Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Objective 1:   Characterize genetic and biological variation in nematodes relevant to crop production and trade. 

Molecular identification of nematodes is very important. DNA barcoding has been applied to four major groups of plant-parasitic nematodes. A barcoding survey of Pratylenchus populations primarily associated with corn, wheat, and soybeans was conducted with soil samples from ten central and western U.S. states and Canada. Six clades or haplotype groups were recognized by mitochondrial markers. In greenhouse house tests, the haplotype groups displayed differential reproduction on a set of hosts that included corn, wheat, soybeans, and sorghum. DNA barcoding of nematodes extracted from forage seed and rice was examined for the presence of Aphelenchoides besseyi, the nematode species responsible for white tip of rice disease. Using genetic markers for mitochondrial DNA, it was determined that forage seed from South America was infected by Aphelenchoides fujianensis and not A. besseyi. However, one specimen from forage seed was grouped with a larger clade that included A. besseyi. Species boundaries of A. besseyi are currently compromised due to apparent misidentifications of specimens in GenBank. Corrections need to be made in GenBank in order to more accurately determine species boundaries in Aphelenchoides species. A new mitochondrial primer set has been applied to the major species groups in Meloidogyne. This primer set appears to separate M. javanica, M. incognita, and M. arenaria while recognizing subgroups within the species. Testing of a large panel of Meloidogyne isolates is ongoing. A large scale evaluation of genera and species in the suborder Criconematina has resolved a number of taxonomic issues affecting accurate identification and classification within the group. Relative taxonomic resolution of 18S, COI, and ITS markers has been analyzed using a set of over 1,300 specimens from North America. Ditylenchus dispsaci was encountered for the first time in NM in a small acreage of non-commercial garlic Exotic populations of Ditylenchus species, including D. dipsaci, D. africanus, D. weischeri, and D. angustus have been tested using a contiguous segment of the rRNA gene spanning the 18S, ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2, and a portion of the 28S regions. These results strengthen our understanding of intra-species genetic variation associated with this ribosomal region in an important, internationally-regulated genus. 

Evaluation of deep sequencing methodologies as a platform for identification of nematodes of regulatory importance in agricultural samples employed the Single Molecule Real Time (SMRT) platform for sequencing of PCR amplicons amplified from populations of nematodes extracted from soil samples. The accuracy of the SMRT platform is reported to be proportional to the length of the amplicons sequenced, with shorter amplicons being sequenced with higher accuracy, and that accuracy can drop near or below 90% for longer amplicons (over 10 Kbp) while the reported accuracy is supposed to be greater than 98% for the length of amplicons that we are working with (1.5-4 Kbp).   We performed SMRT sequencing on nematode populations isolated from a golf course and a vineyard.  All samples produced a large amount of single pass sequence, ~100-150K or more reads per sample.  Quality scores on these raw reads were moderate with most reads having an average quality score of ~20 (over 30 is desirable).  After generating circular consensus sequences (error checking via generating a consensus for multiple reads on a single template) we were left with ~30K reads per sample that had an average quality score over 30 suggesting an overall accuracy of 98% or greater.   Each sample had ~10,000 nematodes, estimated by counting of a subsample prior to lysis and PCR, so we anticipate that each nematode was represented ~3 times.  Grouping redundant sequences in the SMRT sequence data suggested that there were ~5K groups present with some being rare (one to a few sequences present) and some being common (many redundant sequences present) which is consistent with the nematode population estimates of a diverse population with some species being common and others being rare.  A quick in silico screen suggests that 90% or more of the sequences are greater than 70% related to the 18S rRNA of M. arenaria.  Taken together, these preliminary results suggest that we were successful in capturing the diversity of the nematodes isolated from the soil samples in the sequence data. Based on results to date we anticipate that it will be relatively simple to convert SMRT sequences generated in this work into searchable databases which can be queried to determine if sequences from nematodes of regulatory concern are present- the next goal for the bioinformatics portion of this project.  Development of simple procedures for turning raw SMRT sequence data into databases of accurate error checked sequences that can be queried for sequences of interest will enable using this technology as a tool for detecting the presence of nematodes of regulatory concern. 

Root-knot nematodes, or Meloidogyne spp., are one of the most significant plant-parasitic nematodes found in the United States.  Species identification of Meloidogyne based upon molecular techniques that are much quicker than current standards. Individual nematodes are “smashed” for DNA, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) amplifies the DNA, and gel electrophoresis uses band sizes to identify specific species.  Only Meloidogyne incognita race 3 and M. arenaria race 1 have been identified thus far in Alabama peanut fields. In Michigan vegetable production Pratylenchus (detected in 71% of fields sampled), Meloidogyne (41% of fields), Paratylenchus (26% of fields), and Heterodera (18% of fields). Helicotylenchus, Paratrichodorus, Hoplolaimus, and Xiphinema were detected. Ten populations of M. hapla show differences in reproductive potential.  The nematode community in the vegetable fields was dominated by bacteria-feeding nematodes (67% mean relative abundance) while fungal-feeding (16% relative abundance) and plant-parasitic nematodes (14% relative abundance) constituted most of the rest of the community.  Omnivores and predators (3% relative abundance) represented a small proportion of the nematode community.  This nematode community structure suggests Michigan vegetable fields have resource-rich, but relatively basic soil food webs. 

