Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Dr. Will Rutter (chair of S1092) welcomed all participants to the meeting.  He introduced Dr. Pat Wechter, who gave an introduction and overview of the Clemson Coastal Research and Education Center (CREC), the facility where we are holding the meeting.  In this, we learned that Clemson Univ. has 8 research farms and 18 labs across SC.  CREC was established in 1929 and the USDA joined in 1934, making a partnership of 90 years!

Plant pathology is strongly represented at CREC, along with entomology, plant breeding, genetics, weed science, horticulture, and other disciplines.  From Clemson, there are 7 total faculty at CREC, 12 grad students, 2 post docs.  Research programs are starting to incorporate culinary components along with vegetable pathology and breeding.

Next, Dr. Shaker Kousik gave us an Introduction to the USDA U.S. Vegetable Lab.  Dr. Kousik is the research leader and lab director for the U.S. Vegetable Lab here in Charleston.  We learned that the guiding objective of the U.S. Vegetable Lab is to respond to the major agricultural problems experienced in the production and marketing of quality vegetables in the southeast and nationally. From the USDA, there are currently 8 full time scientists (several positions open too).  Over 230 vegetable lines have been released from the work performed at this site in the last 50 years.  For example, Charleston Gray watermelon, Charleston Hot RKN-resistant cayenne pepper, heat tolerant broccoli, and the sweetpotato ‘Ruddy’, which is resistant to sweetpotato weevil .

We then did a round of introductions for members both in-person and on Zoom. 

ALABAMA

Participants: Lawrence, Kathy (lawrekk@auburn.edu) and Lawaju, Bisho Ram (brl0024@auburn.edu) – Auburn University

Objective 3.     Develop and evaluate integrated nematode management tactics for emerging nematode diseases.

Activities: Cotton variety trials were conducted in fields infested with Meloidogyne incognita and Rotylenchulus reniformis to assess their impact on nematode populations and cotton yield.

Output: The results showed that M. incognita populations were reduced by 89% in the nematode-resistant DP 2141NR variety compared to the high-yielding susceptible varieties DP 2038, DP 2131, and DP 2349. The DP 2141NR variety also produced an increased yield of 668 lb/acre at a 40% lint rate, which, at $0.71 per pound, would result in an additional $190 per acre. In the R. reniformis field, the resistant DP 2141NR variety had 80% lower nematode populations and supported an increased yield of 1,126 lb/acre at a 40% lint rate, resulting in an additional $319 per acre at the same cotton price.

Phytogen is introducing seven new cotton varieties with three genes for resistance to Meloidogyne incognita and Rotylenchulus reniformis. These new varieties were compared to the market-dominating susceptible variety, PHY 340. In the M. incognita field, the resistant varieties achieved an average seed cotton yield increase of 815 lb/acre over PHY 340. At a 40% lint rate and a cotton price of $0.71 per pound, this resulted in an additional 326 lb lint/acre, valued at $231 per acre. In the R. reniformis field, the resistant varieties showed an average seed cotton yield increase of 1,012 lb/acre over PHY 340, resulting in an additional 404 lb lint/acre, valued at $287 per acre.

Activities: Field experiments were conducted to evaluate cotton variety performance with and without supplemental nematicide applications in soils infested with Meloidogyne incognita and Rotylenchulus reniformis. These trials aimed to analyze nematode population responses and measure cotton yield outcomes.

Output: Cotton varieties from Phytogen, Deltapine, NextGen, Stoneville, and Armor were planted in Rotylenchulus reniformis-infested fields to assess their impacts on nematode reproduction and lint yield. On average, nematode-resistant varieties produced 595 pounds more lint per acre than susceptible varieties, even without nematicide application. At a lint percentage of 40% and a cotton price of $0.71 per pound, selecting resistant varieties alone provided an additional $169 per acre. Furthermore, applying aldicarb to resistant varieties increased lint production by an additional 308 pounds per acre, adding $218 per acre in revenue. Notably, three newly developed ThryVon cotton varieties, engineered for thrip resistance, showed unexpectedly high levels of R. reniformis reproduction.

Outcome: Field demonstrations and podcasts aligned with Objective 1 helped disseminate these findings effectively.

ARKANSAS

Participants: Faske, Travis (tfaske@uada.edu) – University of Arkansas

 Objective 3.     Develop and evaluate integrated nematode management tactics for emerging nematode diseases. 

