Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Tuesday 7 October 2008 (morning and afternoon) Nathaniel Mitkowski, local arrangements host, welcomed the group. The meeting was held 7 October at the Newport Hyatt Hotel on Goat Island, Newport, Rhode Island. The meeting was called to order by Nathaniel Mitkowski, interim chair and the meeting agenda was approved with Don Dickson serving as recording secretary. Louis Magnarelli, administrative advisor, discussed the status of the new project proposal, and suggested we request a 7-year term rather than a 5-year term. He mentioned that 1 February 2009 was the deadline for submission of a corrected copy of the project proposal to the Directors. A response to the reviewer comments should be completed before that date. Nathaniel Mitkowski will serve as leader for the rewrite of the proposal. He requested that all members submit their individual milestones to him. The new project would be placed on the Directors agenda during their meeting schedule on 31 March 2009. If approved the new project would be for 5 or 7 years beginning 1 October 2009 and ending 31 September 2014 or 31 September 2016. The current project NE 1019 ends 31 September 2009. Participant oral reports followed: Presenters: Robert Wick, Parwinder Grewal, George Abawi, Robin Huettel, Ernest Bernard, Nathaniel Mitkowski, Deborah Neher, Jim LaMondia, George Bird, and Don Dickson. The business meeting was called to order by Nathaniel Mitkowski. An invitation for hosting the 2009 annual meeting was received from Robin Huettel, Auburn University. It was moved by George Abawi that we accept the invitation to meet at a facility located at Pine Mountain, AL. Ernest Bernard seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. It was suggested that in future meetings the Chair and Secretary each serve 2 year terms. Nathaniel Mitkowski volunteered to serve as Chair and George Bird volunteered to serve as recording secretary. Robin Huettel will serve as local arrangements chair for 2009. A motion was placed on the floor by Jim LaMondia and seconded by Robin Huettel that the NE1019 documents be removed from the Connecticut Experiment Station web site since the site is a duplication of the information housed on the USDA web site. The motion passed unanimously. A hardy thank you was extended to Nathaniel Mitkowski for hosting NE1019 in Newport Rhode Island. The meeting adjourned at 5:00 pm.

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

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