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) parasitize insects utilizing mutualistic bacteria to infect and kill the host, allowing the nematode to feed and reproduce within the insect cadaver. Consequently EPNs are highly sought after for their biological control potential. A survey for EPNs was conducted on O'ahu and Hawai'i Island using a modified baiting method. One hundred seven soil samples were collected and baited with five Tenebrio molitor (mealworm) larvae. Soil samples were observed daily for 5 days and morbid T. molitor larvae were placed on white traps. Forty-seven of the 107 locations contained at least one infected mealworm containing nematodes. Mealworm mortality was attributed to EPNs, fungi, parasitoids, or unknown factors in 16%, 10%, 1% and 73% of samples respectively. Eighty-two EPN isolates were passed through two subsequent inoculations in order to confirm their entomopathogenic nature. A total of 41 EPN isolates were recovered through three rounds of reinoculation and recovery. PCR analysis and sequencing was conducted on third generation nematodes, targeting the ITS region. Sequencing analysis suggested three groups of Oscheius. Oscheius was recovered from 96% of locations sampled on Hawai'i Island and O'ahu respectively. The Oscheius isolates and an unknown EPN isolate occurred in 76%, 12%, 8% and 4% of positive locations respectively.  This suggests that Oscheius is a common EPN in Hawai'i.

Objective 2:  Determine nematode adaptation processes to hosts, agro-ecosystems and environments.

Yield losses due to the soybean cyst nematode are increasing and evidence suggests races may have shifted, rendering current crop rotation schemes ineffective. Because the nematode virulence classification is transitioning between the traditional race system and the HG Type system, soybean cyst nematode populations are being evaluated using both systems. Producers unfamiliar with the nematode are being educated with a race distribution map.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), a spice crop native to Southeast Asia, has experienced a dramatic increase in demand due to its anti-inflammatory and other health-promoting properties. Turmeric is undergoing evaluation as a potential cash crop. Meloidogyne spp. negatively affects turmeric production systems, causing significant losses to production each year. Selection for tolerance or resistance to Meloidogyne spp. will be a key factor in establishing successful turmeric production.

Mint (Mentha spp.) is a high value crop used worldwide for a variety of purposes. In Idaho and Eastern Oregon, Pratylenchus is common (89% of samples) at population densities ranging from 0-1,940/500 cm³ soil. Paratylenchus was found in 72% of the samples at population densities ranging from 0-195,200/500 cm³ soil.  Stunt and spiral nematodes occur in half of the samples at populations ranging from 0-890 and 0-3,400/500 cm³ soil, respectively.  We do not know if Paratylenchus is pathogenic to mint, interacts with Verticillium wilt, nor do we know appropriate management practices for the nematode in mint. Ditylenchus medicaginis was reported for the first time in the United States. Mint has potential for use as a living mulch in smallholder production systems. Meloidogyne incongnita, M. javanica and Rotylenchulus reniformis are common plant-parasitic nematodes found in tropical climates. Consequently, susceptibility of mint to these nematodes should be considered. A greenhouse test demonstrated that neither spearmint nor peppermint was a host to these nematodes. The nematode reproductive factor was less than 1 for each nematode on both plants. In a field miroplot test, eggplant was intercropped with spearmint as a living mulch. Eggplant yield with spearmint was higher than eggplant in bare ground plots (P <0.05). Eggplant intercropped with mint increased revenue for the farmer by more than 300%. 

The selection of landscape plants can have profound impacts on the environment. The susceptibility of 21 perennial plant species recommended for use in xeriscape plantings to Meloidogyne incognita is being determined. Variation in RF values within a species will provide valuable information regarding the possible presence of resistance genes within the host population. 

We can modify soil health with different agronomic practices. Cover crops showed soil type-specific soil health outcomes. In a Michigan carrot production soils, nematode community analysis showed few short-term impacts of cover cropping. At one site, enrichment and structure indices were affected by cover crop treatments at carrot harvest. Enrichment index was greater after oats-radish mixture or Dwarf Essex rape than oats alone or fallow control.  Structure index was greater after radish alone or Dwarf Essex rape than oats alone.  At a second site, bacterivore nematode densities were increased by oats or radish cover crops compared to control, but only during carrot production.  Overall, the variable effects of cover crops and other agronomic practices such as tillage and soil nutrient amendment use on soil health strongly point to location-specific application than a one-size-fits-all approach to get the best outcome.

Objective 3:  Develop and assess nematode management strategies in agricultural production systems.

