ten amendments at various rates were tested: fresh plant materials of field pennycress, marigold, spring camelina, and Cuphea; condensed distiller’s solubles (CDS), ash of combusted CDS, ash of combusted turkey manure (TMA), marigold powder, canola meal, and pennycress seed powder. Some amendments such as pennycress seed powder, and canola meal were effective for SCN management, but phytoxicity was a concern.<br /> <br /> Objective 2: Evaluate cultural management procedures for plant-parasitic nematodes in relation to their impacts on the sustainability of soil health: with special research to the utility of nematode community structure as an indicator of overall soil quality and their roles in plant nutrient cycling.<br /> <br /> Soil Health Management Practices<br /> Vermont was involved in three projects that related to this objective. First, in collaboration with University of Ghent (Belgium), nematode community indicators were validated as tools to quantify the successional maturity of compost. Second, high throughput genetic sequencing was applied to compare soils that are naturally suppressive or conducive to soybean cyst nematodes in the Midwest. Differences in community composition were not statistically different among treatments. Third, a suite of biological indicators were compared for their ability to predict suppression of Rhizoctonia damping-off disease on radish in a bioassay. The best predictors of disease suppression were respiration (immature compost) and an in vitro plate assay to quantify suppression of R. solani growth (mature compost).<br /> <br /> The sequenced genome of Paenibacillus sp. JDR-2, a xylanolytic spore-forming bacterium isolated from soil has allowed RNA-seq transcriptomic analysis to identify genes expressed in response to environmental signals. Growth with different carbohydrate substrates demonstrated expression of clusters of genes involved in the depolymerization hemicelluloses and the assimilation of the products of depolymerization. As a relative of Paenibacilllus sp. SdTc and Paenibacillus nematophilus, respectively ectoparasites of the entomoparasitic nematodes, Steinermema diaprepesi and Heterorhabditis spp., this approach may be applied to define the basis for phoretic Paenibacillus species and their nematode hosts. <br /> <br /> In 2014, we continued the monitoring of plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes in the plots of the long-term Soil Health Site on the Gates Farm near Geneva, NY. This long-term experiment was initiated in 2003, about14 acres in size, and divided into 72 plots (18 treatments replicated 4 times). The treatments are represented by three tillage systems (no-till, zone-till and plow/conventional-till systems), three cover crops (no cover, rye grain, and vetch), and two crop rotations. One rotation includes primarily high value vegetable crops (bean, beet, sweet corn, cabbage, bean, bean, peas, cucumber, bean, bean from 2003 – 2012), whereas the second rotation includes season long soil-building crops (bean, field corn, oats/sweet clover, sweet corn, bean, field corn, barley/red clover, sudangrass, bean, bean from 2003 through 2012). To-date, the no-till tillage is converted to ridge-till system whenever the plots are planted to a direct seeded vegetable crop. All the plots were planted to dry beans, as the indexing crop for assessing the impact of the various soil management practices on soil quality and productivity. Interesting results were obtained on the number of lesion nematode in roots of dry beans as impacted by cover crops (highest in the rye plots), crop rotation (higher in the diversified rotation 2), and tillage systems (highest in the reduced till-systems). However, populations of plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes were rather low to moderate in the soil of all plots and generally did not differ significantly. This site will be continued and data collection might reveal differences and significant interaction over time.<br /> <br /> Nematode Community Structure Analysis<br /> In Michigan, plant- (PC) and animal-based (AC) compost was tested for ability to suppress PPN, increase beneficial nematodes, soil conditions, and increase yield and quality of fresh market (Sugarsnax) and processing (Cupar) carrot cultivars. PC and AC, at 1, 1.5 and 2 times the standard recommendation for nitrogen source, and urea and non-amended (as controls) were tested. Preliminary analyses indicate significantly higher Maturity index (MI) in compost-treated (2.1) plots than in the controls (1.6), and fertility index (FI) in compost-treated plots was 1.0 compared to 1.3 in the controls, suggesting improved soil conditions. Abundance of omnivore-predatory nematodes was positively correlated (r = 0.53) with root to shoot dry matter ratio in the processing carrot variety plots, implying improved soil condition and more carrot root than shoot growth. Average total abundance was about 50 nematodes/100 cc of soil, with herbivores and fungivores being most abundant and omnivore and predators least abundant. Multifactor analysis of the relationship among nematode guilds, trophic groups and soil physiochemical properties shows significant correlation (r = 0.68) between c-p 1 bacteriovores and NO3-N. Soil food web structure appears to mature with time. Overall, the results support the hypothesis that compost treatment may increase beneficial nematodes and improving soil conditions.