• Fifty-six commercially available soybean cultivars marketed for use in southern root-knot nematode-infested fields were evaluated in a uniform field trial to assess nematode susceptibility and yield potential. Additionally, 153 entries from the UA Soybean Official Variety Trial were screened in the same field.
• Twenty-five commercially available seed- and soil-applied nematicides were assessed in on-farm field studies for their efficacy in managing nematodes in corn, cotton, and soybean.
• The nematicide cyclobutrifluram was tested in the laboratory and field to evaluate standard nematode behavioral responses to this new product and its impact on yield protection in the field.

FLORIDA

Participants: Grabau, Zane (zgrabau@ufl.edu)- University of Florida

Objective 2.     Investigate the ecological and epidemiological factors contributing to the distribution, dissemination and pathogenicity of developing nematode diseases.

Objective 3.     Develop and evaluate integrated nematode management tactics for emerging nematode diseases. 

• In addition to publications and abstract listed below, 8 field or greenhouse trials were conducted in support of objectives 2 and 3.

Participants: Desaeger, Johan (jad@ufl.edu) and Jacobs, Dustin – University of Florida

Objective 1.     Understand the fundamental biology and genetics that underlie the evolving nematode threats to agriculture in the Southern region.

The presence and distribution of Meloidgyne enterolobii in central and south Florida was investigated by collecting 304 root samples from commercial small fruit and vegetable fields, research sites and community gardens. 247 samples were positive for Meloidogyne species, with the most common species being M. incognita and M. enterolobii (each 76 positives). M.e. was especially prevalent in Asian vegetables grown on small to medium-size Vietnamese farms. Phylogenetic analysis of the populations indicated limited genetic variability among the populations. The results were summarized in a recently submitted manuscript to the Journal of Nematology. A previous M.e. survey (Brito et al., 2001) focused more on nurseries. This was the first survey focusing on commercial vegetables fields. The prevalence of M. enterolobii in these fields has important implications for nematode management, the most important being that M.e. will overcome existing resistance genes in crops like tomato, pepper and sweetpotato.

Other potential nematode threats that were identified included stubby root nematodes (SRN, Nanidorus minor), which is becoming more common in tomato and strawberry fields in Florida. SRN were found in 60% of the soil samples and visible damage due to SRN was found in two fields. This is the first report of direct damage of SRN to strawberry (publication #5).

In organic strawberry fields, which are becoming more important in Florida due to demand from retailers, sting nematode (Belonolaimus longicaudatus) has emerged as the number one overall pest.

Objective 2.     Investigate the ecological and epidemiological factors contributing to the distribution, dissemination and pathogenicity of developing nematode diseases.

A recent survey of nematodes in Florida strawberry fields has shown that nematodes like northern root-knot (Meloidogyne hapla) and northern lesion (Pratylenchus penetrans) have become increasingly common in Florida strawberry fields. We also conducted a survey of strawberry transplants coming into Florida from different nurseries, mostly from Canada and California, which indicated the presence of these nematodes on transplants and that they are the likely the main source of introduction of these ‘northern’ nematodes into Florida. Significant damage of M. hapla has recently been observed in several fields both to strawberry and many vegetables growing after strawberry. This issue stresses the need for effective nematode management in both nurseries and production fields, and the importance of both these types of growers to work together. We have shared this information at grower’s meetings in Florida and plan to do the same regarding the nursery growers.

Objective 3.     Develop and evaluate integrated nematode management tactics for emerging nematode diseases.

Management tactics that were evaluated included nematicide evaluations (chemical and biological products), cover crops and different cultivars. Eight greenhouse and six vegetable field trials (tomato, cucurbits and strawberry) were conducted at the GCREC research station and farm evaluating new chemical and biological products and strawberry cultivars. Highlights were (1) that a combination of two biological control agents (Purpureocillium lilicanum + Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) was more effective in reducing M.e. than when the agents were applied by themselves (publication # 4); and (2) that for drip-applied chemical nematicides, two drip tapes improved performance of fluopyram (and somewhat fluensulfone and metam), but not of oxamyl and fluazaindolizine (publication #1).

All the currently planted strawberry cultivars in Florida were shown to be highly susceptible to sting nematode (publication # 7,8).

Cover crops were evaluated for their impact on nematodes and nitrogen leaching in a tomato cropping system (abstract # 7) and anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) as a management option for organic strawberries (Abstract #10). These data are still being analyzed and more trials are ongoing.

New information on nematode management gives us a better understanding of how biological nematode control products work and how combinations or mixtures can improve their efficacy. For chemical nematicides, our research showed that application methodology can differ according to physical and chemical properties of the nematicide, especially in the case of drip-applied nematicides that have low water solubility, such as fluopyram.