The addition of inputs such as starter fertilizers, plant growth regulators, and nematicides can provide for a complete management system by improving plant health and suppressing nematode population densities. In a corn and Meloidogyne system, shoot and root fresh weights and biomass were greater in the untreated control (P ≤ 0.1) than with Terbufos and Clothianidin/Bacillus firmus + Fluopyram/Imidacloprid nematicides at 14 days after planting (DAP). However, at 45 DAP the untreated control’s growth parameters were all lower (P ≤ 0.1) than the nematicide treatments. Terbufos, Fluopyram/Imidacloprid, and Clothianidin/Bacillus firmus + Fluopyram/Imidacloprid all reduced root knot egg production (P ≤ 0.1), and Terbufos increased biomass (P ≤ 0.1) relative to the untreated control. In the plant growth regulator trial, Ascend (0.090% cytokinin: 0.030% gibberellic acid: 0.045% indolebutyric acid) was the product selected and the efficacy of single to multiple applications were evaluated. At 45 DAP, the in-furrow application (365 ml/ha rate) improved plant growth parameters (shoot/root fresh weight and biomass) (P ≤ 0.1) relative to the untreated control, and was similar to the untreated control in eggs per gram of root. The triple combination (in-furrow + foliar + seed treatment) supported increased numbers of root knot eggs per gram of root (P ≤ 0.1) relative to the untreated control. The starter fertilizer treatments all increased plant biomass (P ≤ 0.1) relative to the untreated control at 45 DAP with the exception of Micro-500 and Neptune’s Harvest. From the greenhouse tests, we selected nematicides Terbufos and Fluopyram, the plant growth regulator’s in-furrow application, and the combination of starter fertilizers (Pro-Germinator + Sure-K + Micro 500) to be further evaluated in field and microplot settings to determine yield effects. In a soybean and Meloidogyne system, resistant cultivars and nematicides are two proscribed methods of control and yield loss prevention for these plant parasitic nematodes. This study screened susceptible, moderate resistant and resistant varieties in the presence and absence of the nematicide Avicta (Abamectin) in order to determine the efficacy of the nematicide seed treatment to prevent biomass and yield reduction caused by this phytopathogenic nematode. Ten soybean varieties were evaluated: one root-knot (RKN) susceptible, four moderate resistant, and five resistant varieties. The experiment used three factor tests, each having replicates of all varieties. The test groups were: Control (no RKN, no nematicide treatment), Variety (RKN inoculated, no nematicide treatment), and Nematicide (RKN inoculated, nematicide treated seed). Nematicide treated seeds received 0.15 mg Abamectin per seed. Greenhouse trials were conducted in 150cc cone-tainers in a RCBD with 5 replicates per treatment. Treatments to include RKN were inoculated with 2,000 Meloidogyne incognita eggs at planting. Plant height, fresh shoot and root weights were recorded at 45 days after planting. Greenhouse trials were repeated and data analyzed in SAS 9.4 by Tukey’s (P ≤ 0.05), comparing means across varieties and tests. The nematicide seed treatment Abamectin increased plant biomass by 5% on average (P ≤ 0.05) in the presence of M. incognita. Root fresh weight was also increased 17 % with the nematicide application Abamectin decreased M. incognita eggs per gram of root by 77%; the nematicide treatment significantly reduced nematode egg densities across all varieties. Additionally, Abamectin increased biomass in resistant, moderately resistant and susceptible varieties similarly. Abamectin decreased eggs per gram in the susceptible variety by 84%, 75% on moderate varieties on average, and by 77% in resistant varieties on average. Additionally, Abamectin increased plant biomass by 10%, 1%, and 5% on average in susceptible, moderately resistant, and resistant varieties respectively. This test will be conducted in field trials in the 2016 season to determine if the increase in plant biomass translates into increased yield in varieties treated with a nematicide. Breeding variates of soybean have been evaluated for resistance to reniform nematode, and several lines have been identified that have resistance. Work is underway to identify these resistant genes.

Rotylenchulus reniformis was previously controlled using at-planting treatments of Temik 15G or soil fumigants. With Temik 15G being removed from the market and fumigant expenses rising, Nematicide Seed Treatment (NST) with and without foliar applications of Vydate-CLV® has become an alternative.     All NSTs improved root and shoot biomass of cotton.  Aeris® + Votivo® produced greater biomass in inoculated populations (Pi) up to 5,000 reniform nematodes/500 cc of soil comparable to Temik 15G.  Temik 15 G did continue providing growth at higher R. reniformis populations. Aeris was reduced in bimoss earlier than other treatments at 2,500 reniform nematodes/500 cc.   In-field plant mapping indicated node of first fruiting branch (NFFB) reduced with all nematicides while plant height and height to node ratios (HNR) were greater with Vydate-CLV®. At the final mapping evaluation, Vydate-CLV® improved retention at position two and greater. 

In a cotton and reniform nematode system, nematicides were used to demonstrate yield reduction. R. reniformis reduced yield by an average of 39% across 10 different cultivars ranging from 26-45% reduction. Velum Total increased yield by an average of 5%, and reduced egg production per gram of root by an average of 67% across 10 cultivars. 

In mint, lesion and pin nematode can occur with Verticillium wilt fungus. No current or new treatment was effective in reducing pin nematode populations or slowing or stopping Verticillium wilt infections. Mint plants were heavily damaged by Verticillium wilt in the greenhouse trials. Lesion nematode + Verticillium wilt had more extreme damage than pin nematode alone and pin nematode + Verticillium wilt.

On-going are efforts to integrated soil food web functions to the fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) model, which separates nutrient deficiency and toxicity from nematode (pest) suppression and agro-ecological efficiency.