<br /> <br /> Cultural Management<br /> Long-term corn-soybean rotation effect on nematode community and the crop yields: The effects of long-term corn-soybean crop sequences on nematode community and corn soybean yield were studied in a field site that was established in 1982 in Minnesota. The crop sequences were: (i) five-year rotation of each crop such that both crops are in years 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of monoculture every year; (ii) annual rotation of each crop with both crops planted each year; (iii) continuous monoculture of each crop; (vi) annual rotation of two different cultivars of each crop. Beginning in 2010, half of each plot was treated with nematicide. Plant-parasitic nematodes were determined at planting, midseason, and harvest each year. In 2013 and 2014, nematode community including free-living nematodes in each plot was assessed. Nematicide (aldicarb) was effective against plant-parasitic nematodes, but also had negative effects on fungivores, shifting the nematode community to a lower ecological succession. Crop sequences strongly affected plant-parasitic nematodes, but also affected fungivores, bacterivores, nematode community diversity, maturity, and enrichment. Heterodera glycines, Pratylenchus spp., Helicotylenchus spp., and Xiphinema spp. are major plant-parasitic nematodes in the field. Crop sequence affected soybean and corn yields, which decreased with increasing number of years of monoculture. The nematicide aldicarb effectively reduced nematode population densities and increased both soybean and corn yields. However, increase of soybean and corn yield by nematicide was not related to initial densities of the major plant-parasitic nematodes, suggesting the yield penalty of inadequate crop rotation could not be fully explained by the damage caused by nematodes. This study shows the agronomic and ecological impact of crop rotation.<br /> <br /> Long-term corn-soybean rotation effect on microbial communities associated with the soybean cyst nematode: The research project was been initiated to study crop sequence effects on fungal and bacterial communities in the cysts of the SCN with cultural methods as well as metagenomic analysis. Fungi and bacteria have been isolated from the cysts in 2014, and they will be identified with morphological characteristics and DNA sequences.<br /> <br /> Objective 3: Provide educational materials and programs on cultural management of plant-parasitic nematodes based on host resistance, nematode antagonistic rotation or cover crops, soil amendments and biological agents.<br /> <br /> In 2014, two training workshops were again provided on the stem and bulb nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci) on garlic and were attended by >100 growers, extension educators and industry personnel. The first workshop was held on the campus of the NYSAES in Geneva, NY on March 28th and the second one was held on April 9th in the Albany area. The training workshops and the subsidized diagnostic services provided under this project were funded by a grant from the Specialty Crop Program through the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets. T0-date in 2014, a total of 107 garlic samples were submitted and analyzed for possible infestation by the garlic bloat nematode. These samples came from garlic growers and vendors in NY and several other states. Total of 18 samples tested positive for the garlic bloat nematode, 16.8% infection. Also, the project leader and cooperators have had extensive correspondence and visits with garlic growers throughout New York and elsewhere, discussing the biology and available management options against the bloat nematode and other diseases and pests of garlic.<br /> <br /> A pdf file of George Bird’s most recent Soil Health presentation (October 4, 2014 to the MI UP Master Gardeners) has been provided to the members of Technical Committee of NE-1040 and is available on the MSU ENT website. In addition, recommended soil health readings are made available to all meeting participants.<br /> <br /> A few of the additional outreach activities associated with NE 1040 in 2014 included: <br /> <br /> George Abawi of Cornell-Geneva held two Garlic training workshops in Geneva, NY on March 28, 2014 and Albany area, NY on April 9, 2014; The bloat Nematode on garlic and management options; >100 growers, extension educators and industry personnel were in attendance.<br /> <br /> LaMondia spoke about ‘Strawberry black root rot, nematodes and soil health’ to the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association in Hudson, MA (February 1, 115 persons).<br /> <br /> LaMondia was interviewed about nematode diseases of fruit and vegetable crops and management options for growers by Dorothy Noble for Growing Magazine (June 13);<br /> Neher, D.A. Nematodes as Biomonitors short course, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium, 1-14 May 2014.<br /> <br /> Neher, D.A. Keynote Speaker, Compost symposium, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, 28 March 2014<br /> <br /> Milestones Accomplished<br /> <br /> • Soil health meeting held in New York/Michigan focusing on report cards for soil health. Planning is currently underway to hold meetings immediately prior to the annual Society of Nematologists meeting in Michigan in 2015, combining both 2014 and 2015 milestones.<br /> <br /> • Molecular characterization of Melodoigyne graminis and Subanguina radicicola populations. Research is in progress.<br /> <br /> <br />