Cover crops and ASD have shown promise both in terms of nematode management and crop productivity, and we continue to work on these strategies.

For transplants, thermotherapy using steam has shown it can be an effective means of eliminating or reducing nematodes inside strawberry transplants (Khanal et al., 2020, Journal of Nematology), but as of now there is no infrastructure to do this on a large scale.

Our management studies are focused on developing more integrated nematode management (INM) programs, including pre-and post-plant strategies, chemical and biological products, cultural practices and genetic solutions. We are making significant progress in this field and now starting to see implementation of some of these INM practices by growers in Florida.

Participants: Hajihassani, Abolfazl (ahajihassani@ufl.edu) – University of Florida

Objective 2.     Investigate the ecological and epidemiological factors contributing to the distribution, dissemination and pathogenicity of developing nematode diseases.

From July 2022 to September 2023, 65 fruit tree orchards (eighteen avocados, seventeen guavas, nine mameys, five longans, four starfruits, three mangoes, three lychees, two dragon fruits, two passion fruit, one papaya, and one banana) were randomly selected for sampling in Homestead, Florida, to determine the incidence and distribution of PPNs. The frequency of occurrence (%), mean relative abundance and maximum relative abundance (per 100 cm3 of soil ) of the 10 different PPN genera detected in 11 different fruit tree species are as follows: Rotylenchulus spp. (incidence, 73.8%; mean, 67.4; maximum, 900), Mesocriconema spp. (49.2%; 33.4; 490),  Helicotylenchus spp. (46.2%; 19.6; 185), Meloidogyne spp. (30.8%; 11.9; 260),  Pratylenchus spp. (21.5%; 1.3; 20), Xiphinema spp. (18.4%; 1.0; 16), Hoplolaimus spp. (13.8%; 2.9; 72), Tylenchorrhynchus spp. (12.3%; 3.3; 102), Trichodorus spp. (12.3%; 1.0; 28), and Ditylenchus spp. (4.6%; 0.5; 26). Principal component analyses indicated that fruit tree type (host), soil texture, and organic matter significantly influenced the distribution and population density of PPNs. Reniform, lance, and root-lesion nematode abundance and distribution were more associated with avocado; root-knot (RKN) and spiral nematodes were associated with guava and dragon fruits, while ring and spiral nematodes were more associated with lychees, longans, and mangoes. Multiple regression models indicated that the presence of RKNs was influenced by an increment in sand content and the age of the orchards. Additionally, the fruit tree variety and organic matter influenced the abundance of reniform nematode in avocados.

Root-knot nematode species associated with different tropical fruits in Florida were identified using species-specific primers and sequencing based on the 28S and ITS of rDNA and mitochondrial region. Meloidogyne incognita was found infecting passion fruit and papaya in North and Central Florida, respectively. Over 80% of guava groves in Miami-Dade County in South Florida were found highly infested with M. enterolobii. This nematode species was also detected parasitizing dragon fruit (pitaya) in the Homestead region in South Florida. Contaminated nursery stock has likely contributed to the severe infestation of M. enterolobii in guava and dragon fruit groves across various locations in Florida. The nematode issue in tropical fruits is likely to escalate into a major concern in the next few years because of the unavailability of chemical nematicides for use in tropical fruits in Florida. Monitoring and surveillance of these plant health issues are crucial, and effective control approaches should be developed to mitigate their impact.

Four criconematid nematodes were also identified using taxonomic and molecular-based analysis in three avocado orchards in the Homestead region in Florida, USA. Two of the populations were identified as Criconema mutabile and Mesocriconema basili, whereas the other two populations were identified as Criconemoides sp. and Ogma sp. The population densities of two of these ring nematode species were significantly high in the soil, warranting further research for their potential to cause damage to avocados.

Objective 3.     Develop and evaluate integrated nematode management tactics for emerging nematode diseases.

• A significant nematode infestation has been reported in the United States, marking the first recorded occurrence of root-knot nematodes in dragon fruit and passion fruit. Specifically, Meloidogyne enterolobii was found to infect dragon fruit, while incognita was identified in passion fruit.
• Two ring nematode species, Criconema mutabile and Mesocriconema basili, have been detected in Florida for the first time. They were found on avocado trees.

GEORGIA

Participants: Chowdhury, Intiaz (intiaz.chowdhury@uga.edu) – University of Georgia

Objective 1.     Understand the fundamental biology and genetics that underlie the evolving nematode threats to agriculture in the Southern region.