Ongoing studies of management of injury to bentgrass greens at NM golf courses resulting from high populations of Mesocriconema spp., Pratylenchus spp., and Longidorus breviannulatus showed continued efficacy Avid^® (2% abamectin) when applied at maximum recommended rates for suppression of Mesocriconema spp and Longidorus breviannulatus. However, populations of continue to increase and show little response to treatment.  Subsequent applications of Nimitz^® Pro G (fluensulfone 1.5%) suppressed Pratylenchus populations by 50%, with Pratylenchus numbers still exceeding the damage threshold in 60% of greens, while producing mild discoloration of turf.  Preplant soil samples preceding pinto bean revealed 78% of the 64 fields surveyed contained Pratylenchus populations that exceeded the damage threshold of 50 nematodes per 100 cm³ soil – some by as much as 12-fold.  A microplot study was initiated to determine the response of pinto bean and associated plant-parasitic nematode populations to different rates of Nimitz^® but the study was lost due to rodent predation, and will be repeated in 2017.

Columbia Root-knot Nematodes (CRKN, Meloidogyne chitwoodi) infect potato tubers and cause quality defects consisting of galling of the tuber surface and small brown spots that surround the female and egg mass inside the tuber. There is little tolerance for infection in tubers in domestic markets for fresh or processed potatoes and crops which exceed these tolerances may be devalued or rejected. Furthermore, there is no tolerance for infection in tubers intended for export to countries where CRKN is considered a quarantined pest and even one infested tuber can prevent a shipment from being exported. The primary method used for control of CRKN is with soil fumigant (Telone II, metam sodium) and nonfumigant (Mocap, Vydate) nematicides. However, an inadequate supply of the ingredients used to manufacture Telone II and increased global demand as resulted in an insufficient supply to meet the needs of potato growers. In addition, there was an accident at the facility the produced Vydate and it is not currently available. This has increased the demand for Telone which is already in short supply. Health and environmental concerns have led to the formation of buffer zones that often restrict the area of a field that can be treated with metam sodium. In addition, growers are becoming increasingly interested in biological approaches to nematode management. We are investigating different strategies that may reduce reproduction by CRKN that could either result in sufficient control alone or reduce population densities to a level that could then be controlled by reduced rates of products that are in short supply. Biological strategies that we have hypothesized may be promising include: Grow poor or non-host crops as 1) Cash crops, 2) Cover crops, 3) Incorporate green manure crops (biofumigation), 4) Apply biocontrol products early in season, and 5) Combine these strategies. Winter wheat cv Stephens, barley (cv C-69) and Sudangrass (cv Sordan 79) had Rf of 21.62, 11.54 and 0.02, respectively. While population densities of CRKN increased substantially on wheat and barley, the declined to very low levels in pots planted to ‘Sordan 79’ sudangrass. Amendment with wheat cv Stephens or sudan cv Sordan 79 fresh resulted in Rfs of 9.84, 6.20, 6.43, 5.06 and 0.85 for unamended pots and pots amended with wheat at 15 Tons/acre, wheat at 39 Tons/acre, sudangrass at 15, and sudangrass at 39 Tons/acre, respectively. Addition of shoot biomass appeared to have a greater effect on J2 in the soil than eggs on the roots. Amending soil with wheat or sudangrass shoot biomass markedly suppressed J2 densities. However, only the high rate of wheat amendment was significant whereas both rates of sudangrass had significantly fewer J2 than in unamended pots. Neither rate of wheat biomass reduced numbers of eggs or Rf. Both rates of sudangrass amendment reduced reproduction (Rf) compared to unamended soil, but only the high rate suppressed egg production to below the number added at the beginning. Effectors, phytohormones, nematode secretions, and jasmonic acid are being investigate as potential avenues for control as well. Mc RMc1(blb) gene to be used to study virulence and avirulence in M. chitwoodi.

One strategy for nematode management is the application of biological control products. Several biological products are being applied to growers’ fields that may have an effect on nematodes although they may not be marketed as nematicides. Very few have been tested. The following products were tested and were applied as recommended by the product representatives. Bio Blend is distributed by Soil Guys (San Luis Valley, CO) and contains Agrothrive fermented fish product, Soil Medic, Sobec, and Soyaplex in a proprietary blend. Hyper Galaxy is sold by Holmes Enviro, LLC (Philomath, OR) as a consortia of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) for early crop growth. Specific bacteria include: Azospirillum brazilense, Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus azotofixans, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Pseudomonas putida. MeloCon consists of Paecilomyces lilacinus strain 251, a fungal parasite of nematode eggs that is marketed by Certis as a biological nematicide. Reproduction on wheat cv Stephens was 4.71, 1.71, 1.49 and 0.40 for untreated pots, and pots treated with Bio Blend, Hyper Galaxy, and MeloCon, respectively. All treatments except Hyper Galaxy had significantly fewer CRKN J2 in the soil than in the nontreated control. There were no differences between products. All treatments had fewer eggs than on nontreated plants. MeloCon had fewer eggs than Bio Blend. All treatments suppressed reproduction compared to that in nontreated plants. MeloCon suppressed reproduction more than Bio Blend or Hyper Galaxy. At the end of the study there were fewer CRKN in the MeloCon treatment than at the beginning. To manage Rotylenchulus reniformis on cotton and soybean, seeds treated with the Abamectin, ILeVo, and a non-treated control have been evaluated. On cotton, seeds treated with Abamectin and ALB-G304+ALB-M305-1 (7+ 3 fl. oz/cwt) significantly reduced the numbers of R. reniformis eggs recovered from the cotton roots. Seeds treated with Abamectin and ALB-M305-3 (10 fl. oz/cwt) had fewer juveniles vermiform adults recovered from the soil compared with the non-treated seeds. On soybean, seeds treated with Abmectin and ALB-BE3 + ALB-SAR 2 (7+ 0.25 fl. oz/cwt) significantly reduced the number of eggs recovered compared with the non-treated control. Abamectin, ALB SAR (0.01 fl.oz/cwt), ALB-BE3 + ALB-SAR 2(7+ 0.25 fl.oz/cwt) and ALB-M305-1(7 fl.oz/cwt) significantly reduced the number of vermiform life stages that were found in the soil compared with the non-treatment. No negative effects were recorded on plant growth.