Publications

Abawi, George S. and K. Moktan, C. Stewart, R. Hadad, L. Jones, and C. Smart. 2014. Updating the status of the re-emerging and damaging bloat nematode on garlic: Proceedings of the NED-APS meeting in Portsmouth, NH during October 29-31, 2014.<br /> <br /> Bakelaar, J.E., Neher, D.A., and Gilker, R. 2015. Effects of season extension pasture management in Vermont. Canadian Journal of Soil Science (in revision, previously reported as submitted to Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems)<br /> <br /> Bird, G. W. 2014. Impact of Disturbance on Soil Processes and Biological Diversity. Oxford University Round Table on Sustainability and Climate Change. N Harris Manchester College, Oxford University, Oxford, England. <br /> <br /> Chen, S. Y., Bao, Y., Grabau, Z. J., and Xiao, S. 2014. Effects of long-term corn-soybean crop sequences and nematicide treatments on corn and soybean yields. Phytopatholgy In press (APS abstracts). (Abstr.).<br /> <br /> <br /> Elmer, W. H. and J. A. LaMondia. 2014. Comparison of genetically similar species of Fusarium and Meloidogyne recovered from marine and terrestrial habitats. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science http://authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S0272771414002650 .<br /> <br /> Elmer, W. H., S. Useman, R. W. Schneider, R. E. Marra, J. A. LaMondia, I. A. Mendelssohn, M. Jimenez-Gasco, and F. L. Caruso. 2013. Sudden vegetation dieback in Atlantic and Gulf coast marshes. Plant Disease 97:436-445. http://dx.doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-09-12-0871-FE<br /> <br /> Eshchanova, B., Z. Szendrei, J. Ali, F. Zalom and G. Bird. 2014. Potential of Grafted Tomatoes for Control of Aphids and Whiteflies in Uzbekistan: With Special Reference to Phyllosphere Volatiles. Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America <br /> <br /> <br /> Grabau, Z., and Chen, S. 2014. Effects of long-term corn-soybean crop sequences on the nematode community. Journal of Nematology 46:269. (Abstr.).<br /> <br /> Grabau, Z., and Chen, S. 2014. Efficacy of organic soil amendments for management of Heterodera glycines in greenhouse experiments. Journal of Nematology 46:263-274<br /> <br /> Habteweld, A., Brainard, D., Ngouajio, M., Kravchenko, S. and Melakeberhan, H. 2014. Potential use of compost for managing nematodes, soil health and carrot yield. Journal of Nematology 46: 171. <br /> <br /> LaMondia, J. A. and W. H. Elmer. 2013. Salt tolerance of Meloidogyne spartinae and M. hapla. Journal of Nematology 45:300-301.<br /> <br /> Neher, D.A., Weicht, T.R., and Dunseith, P. 2014. Compost for management of weed seeds, pathogen, and early blight on brassicas in organic farmer fields. Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems. DOI:10.1080/21683565.2014.884516.<br /> <br /> Powers, T.O., Bernard, E.C., Harris, T., Higgins, R., Olson, M., Lodema, M., Mullin, P., Sutton, L. & Powers, K.S. 2014. COI haplotype groups in Mesocriconema (Nematoda: Criconematidae) and their morphospecies associations. Zootaxa 3827:101-146. <br /> <br /> Rhee, M.S., L. Wei, N. Sawhney, J.D. Rice, F. St. John, J.C. Hurlbert, and J.F. Preston. 2014. Development of Bacillus subtilis strains for production of acidic xylooligosaccharides from lignocellulosics. Appl. Environ Microbiol. 80:917-927. <br /> <br /> Sawhney, N.S. and J.F. Preston 2014. GH51 Arabinofuranosidase and its role in the methylglucuronoarabino-xylan utilization system in Paenibacillus sp. JDR-2: Depolymerization, assimilation and intracellular processing of arabinoxylooligosaccharides. Appl. Environ Microbiol. 80:6114-6125. <br /> <br /> <br /> Steel, H., Vandecasteele, B., Hendrickx, F. De Neve, S., Neher, D.A., and Bert, W. Factors influencing the nematode community during composting and nematode based criteria for compost quality. Soil Biology and Biochemistry (submitted)<br />