Among plant-parasitic nematodes, root-knot nematodes (RKN, Meloidogyne spp.) are considered the most devastating group. However, the severity of RKN damage can vary depending on the species present. In Georgia, several aggressive species were recently detected for the first time. Notably, Guava root-knot nematode (GRKN; M. enterolobii) was found in Lowndes and Tattnall counties, while Peach root-knot nematode (PRKN; M. floridensis) was detected in Crisp, Dooly, Turner, Ware, and Wilcox counties.

Guava root-knot nematode was detected in the heart of the Vidalia onion production region of Georgia, but its impact on onions remains unclear. Hence, we conducted a greenhouse study to evaluate the susceptibility of commercial onion cultivars, including six vidalia onion cultivars (‘Sapelo’, ‘Sweet Magnolia’, ‘Tania’, ‘Vidora’, ‘Rio del Sol’, and ‘NUN 1011’), three red onion cultivars (‘Red Halen’, ‘Red Duke’, and ‘Red Maiden’), and one white onion cultivar (‘Monjablanca’). Our results showed that all onion types were suitable hosts for GRKN, with significant variation in susceptibility among cultivars. Significant bulb weight reduction was observed in all three red onion cultivars and a Vidalia onion cultivar ‘NUN 1011’, though a general trend of yield reduction was seen in all onion cultivars. These results indicate that GRKN poses a potential risk to onion production. However, a survey of 80 additional fields from Tattnall and neighboring counties detected only SRKN, suggesting that GRKN has not yet become widespread in the region.

Objective 2.     Investigate the ecological and epidemiological factors contributing to the distribution, dissemination and pathogenicity of developing nematode diseases.

Crop rotation with non-host or poor-host crops is a key strategy for managing RKN. We conducted a greenhouse study to assess the susceptibility of nine major vegetable crops, including beet, broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrot, pepper, snap bean, squash, and tomato, to GRKN, PRKN and SRKN. The study revealed that all tested crops were susceptible to GRKN. Moreover, GRKN had a higher reproduction factor than SRKN and PRKN across most crops, suggesting its potential to outcompete them in mixed populations. Notably, pepper appeared to be a non-host or poor host for PRKN, highlighting its suitability as a rotational crop in PRKN-infested fields.

Objective 3.     Develop and evaluate integrated nematode management tactics for emerging nematode diseases.

Although numerous studies have led to the development of robust chemical management strategies for SRKN, few have evaluated nematicides against GRKN and PRKN. Moreover, no studies in the literature have specifically addressed the chemical management of Georgia-specific isolates of GRKN and PRKN. Hence, we conducted laboratory and greenhouse studies to comparatively assess the sensitivity of SRKN, GRKN, and PRKN to the non-fumigant nematicides Salibro, Nimitz, Velum Prime, and Vydate. Our results indicated that GRKN had significantly lower sensitivity to these nematicides than SRKN and PRKN. However, all four nematicides effectively suppressed GRKN and PRKN reproduction, infectivity, and mobility. Nonetheless, further field research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of these chemicals against Georgia-specific isolates of these nematode species.

LOUISIANA

Participants: Watson, Tristan (TWatson@agcenter.lsu.edu) – LSU AgCenter

Objective 3.     Develop and evaluate integrated nematode management tactics for emerging nematode diseases.

A small-plot (4 rows wide 35 feet long) field study was conducted at the Northeast Research Station in St. Joseph, LA to evaluate new sources of cotton host resistance and in-furrow nematicides for reniform nematode management. Cotton cultivars examined included Phytogen PHY340 (susceptible) and Phytogen PHY411 (resistant). For each cultivar examined, soil treatments included: (1) an untreated control, (2) Velum at 6.85 fl oz/A, (3) AgLogic 15G at 7 lb/A, and (4) Averland FC at 3.5 fl oz/A. Soil population densities of R. reniformis were monitored at the time of planting, 28 days after planting, 56 days after planting, and at harvest. Approximately 12 soil cores were collected at random from the middle two rows of each plot, placed in a plastic bag, and transported to the LSU AgCenter Nematode Advisory Service for quantification using an elutriator and centrifugal floatation technique. At 56 days, five cotton plants were randomly collected from the middle two rows of each plot for analysis of egg production using dilute sodium hypochlorite. Cotton was harvested from the middle two rows on October 25, 2024. By 28 days after planting, reniform nematode soil population densities were greatest in the PHY340 cultivar without nematicide application and were lower (52%) in treatments that included PHY411 with a nematicide. By 56 days after planting, the PHY340+Averland, PHY411, and PHY411+Aglogic treatments had 57% fewer nematodes in soil relative to PHY340 alone. By harvest, soil population densities were not impacted by treatment. All nematicide treatments reduced nematode egg production, regardless of cultivar. There was a 28% increase in seed cotton yield when Velum was applied, regardless of cultivar choice. 