Book Chapter

Nyaku, S.T., Tilahun, Y., Lawrence, K., Sripathi, V.R., Williams, A.J., and Sharma, G.C. 2016. Genetic resistance to the reniform nematode in cotton. In: Cotton Research. ed by I.Y. Abdurakhmonov. DOI: 10.5772/64389

Journal Articles

French, J.M.,Beacham, J., Garcia, A., Goldberg, N.P., Thomas, S.H., and Hanson, S.F. 2016.  First report of stem and bulb nematode Ditylenchus dipsaci on garlic in New Mexico.  Plant Health Progress (submitted).

Grabau, Z.J., B.P. Werling, R. Goldy, B. Phillips, and H. Melakeberhan. 2016. Plant parasitic nematode distribution in Michigan vegetable soils. http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/plant_parasitic_and_beneficial _nematode_distribution.

Klink, V.P. 2016. Plastic embedding tissue for laser microdissection-assisted developmental genomics analyses at single cell resolution. Medical Research Archives 4:1-12.

Land, C.J., Lawrence, K.S., and Newman, M. 2016. First report of Verticillium dahliae on cotton in Alabama. Plant Dis. 100:1, 2016; published online as http://dx.doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-10-15-1143-PDN.

Meyers, R.Y., Sipes, B.S., Matsumoto, T.K., Mello, C.L., and Mello, J.S. 2015. Distribution of Heterorhabditid populations in Hawaii. Nematropica 45:198-207.

Pant, S.R., McNeece, B.T., Sharma, K., Nirula, P.M., Burson, H.E., Lawrence, G.W., and Klink, V.P. 2016. The heterologous expression of a Glycine max homolog of NONEXPRESSOR OF PR1 (NPR1) and a-hydroxynitrile glucosidase suppresses parasitism by the root pathogen Meloidogyne incognita in Gossypium hirsutum. Journal of Plant Interactions 11:41-52.

Powers, T.O., Bernard, E.C., Harris, T., Higgins, R., Olson, M., Olson, S., Lodema, M., Matczyszyn, J., Mullin, P., Sutton, L., and Powers. K.S. 2016. Species discovery and diversity in Lobocriconema (Criconematidae: Nematoda) and related plant-parasitic nematodes from North American ecoregions. Zootaxa 4085 (3): 301–344. http://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4085.3.1

Powers, T.O., Mullin, P., Higgins, R., Harris, T., and Powers, K.S. 2016. Description of Mesocriconema ericaceum n. sp. (Nematoda: Criconematidae) and notes on other nematode species discovered in an ericaceous heath bald community in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA. Nematology (Available online: 14 June 2016) http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/15685411-00003001

Pradhan, A., Chan, C., Roul, P.K., Halbrendt, J., and Sipes, B. 2016. Potential of conservation agriculture (CA) as climate smart technology for food security under rainfed uplands of India: A transdisciplinary approach. Agricultural Systems 149: in press.

Sharma, K., Pant, S.R., McNeece, B.T., Nirula, P.M., Burson, H.E., Lawrence, G.W., and Klink, V.P. 2016. Co-regulation of the Glycine max soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein attachment protein receptor (SNARE)-containing regulon occurs during defense to a root pathogen. Journal of Plant Interactions 11:74-93.

Yu, Q., Ye, W. & Powers, T. 2016. Morphological and molecular characterization of Gracilacus wuae n. sp. (Nematoda: Criconematoidea) associated with cow parsnip (Heracleum maximum) in Ontario, Canada. Journal of Nematology (Accepted for Publication 3 August 2016 )

Xiang, N. and Lawrence, K.S. 2016. Optimization of in vitro techniques for distinguishing between live and dead second stage juveniles of Heterodera glycines and Meloidogyne incognita. PLOS ONE: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0154818

Published Abstracts

Bisel, J., Myers, R., and Sipes, B. 2016. Endemic Oscheius nematodes of Hawaii. Journal of Nematology 47: in press.