Impact Statements

1. The identification and use of rotation crops that reduce plant parasitic nematode populations will assist in the development of effective nonchemical management. Some of these crops may be useful as biodiesel energy feedstocks in addition to next generation IPM systems.
2. The H. glycines and H schachtii resistant variety, seed treatment and HG Type information is imperative for the continued success of soybean and sugar beet industries, whereas, the soil health initiatives are farmer-based and expected to have a major long-term positive impact on not only the potato industry, but all agronomic crops grown in the mid-west and northeast.
3. Increased knowledge on the impact of specific cover crops and other production practices on plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes will help design sustainable production systems that improve soil health, crop productivity and suppress nematode damage as well as other pests.
4. Determining the specificity and developmental cycle of the Connecticut isolate of Pasteuria penetrans to M. hapla will aid in its development as a biological control management tactic for northern nematode problems.
5. Improved diagnostics for identifying Meloidogyne floridensis will aid in stopping the movement of this nematode with peach rootstock and to quickly identify the species when recovered from soil as second-stage juveniles.
6. Paenibacillus sp. JDR-2 and related species isolated from rhizosphere of relevant plant species may have a positive effect on agricultural productivity. Further evaluation of their effects as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and as antagonists to nematodes in the soil may enhance soil health and agricultural productivity.
7. Providing timely background information on the occurrence, distribution and needed management options on emerging nematode problems to stakeholders is essential for the cost-effective management of such problem and to limit further spread and damage to other host crops, especially in vegetatively-propagated crops like garlic.
8. Paenibacillus sp. JDR-2 and related species isolated from rhizosphere of relevant plant species may have a positive effect on agricultural productivity. Further evaluation of their effects as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and as antagonists to nematodes in the soil may enhance agricultural productivity. Transcriptomic analyses will identify the molecular bases for relationships of bacteria and nematodes that influence soil health.

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Report Information

Participants

Present: Deborah Neher (host), Ernest Bernard (Presiding), Robert Wick (Secretary), Jim LaMondia, Haddish Malakeberhan, Jim Kotcon, Don Dickson, George Abawi, Nathanial Mitkowski, Senyu Chen, Tom Weicht, Elisha Allen-Perkins, Tucker Andrews and Olivia Shrantz

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

<p class="p1"><strong>Milestones Accomplished </strong></p><br /> <p class="p1">&bull; Soil health meeting held in New York/Michigan focusing on report cards for soil health. Planning is currently underway to hold meetings immediately prior to the annual Society of Nematologists meeting in Michigan in 2015, combining both 2014 and 2015 milestones.</p><br /> <p class="p1">&bull; Molecular characterization of <em>Melodoigyne graminis </em>and <em>Subanguina radicicola </em>populations. Research is in progress.</p><br /> <p class="p1">&nbsp;</p><br /> <p class="p1">&nbsp;</p>