• All nematicide treatments (Velum, AgLgic 15G, and Averland FC) reduced Rotylenchulus reniformis egg production, regardless of cultivar planted.
• Rotylenchulus reniformis soil population densities and egg production were lower in plots planted with the resistant cultivar (PHY411) than the susceptible cultivar (PHY340).
• In-furrow application of Velum increased seed cotton yield by 28%, regardless of cultivar planted.
• Overall, the use of an in-furrow nematicide alongside host resistance provided the best yield and nematode suppression.

MISSISSIPPI

Participants:  Liu, Chang (cl2142@msstate.edu) – Mississippi State University

Objective 2.     Investigate the ecological and epidemiological factors contributing to the distribution, dissemination and pathogenicity of developing nematode diseases.

• A state-wide survey investigating the distribution of plant-parasitic nematodes on soybeans in Mississippi was conducted.
• Population shift from dominant soybean cyst nematode to reniform nematode was observed, more survey will be followed to test this observation.
• HG Typing on soybean cyst nematode was conducted in Mississippi.

Objective 3.   Develop and evaluate integrated nematode management tactics for emerging nematode diseases.

• One field trial testing non-fumigant nematicides efficacy at managing reniform nematode on sweetpotatoes in Mississippi was conducted.
• One field trial testing non-fumigant nematicides combined with biostimulants efficacy at managing root-knot nematode on soybean in Mississippi was conducted.
• One cover crop trial testing winter wheat, winter pea, canola and their mix at managing reniform nematode in sweetpotato production was initiated.
• One greenhouse trial testing non-fumigant nematicides as well as bio-products at managing reniform and root-knot nematode on sweetpotato was initiated.

NORTH CAROLINA

Gorny, Adrienne (agorny@ncsu.edu) – North Carolina State University

Objective 2.     Investigate the ecological and epidemiological factors contributing to the distribution, dissemination and pathogenicity of developing nematode diseases.

• Conducted field nematicide tests in sweetpotato (n=2), soybean (n=3), and corn (n=1) to better understand the most efficacious chemical management options.

Objective 3.     Develop and evaluate integrated nematode management tactics for emerging nematode diseases.

• A new diagnostic tool was researched for more rapid detection of Meloidogyne enterolobii, directly from galled sweetpotato roots. Galls are excised from the root, nematode DNA is captured on Whatman FTA cards, then amplified using recombinase polymerase amplification with M. enterolobii-specific primers.  Then amplification products are visualized using lateral flow assay strips. 

TEXAS

Participants: Wheeler, Terry (ta-wheeler@tamu.edu) - Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Objective 2.     Investigate the ecological and epidemiological factors contributing to the distribution, dissemination and pathogenicity of developing nematode diseases.

Fusarium wilt of cotton which is a disease complex caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum races 1 and 2 (FOV1, FOV2), which interact with Meloidogyne incognita, has been of increased concern in the Southern High Plains of Texas.  Historically, this disease has been problematic, particularly when new varieties are grown by producers in the region. A large increase in Fusarium wilt incidence and severity was observed around 2016-2020, when producers began using some new root-knot nematode resistant varieties (featuring 2-gene, homozygous and very high resistance).  These newer varieties were developed by the use of marker assisted selection, and probably had less or possibly no plant selections that were actually made in root-knot nematode/Fusarium wilt fields.  Previous to this time period, useful levels of Fusarium wilt resistance were present in other commercial varieties with partial resistance to root-knot nematode, and the assumption was made that the root-knot nematode resistance was responsible for the Fusarium wilt resistance.  A greenhouse testing protocol was used with both FOV1 and 2 and M. incognita to determine if more recent commercial cotton varieties, including those with the RK1 and RK2 genes, had resistance to Fusarium wilt.  An older variety ST 4946GLB2, which had not been developed by markers, had useful and repeatable levels of resistance to Fusarium wilt, and relatively weak resistance to root-knot nematode.  More recent varieties with much higher root-knot nematode resistance (DP 1747NR B2XF, PHY 480 W3FE), were highly susceptible to Fusarium wilt. We have begun testing more recent varieties with varying levels of root-knot nematode resistance (DP 2143NR B3XF, PHY 332 W3FE, PHY 411 W3FE, FM 868AXTP), but none have shown the level of Fusarium wilt resistance of ST 4946GLB2.  Root-knot nematode resistance is no longer associated with Fusarium wilt resistance in cotton.  While nematode resistance is very useful to have in varieties, since this region has approximately 40% of the acres infested with M. incognita, it is important to identify any nematode resistant varieties that have high susceptibility to Fusarium wilt. 