Chan, K.D., Sipes, B., Wang, K.H., and Leung, P.S. 2016. Mentha spicata: A potential living mulch for conservation agricultural practices in tropical climates. Journal of Nematology 47: in press.

Dodge, D., and K. Lawrence. 2016. Combination effect of commercial starter fertilizers, plant hormones and nematicides on soybean growth and pest management of Meloidogyne incognita. Proceedings of the 2016 Beltwide Conference Vol. 1: 577-580. National Cotton Council of America, Memphis, TN. http://www.cotton.org/beltwide/proceedings/2005-2016/index.htm

Dodge, D., and K. S. Lawrence. 2016. Soybean variety yield comparison with and without Velum Total for management of root-knot nematode Alabama, 2015. Report No. 10:N007. DOI: 11.1094/PDMR10. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume10/abstracts/n007.asp

Dodge, D., and K. S. Lawrence. 2016. Nematicide and fungicide efficacy and yield comparison for management of root-knot nematode on soybean Alabama, 2015. Report No. 10:N008. DOI: 11.1094/PDMR10. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume10/abstracts/n008.asp

Grabau, Z.J., Z.T.Z. Maung, C. Noyes, D. Baas, B.P. Werling, D.C. Brainard, and H. Melakeberhan. 2016. Short-term effects of cover cropping on root-lesion nematode, stunt nematode and soil ecology in Michigan carrot production. Joint Meeting of the Society of Nematologists and Organization of Tropical America Nematologists Program Abstracts. 94.

Grabau, Z.J., Z.T.Z. Maung, C. Noyes, D. Baas, B.P. Werling, D.C. Brainard, and H. Melakeberhan. 2016. Cover cropping affects plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes in Michigan carrot production. American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting Program Abstracts. 0000.

Grabau, Z.J., B.P. Werling, and H. Melakeberhan. 2016. Plant-parasitic nematodes and nematode community composition in selected Michigan vegetable fields. Joint Meeting of the Society of Nematologists and Organization of Tropical America Nematologists Program Abstracts. 95.

Groover, W., and K. Lawrence. 2016. Diagnostic identification of Meloidogyne species to expedite pathogen detection in row crops. Proceedings of the 2016 Beltwide Conference Vol. 1: 574-576. National Cotton Council of America, Memphis, TN. http://www.cotton.org/beltwide/proceedings/2005-2016/index.htm

Hafez, S.L. 2016. New compounds and chemistries for controlling nematodes, 2015-2016. 48^th Annual Meeting of the Organization of Nematologoists of Tropical America and 55^th Annual meeting of the Society of Nematologists, Montreal, Canada.

Hafez, S.L. and Sundararaj, P. 2016. Chemical management practices for the management of Meloidogyne chitwoodii on potato in Idaho, USA. 48^th Annual Meeting of the Organization of Nematologoists of Tropical America and 55^th Annual meeting of the Society of Nematologists, Montreal, Canada.

Hafez, S.L. and Sevy, C. 2016. Lesion nematode and Verticillium wilt interactions in greenhouse mint. 48^th Annual Meeting of the Organization of Nematologoists of Tropical America and 55^th Annual meeting of the Society of Nematologists, Montreal, Canada.

Ingham, R.E., W.S. Phillips, A. Peetz, N.M. Wade, and I.A. Zasada. 2015. Effects of the cyst nematode Globodera ellingtonae on potato.  Journal of Nematology 47:247.

Kalaiselvi, D., Rajanandhini, M., Sundararaj, P., Hafez, S., and Sundararaj, N. 2016. Promising approach for improving the effect of silver nanoparticle applications in soil for Meloidogyne incognita management: synthesis and application. 48^th Annual Meeting of the Organization of Nematologoists of Tropical America and 55^th Annual meeting of the Society of Nematologists, Montreal, Canada.

Lawrence, K., A. Hagan, M. Olsen, T. Faske, R. Hutmacher, J. Mueller, D. Wright, R. Kemerait, C. Overstreet, P. Price, G. Lawrence, T. Allen, S. Atwell, S. Thomas, N. Goldberg, K. Edmisten, R. Bowman, H. Young, J. Woodward,and H. Mehl. 2016. Cotton disease loss estimate committee report, 2015. Proceedings of the 2016 Beltwide Cotton Conference Vol. 1: 113-115. National Cotton Council of America, Memphis, TN. http://www.cotton.org/beltwide/proceedings/2005-2016/index.htm

Lawrence, K. S., C. J. Land, N. Xiang, J. Luangkhot, and C. Norris. 2016. Fungicide combination evaluations for cotton seedling disease management in north Alabama, 2015. Report No. 10:FC012. DOI: 11.1094/PDMR10. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume10/abstracts/fc012.asp

Lawrence, K. S., C. J. Land, N. Xiang, and J. Luangkhot. 2016. Cotton variety and nematicide combinations for root-knot nematode management in Alabama, 2015. Report No. 10:FC133. DOI: 11.1094/PDMR10. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume10/abstracts/fc133.asp

Lawrence, K. S., C. J. Land, N. Xiang, J. Luangkhot, and C. Norris. 2016. Cotton variety and nematicide combinations for reniform management in north Alabama, 2015. Report No. 10:N010. DOI: 11.1094/PDMR10. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume10/abstracts/n010.asp