Publications

<p class="p1"><strong>Publications since last report: </strong></p><br /> <p class="p2"><strong>Bird, G</strong><span class="s1"><strong>. </strong></span>2015 Biological protection solutions. Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Society of Nematologists. p.39.</p><br /> <p class="p3"><span class="s2">Cassida, K., <strong>Melakeberhan, H.</strong>, Robertson, P. and Snapp, S. 2015. No matter how you slice it, healthy soil is important. Michigan State University, AgBioResearch Features. </span>http://agbioresearch.msu.edu/news/no_matter_how_you_slice_it_healthy_soil_is_important?utm_source=MSU+AgBioResearch+E-Newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=d2b52059b8-Futures_Spring_Summer_2015&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_766437723c-d2b52059b8-230134969<span class="s2">. Posted on July 26, 2105. </span></p><br /> <p class="p1">Elmer, W. H. and <strong>J. A. LaMondia</strong>. 2014. Comparison of saline tolerance of genetically similar species of <em>Fusarium </em>and <em>Meloidogyne </em>recovered from marine and terrestrial habitats. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 149:320-324. <span class="s3">http://authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S0272771414002650 </span></p><br /> <p class="p1">Fang, L. 2015. Biological indicators of compost-mediated disease suppression against the soilborne plant pathogen <em>Rhizoctonia solani. </em>Master&rsquo;s Thesis, University of Vermont.</p><br /> <p class="p1">Habteweld, A., Brainard, D., Ngouajio, M., Kravchenko, A., Grewal, S. P. and <strong>Melakeberhan, H. </strong>2015. Impact of compost amendments on soil food web, soil physicochemical properties and carrot yield. 54<span class="s4">th </span>Annual Meeting of the Society of Nematologists Program Abstracts. 103.</p><br /> <p class="p1"><strong>LaMondia, J. A. </strong>2014. Plant parasitic nematodes in irrigation water. Chapter 9. Pages 83-95 in: Biology, Detection, and Management of Plant Pathogens in Irrigation Water. C. X. Hong, G. W. Moorman, W. Wohanka, and C. B&uuml;ttner, eds. American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.</p><br /> <p class="p1">&nbsp;</p><br /> <p class="p1"><strong>LaMondia, J. A. </strong>2015. Hatch stimulation and host status of tobacco (<em>Nicotiana tabacum</em>), eastern black nightshade (<em>Solanum ptychanthum</em>), and sticky nightshade (<em>Solanum sisymbriifolium</em>) to the tobacco cyst nematode, <em>Globodera tabacum</em>. Journal of Nematology 47:251-252.</p><br /> <p class="p1">Maredia, K., <strong>G. Bird</strong>, D. Landis, F. Zalom, J. Landis, M. Kennelly, M. El-Bouhssini, N. Saidov, Aitmatov. 2015. Ecologically-Based Integrated Pest Management Programs for Food Security Crops in Central Asia, pp 154-172 (in) Environmental Crisis in Central Asia. E. Freeman and M. Neuzil (eds), Routledge Press, 195 pp.</p><br /> <p class="p1">Maung, Z.T.A., Poindexter, S., Clark, G, Stewart, S, Hubbell, L. and <strong>Melakeberhan, H. </strong>2015. Effects of rotation and cover crops on nematode communities and soil health in different sugar beet production soils. 54<span class="s1">th </span>Annual Meeting of the Society of Nematologists Program Abstracts. 64.</p><br /> <p class="p1"><strong>Meyer, S.L.</strong>, Zasada, I.A., Rupprecht, S.M., Vangessel, M., Hooks, C., Morra, M., Everts, K. 2015. Mustard seed meal for management of root-knot nematode and weeds in tomato production. HortTechnology. 25(2):192-202.</p><br /> <p class="p1">Nair, M.G., Seenivasan, N., Liu, Y., Feick, R.M., Maung, Z.T.A. and <strong>Melakeberhan, H. </strong>2015. Leaf constituents of <em>Curcuma </em>spp. suppress <em>Meloidogyne hapla </em>and increase bacterial-feeding nematodes. <em>Nematology </em>17:353-361.</p><br /> <p class="p1"><strong>Neher, D.A.</strong>, Muthumbi, A.W.N., and Dively, G.P. 2014. Impact of coleopteran-active Bt corn on non-target nematode communities in soil and decomposing corn roots. <em>Soil Biology and Biochemistry </em>76: 127-135.</p><br /> <p class="p1"><strong>Neher, D.A.</strong>, Weicht, T.R., and Dunseith, P. 2015. Compost for management of weed seeds, pathogen, and early blight on brassicas in organic farmer fields. <em>Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems </em>39:3-18.</p><br /> <p class="p1">Powers, T. O., <strong>E. C. Bernard</strong>, T. Harris, R. Higgins, M. Olsen, M. Lodema, P. Mullin, L. Sutton, and K. S. Powers. 2014. COI haplotype groups in <em>Mesocriconema </em>(Nematoda: Criconematidae) and their morphospecies associations. Zootaxa, Vol. 3827(2): 101-146.