Objective 3.     Develop and evaluate integrated nematode management tactics for emerging nematode diseases.

Reniform nematode on cotton is the primary emerging nematode disease in the Southern High Plains of Texas, and elsewhere in the state.  While spread of this nematode has been slow relative to other southern states, it does continue to be identified in new fields.  Management for many years was with rotation out of cotton into nonhost crops like corn and sorghum. Starting around 2021, there was availability of two Deltapine varieties (DP 2143NR B3XF and DP 2141NR B3XF) and two Phytogen varieties (PHY 332 W3FE and PHY 443 W3FE), with both high resistance to root-knot nematode and one-gene resistance to reniform nematode.  Since then, several more Phytogen varieties have been commercialized with root-knot and reniform nematode resistance genes (PHY 205 W3FE, PHY 411 W3FE, and PHY 475 W3FE).  These varieties make a large difference in cotton yield in reniform nematode fields.  However, there is still potential benefits to integrating crop rotation into the management of reniform nematode, to both reduce nematode population density, and delay the development of resistance breaking nematode populations.  Irrigation pumping capacities continue to decline in the Southern High Plains of Texas, so rather than rotating to another crop, some producers utilize fallow ground rotation with cotton planted on half of a circle, and nothing planting on the other half.  We began a study in 2020 to examine the impact of integrating fallow ground with resistant and susceptible varieties in the management of reniform nematode.  The highest yielding and most profitable tactic is to grow continuous cotton using reniform nematode resistant varieties.  This holds true for our test field, where the population is considered moderate.  Work in the Rolling Plains by Reagan Noland in a high density reniform nematode site, indicated that cotton yields were much higher if resistant varieties were rotated with sorghum, than using continuous resistant varieties.  So, my results may not be accurate for higher density fields.  In addition, there were some negative results associated with fallow ground (F), including faster/higher buildup of the reniform nematode relative to the buildup following resistant (R) or susceptible (S) varieties. So a 2-yr combination of FR would have faster buildup of reniform nematode and lower cotton yields than RR. Similarly, a 2-year combination of FS, would result in faster buildup of reniform nematode in the second year (S) than SS. So, the fallow treatment, especially if no irrigation was applied, may have reduced natural biological control of the reniform nematode, and while more beneficial than continuous susceptible cotton varieties, were not as beneficial as predicted by their reduction in reniform nematode density (which did occur following fallow). 

• Root-knot nematode resistance is no longer associated with Fusarium wilt resistance in recent commercial cotton varieties. 

• Continuous planting of reniform nematode resistant varieties results in the highest cotton yields and best economic returns when comparing resistant and susceptible cotton rotations and weed-free fallow (under moderate reniform nematode pressure). However, this practice will increase the likeliness of resistance breaking nematode populations.

VIRGINIA

Participants: Eisenback, Jonathan (jon@vt.edu) – Virginia Tech

Objective 1.     Understand the fundamental biology and genetics that underlie the evolving nematode threats to agriculture in the Southern region.

Beech Leaf Disease – an emerging threat to Virginia forests

Beech leaf disease (BLD), caused by the nematode Litylenchus crenatae ssp. mccannii, is an emerging forest health issue with significant ecological and economic implications. First found in Ohio in 2012, BLD affects American beech (Fagus grandifolia) in North America, but can also attack European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Asian beech (Fagus orientalis). The nematodes feed in the buds and leaves disrupting their development and causing dark banding between veins, leaf thickening, curling, and eventual canopy thinning. In small, understory trees, mortality can occur in 2-7 years. Since its first detection in Prince William County in Virginia in 2021, BLD has been progressively spreading into surrounding counties including Fairfax, Loudoun, Stafford, Clarke, and New Kent. The disease likely spreads through a combination of natural vectors, including wind, precipitation, birds, mammals, insects, and human activity. In Virginia, proactive monitoring and public reporting are key to managing its impact, since curative treatments are unavailable. Valuable horticultural specimens can be protected with three methods: 1) For trees 2-4 inches DBH, two applications of potassium phosphite or polyphosphate fertilizer at a rate of 2 oz. plus 14 oz. of water per inch DBH, 2) For large valuable trees, root flare injections into the xylem at a rate of 1.6 oz of Thiabenadazole every other year, and 3) For trees with a DBH greater than 4 inches DBH a foliar spray of isolated trees with the fungicide/nematicide, Fluopyram.  Since beech trees play critical roles in forest ecosystems by providing habitat, influencing soil composition, and supporting biodiversity a better understanding of the epidemiology, spread, and control measures of this disease, is vital to mitigate its impacts and preserve beech-dominated forests. The final solution will probably be the selection and breeding of resistance trees.