Lawrence, K. S., C. J. Land, N. Xiang, J. Luangkhot, and C. Norris. 2016. Velum Total in-furrow spray applications for reniform management in north Alabama, 2015. Report No. 10:N011. DOI: 11.1094/PDMR10. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume10/abstracts/n011.asp

Lawrence, K. S., C. J. Land, N. Xiang, J. Luangkhot, and C. Norris. 2016. Vydate CLV in-furrow spray applications for reniform management in north Alabama, 2015. Report No. 10:N012. DOI: 11.1094/PDMR10. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume10/abstracts/n012.asp

Lawrence, K., G. Lawrence, T. Faske, R. Kemerait, C. Overstreet, T. Wheeler, H. Young, and H. Mehl. 2016. Beltwide nematode research and education committee 2015 nematode research report cotton varietal and nematicide responses in nematode soils. Proceedings of the 2016 Beltwide Conference Vol 1: 737-740. National Cotton Council of America, Memphis, TN. http://www.cotton.org/beltwide/proceedings/2005-2016/index.htm

Luangkhot, J, and K. Lawrence. 2016. Growth hormone and starter fertilizer effects on root-knot population suppression and cotton yield enhancement when combined with Velum total or Vydate CLV. Proceedings of the 2016 Beltwide Conference Vol 1: 719-727. National Cotton Council of America, Memphis, TN. http://www.cotton.org/beltwide/proceedings/2005-2016/index.htm

Luangkhot, J., and K. S. Lawrence. 2016. Reniform nematode management utilizing variety selection with and without seed treatments in Alabama, 2015. Report No. 10:N001. DOI: 11.1094/PDMR10. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume10/abstracts/n001.asp

Luangkhot, J., and K. S. Lawrence. 2016. In-furrow sprays on cotton to manage Southern root-knot nematode in Alabama, 2015. Report No. 10:N002. DOI: 11.1094/PDMR10. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume10/abstracts/n002.asp

Mohankumar, A., Shanmugam, G., Sundararaj, P., Hafez, S., and Sundararaj, N. 2016. Phloroglucinol (1,3,5-trihydrocybenzene) enhanced the ameliorates stress resistance and reduced β-amyloid toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. 48^th Annual Meeting of the Organization of Nematologoists of Tropical America and 55^th Annual meeting of the Society of Nematologists, Montreal, Canada.

Pradhan, A., Chan, C., Roul, P.K., Halbrendt, J., and Sipes, B. 2016. Potential of conservation agriculture production systems (CAPS) as climate smart technology for food security under rainfed uplands of India: A transdisciplinary approach. International Food and Agribusiness Management Association World Conference, Aarhus, Denmark.

Rothrock, C., T. Allen, H. Kelly, R. Kemerait, G. Lawrence, K. Lawrence, H. Mehl, R. Norton, P. Price, and J. Woodward. 2016. Impact of seedling diseases and Pre-emergence herbicides on cotton stand establishment and plant development. Proceedings of the 2016 Beltwide Conference Vol 1: 741-742. National Cotton Council of America, Memphis, TN. http://www.cotton.org/beltwide/proceedings/2005-2016/index.htm

Rothrock, C., S. Winters, T. W. Allen, J. D. Barham, A. B. Beach, M. B. Bayles, P. D. Colyer, H. M. Kelly, R. C. Kemerait, G. W. Lawrence, K. Lawrence, H. L. Mehl, P. Price, and J. Woodward. 2016. Report of the cottonseed treatment committee for 2015. Proceedings of the 2016 Beltwide Cotton Conference Vol. 1: 117-122. National Cotton Council of America, Memphis, TN. http://www.cotton.org/beltwide/proceedings/2005-2016/index.htm

Smith, H. R., G. W. Lawrence, R. L. Harkess, K. S. Lawrence, D. J. Lang, J. M. Phillips, and P. R. Knight. 2016. Performance of commercial G. hirsutum varieties grown in R. reniformis infested soils with and without nematicides. Proceedings of the 2016 Beltwide Conference Vol 1: 743-761. National Cotton Council of America, Memphis, TN. http://www.cotton.org/beltwide/proceedings/2005-2016/index.htm

Smith, H. R., G. W. Lawrence, R. L. Harkess, K. S. Lawrence, D. J. Lang, J. M. Phillips, and P. R. Knight. 2016. Effects of nematicide seed treatments with and without foliar applications of Vydate-CLV on the growth and development of G. hirsutum grown in R. reniformis infested soils. Proceedings of the 2016 Beltwide Conference Vol 1: 781-797. National Cotton Council of America, Memphis, TN. http://www.cotton.org/beltwide/proceedings/2005-2016/index.htm

Subramani, S., Govindan, S., Sundararaj, P., Hafez, S., Nagamony, P., and Sundararaj, N. 2016. Evaluation of shielding efficacy of bovine serum albumin and poly ethylene amine on graphene oxide by using the nematode model Caenorhabiditis elagans. 48^th Annual Meeting of the Organization of Nematologoists of Tropical America and 55^th Annual meeting of the Society of Nematologists, Montreal, Canada.