</p><br /> <p class="p1">Shu, C., Jiang, X., Cheng, X., Wang, N., <strong>Chen, S.</strong>, Xiang, M., and Liu, X. 2015. Genetic structure and parasitization-related ability divergence of a nematode fungal pathogen <em>Hirsutella minnesotensis </em>following founder effect in China. Fungal Genetics and Biology doi:10.1016/j.fgb.2015.02.005.</p><br /> <p class="p1">Shu, C., Lai, L., <strong>Chen, S.</strong>, Xiang, M., and Liu, X. 2015. Functional response of the fungus <em>Hirsutella rhossiliensis </em>to the nematode, <em>Heterodera glycines</em>. Science China, Life Science 58:704-712 doi: 10.1007/s11427-015-4868-6.</p><br /> <p class="p2">Warner, F., A. Tenny and <strong>G</strong><span class="s2"><strong>. </strong></span><strong>Bird</strong>. 2015<span class="s2">. </span><em>SCN (HG) Type Testing: What's the Deal? </em>Michigan Soybean News 7<span class="s2">:</span>4-7.</p><br /> <p class="p1">Zhao, X., and <strong>Chen, S. </strong>2015. Decomposition of dead eggs of <em>Heterodera glycines </em>in soils. Nematropica 45:113-117.</p><br /> <p class="p1">&nbsp;</p><br /> <p class="p1"><strong>Publications since previous report: </strong></p><br /> <p class="p1">Bird, George, Fred Warner and Ben Werling, 2016. Managing Michigan&rsquo;s Six Species of Carrot Nematodes. Carrot Country. Vol. 242:12-15.</p><br /> <p class="p1">Bird, George, Fred Warner and Angie Tenney. 2016. Beet Cyst Nematode Management. News Beet, Vol. 30:11.</p><br /> <p class="p1">Dandurand, L.-M., G. R. Knudsen, R. Kooliyottil, and J. A. LaMondia. 2015. Alternative eradication strategies for the pale cyst nematode, Globodera pallida, using the trap crop Solanum sisymbriifolium and two biological control fungi. Methyl Bromide Alternatives Outreach Proceedings. <span class="s1">http://www.crec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/soilipm/mbao2015.shtml </span></p><br /> <p class="p1">Grabau, Z. J., and Chen, S. 2016. Influence of long-term corn-soybean crop sequences on soil ecology as indicated by the nematode community. Applied Soil Ecology 100:172-185.</p><br /> <p class="p1">Grabau, Z. J., and Chen, S. Y. 2016. Determining the role of plant-parasitic nematodes in the corn-soybean crop rotation yield effect using nematicide application: I. corn. Agronomy Journal 108:782-793.</p><br /> <p class="p1">Grabau, Z. J., and Chen, S. Y. 2016. Determining the role of plant-parasitic nematodes in the corn-soybean crop rotation yield effect using nematicide application: II. soybean. Agronomy Journal 108:1168-1179.</p><br /> <p class="p1">Grabau, Z.J., B.P. Werling, R. Goldy, B. Phillips, and H. Melakeberhan. 2016. Plant parasitic nematode distribution in Michigan vegetable soils. <span class="s1">http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/plant_parasitic_and_beneficial_nematode_distribution. </span>Posted on April 25, 2106.</p><br /> <p class="p1">LaMondia, J. A. and P. Timper. 2016. Interactions of Microfungi and Plant Parasitic Nematodes. Chapter 23, Pp. 573-614. De-Wei Li (ed), Biology of Microfungi. Springer, Switzerland, DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-29137-6_23.</p><br /> <p class="p1">LaMondia, J. A. 2016. Evidence for suppression of <em>Meloidogyne hapla </em>by <em>Pasteuria </em>in Connecticut. Journal of Nematology in press.</p><br /> <p class="p1">Powers, T.O., Bernard, E.C., Harris, T., Higgins, R., Olson, M., Olson, S., Lodema, M., Matczyszyn, J., Mullin, P., Sutton, L. &amp; Powers, K.S. 2016. Species discovery and diversity in <em>Lobocriconema </em>(Criconematidae: Nematoda) and related plant-parasitic nematodes from North American ecoregions. Zootaxa 4085:301‒344.</p><br /> <p class="p1">Snapp, Sieglinde, Lisa Tiemann, Noah Rosenzweig, Dan Brainard and George Bird. 2016. Managing Soil Health for Root and Tuber Crops. Michigan State University Extension Bulletin E-3343. pp. 1-10.</p><br /> <p class="p1">Warner, Fred, Angela Tenny and George Bird. 2016. Current Status of Michigan <em>Heterodera glycines </em>Types. Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Society of Nematologists. p.192.</p><br /> <p class="p1">&nbsp;</p><br /> <p class="p2">&nbsp;</p>

Impact Statements

1. Knowledge of long-term agricultural practices on soil biological activities and crop productivities is aiding in the development of long-term effective strategies for management of plant-parasitic nematodes in the soybean-corn production system in the Midwest.

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