Objective 3.     Develop and evaluate integrated nematode management tactics for emerging nematode diseases.

Bacterial isolate – a potentially important

The discovery and application of a specific isolate of a beneficial bacterium for soybean production present transformative opportunities for sustainable agriculture. This promising candidate exhibits several multifunctional benefits including: 1) Promoting plant growth, 2) Enhancing nodulation efficiency, 3) Suppressing soybean cyst nematodes (SCN), 4) Killing root-knot nematode eggs and infective juveniles, and 5) Controlling soil-borne fungal pathogens. This bacterium likely interacts synergistically with soybean roots to boost nutrient uptake, stimulate biological nitrogen fixation through improved nodulation, and by the induction of Systemic Acquired Resistance. Its ability to inhibit SCN reduces crop yield losses, while its antifungal properties help manage diseases caused by pathogens such as Sclerotium spp. Harnessing such bacteria as bio-stimulants and bio-control agents could reduce reliance on chemical inputs, foster ecological balance, and significantly improve crop productivity and soil health. Further research into its mechanisms of action, large-scale application, and integration into farming systems is critical to unlocking its full potential for soybean production.

Beech Leaf Disease

• Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) is caused by the nematode Litylenchus crenatae ssp. mccannii and has significant ecological and economic impacts.
• BLD was first discovered in Ohio in 2012 and affects American beech (Fagus grandifolia), European beech (Fagus sylvatica), and Asian beech (Fagus orientalis).
• Symptoms of BLD include dark banding between veins, leaf thickening, curling, and eventual canopy thinning.
• In smaller understory trees, mortality can occur within 2-7 years.
• In Virginia, BLD was first detected in Prince William County in 2021 and has since spread to Fairfax, Loudoun, Stafford, Clarke, and New Kent counties.
• The disease spreads through natural vectors like wind, precipitation, birds, mammals, insects, and human activity.
• Management strategies include potassium phosphite or polyphosphate fertilizer drenches for small trees.
• Management strategies include root flare injections with Thiabenadazole for large valuable trees.
• Management strategies include foliar sprays with Fluopyram for trees with a DBH greater than 4 inches.
• Management strategies include a long-term solution involves breeding and selecting resistant beech tree varieties.

Beneficial bacterial strain for soybean

• The discovery of a beneficial bacterial isolate presents significant opportunities for sustainable soybean agriculture.
• This bacterium exhibits multifunctional benefits, including:

1. Promoting plant growth.
2. Enhancing nodulation efficiency.
3. Suppressing soybean cyst nematodes (SCN).
4. Killing root-knot nematode eggs and infective juveniles.
5. Controlling soil-borne fungal pathogens such as Sclerotium spp.

• It interacts synergistically with soybean roots to:

1. Boost nutrient uptake.
2. Stimulate biological nitrogen fixation through improved nodulation.
3. Induce Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) in the plant.
4. Inhibit SCN reduces crop yield losses.
5. Antifungal properties control root diseases.

• The bacterium could serve as both a bio-stimulant and a bio-control agent, reducing reliance on chemical inputs.
• Using this bacterium can foster ecological balance, enhance soil health, and increase soybean productivity.

1. Further research is needed to:
2. Understand its mechanisms of action.
3. Explore large-scale applications.
4. Integrate it into existing farming systems for maximum benefit.

STATE REPORTS

Will Rutter -  South Carolina

Dr. Rutter presented on an automated RKN egg counting method developed by his team.  This research frequently screens 100 plants at a time for RKN resistance, which is very labor and time intensive. One way to speed up current phenotyping methods is to automate the egg counting.  The goal is to have the automated method to be faster than manual counting, but still accurate.  He uses a Keyence BZ-X800 microscope, which can image each well of a 96 well plate. He and his team developed the automated egg counting via machine learning.  Collaborated with Breeding Insight at Cornell to do the machine learning to develop egg counting software.  YOLOv8 was the core model. He trained the model and then did a comparison with human counters, which resulted in a correlation of about 0.93 with a human counter, which is the same as human v. human!  Will noted that diluting egg samples adds variability and error to the sample.  The machine system has a higher level at which eggs can be counted, foregoing the need to dilute in most cases. Code is open source and available on GitHub.  Potential for Breeding Insights to make this a web based tool.