Till, S. R., and K. S. Lawrence. 2016. Fungicide seed treatments for control of Rhizoctonia solani in upland cotton in Alabama, 2015. Report No. 10:FC013. DOI: 11.1094/PDMR10. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume10/abstracts/fc013.asp

Till, S., K. Lawrence, K. Glass, and D. Schrimsher. 2016. Evaluation of cotton cultivars in the presence and absence of reniform nematode and the efficacy of Velum total. Proceedings of the 2016 Beltwide Conference Vol 1: 590-592. National Cotton Council of America, Memphis, TN. http://www.cotton.org/beltwide/proceedings/2005-2016/index.htm

Xiang, N., and K.S. Lawrence. 2016. Evaluation of the experimental compounds for soybean seedling disease management in North Alabama, 2015. Report No. 10:FC103. DOI: 11.1094/PDMR10. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/reports/2016/FC103.pdf

Xiang, N., and K.S. Lawrence. 2016. Evaluation of the experimental compounds for the control of soybean SDS in North Alabama, 2015. Report No. 10:FC104. DOI: 11.1094/PDMR10. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume10/abstracts/fc104.asp

Xiang, N., and K.S. Lawrence. 2016. Evaluation of the experimental compounds for the control of soybean SDS in central Alabama, 2015. Report No. 10:FC105. DOI: 11.1094/PDMR10. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume10/abstracts/fc105.asp

Xiang, N., K. Lawrence, J. Kloepper, and J. McInroy. 2016. 2015 studies of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria for biological control of Meloidogyne incognita on cotton. Proceedings of the 2016 Beltwide Conference Vol 1: 586-589. National Cotton Council of America, Memphis, TN. http://www.cotton.org/beltwide/proceedings/2005-2016/index.htm

Proceedings

Saad L. Hafez and Mahesh P. Pudasaini, 2015. Efficacy of Movento alone or in combinations with other compounds in drip irrigation system for the management of onion nematodes, 2013. Plant Disease management report, Vol. 9.

Saad L. Hafez and Mahesh P. Pudasaini, 2015. Effect of Movento alone of in combinations with Vydate or Vapam for control of Columbia root-knot nematode in Potato, 2012. Plant Disease management report, Vol 9.

Saad L. Hafez and Mahesh P. Pudasaini. 2015. Optimum timing of Movento application for control of Columbia root-knot nematode in Potato, 2012. Plant Disease management report, Vol 9.

Saad L. Hafez and P. Sundararaj. 2015. Effect of Vapam alone or with Adsorb on Columbia root-knot nematode and potato yield, 2011. Plant Disease management report, Vol 9.

Saad L. Hafez and P. Sundararaj. 2015. Efficacy of Telone II for the control of Columbia root-knot nematode on potato, 2010. Plant Disease management report, Vol 9.

Saad L. Hafez and P. Sundararaj. 2015. Effect of Movento alone or in combinations with Vydate and Vapm on Columbia root-knot nematode and potato yield, 2011. Plant Disease management report, Vol 9.

Saad L. Hafez and P. Sundararaj. 2015. Effect of different chemicals for the management of Columbia root-knot nematode on potato, 2011. Plant Disease management report, Vol 9.

Saad L. Hafez and P. Sundararaj. 2015. Effect of MCW on Columbia root-knot nematode and potato yield, 2011. Plant Disease management report, Vol 9.

Saad L. Hafez and P. Sundararaj. 2015. Effect of MCW-2 on Columbia root-knot nematode and potato yield, 2011. Plant Disease management report, Vol 9.

Saad L. Hafez and P. Sundararaj. 2015. Effect of MCW-2 formulations at different rates on potato and root lesion nematode under greenhouse conditions, 2011. Plant Disease management report, Vol 9.

Saad L. Hafez and P. Sundararaj. 2015.Effect of MCW-2 alone or in combination with Vydate on Tobacco rattle virus and potato yield, 2011. Plant Disease management report, Vol 9.

Saad L. Hafez and P. Sundararaj. 2015. Evaluation of new chemicals for the management of Columbia root-knot nematode on potato, 2010. Plant Disease management report, Vol 9.

Sundararaj, P. and S.L. Hafez. 2014. Effect of chemical nematicides on the management of Columbian root knot nematode Meloidogyne chitwoodi on potato. Presented in the AZRA Silber Jubilee International Conference “Probing Biosciences for Food Security & Environmental Safety” on 16-18 February, 2014, held at CRRI, Cuttack, India.

Sundararaj, P. and Saad L. Hafez. Efficacy of chemical nematicides for the management of lesion nematodes Pratylenchus neglectus and Pratylenchus thornei on potato in Idaho, USA.

Saad L. Hafez and P. Sundararaj. Efficacy of fumigant and non fumigant nematicides for the management of Meloidogyne chitwoodi in potato. Indian Nematology Conference, India, 2014.

Saad L. Hafez, Mahesh P. Pudasaini and Ransey Portenier. New chemistries, new mode of action, different formulatin including seed treatment and multi-target for potato, sugar beet and onion nematode management in Idaho. 6^th International Congress of Nematology, Cape Town, South Africa. May 4-9, 2014.