Homan Regmi -  South Carolina

Dr. Regmi presented on using Meloidogyne effectors to guide resistant breeding in pepper.  Current resistance genes available in pepper include Me1, N, and Me3.  Yet, how does M. incognita break these resistance genes?  Greater understanding of this would help breed durability and increase our understanding of nematode biology. In the greenhouse, Dr. Regmi created resistance breaking nematode strains by inoculating a mother strain on two resistant hosts (with N and Me3) and a susceptible pepper host.  He then tested the break strains on several different pepper lines to see if it also breaks other resistance genes.  The Me3 and N breaking strains could not reproduce on the pepper line containing Me1.  He conducted genome sequencing of the breaking strains (PacBio) and found that there was one scaffold in the mother strain that was missing in the break strains.  There were five genes in the mother strain that were absent in the break strains.  Work was done to evaluate potential effectors that are absent in gDNA of the break strain, but are present in the mother strain.

John Mueller -  South Carolina

Dr. Mueller presented on RKN survey work in SC.  In 2024, 53 grower fields were sampled, including field pea, corn, cotton, and soybean.  Of these, 17 fields were positive for RKN and the species were determined.  Of those, 11 were M. incognita and 6 were M. arenaria (race 2 that does not go to peanut).  Most of the M. incognita were found on soybean that were supposed to be resistant to M. incognita (race unknown). Dr. Meuller also updated us on the progress to build a Containment Field Facility for GRKN research in SC.  They received funding of $1.2 M congressionally directed spending to spend on equipment and facilities.  The site is dedicated to work on veggies, but also cover crops and field crops (cotton and soybean), as well as nematicide trials.  The site will be located at the Edisto REC in Blackville, SC and includes 10 acres inside a fence.  The site will be excellent for long term trials.  They anticipate start inoculating in March 2025.  There is also a similar field nearby that is infested with M. incognita, so parallel trials of M.i. and M.e. could both be done at Edisto.  

Horacio Lopez-Nicora – Ohio

Dr. Lopez-Nicora presented on practical management of nematodes on crops of regional importance.  SCN continues to be a major problem in Ohio soybeans.  Growers can submit samples to Horacio’s lab to process free of charge.  Through this, these farm samples have been useful for acquiring field SCN populations and researching questions such as why some fields have very high population densities whereas others do not. In Ohio, there is a shift from HG Type 0 to HG Type 2.  HG Type 2.5.7 is very prevalent in Ohio.  Dr. Lopez-Nicora introduced use to the SCN Profit Checker, an online tool launched this year by the SCN Coalition for helping producers determine the impact of SCN on yields.  His team is also screening for SCN resistance in greenhouse trials.  They are screening commercial cultivars against HG Type 2.5.7 to assist farmers in selecting appropriate cultivars.  They’ve also evaluated some seed treatment nematicides for SCN management, but unfortunately no strong response.

Dr. Lopez-Nicora is also part of the new leadership and vision within the SCN Coalition.  There are plans to revise the nematode management guides – Horacio and the leadership may reach out to you if you can help with the guide revisions.

Bisho Lawaju – Alabama

In 2024, the Alabama team at Auburn conducted field trials with resistant and susceptible cotton varieties, with or without nematicide, under M. incognita pressure.  In these trials, Velum, CoPeO and CoPeO+Velum all increased cotton seed yield over the non-treated control.  A similar trial was conducted under R. reniformis pressure, and in this trial, Velum increased yield. Several PhytoGen cotton varieties were tested under M. incognita pressure, and also reniform infested fields.  In both cases, the genetically resistant lines yielded higher than the susceptible control.  In an additional trial, two cotton varieties were tested under reniform pressure, with or without Aldicarb in-furrow.  The aldicarb plots had more vigorous growth and lower reniform density at harvest. The Alabama team also conducted field trials to evaluate soybean varieties in MG 4- 7 in trials under RKN pressure.  There were significant differences in terms of yield, but not of gall severity ratings.

Lastly, Dr. Lawaju updated us on tracking plant-parasitic nematodes in Alabama.  Their lab is receiving soil samples from growers throughout the state.  From these, they are finding Reniform and RKN (the species are mainly M.i. and M.a.).    

Haddish Melakeberhan - Michigan

Dr. Melakeberha gave a report on the Michigan’s Agricultural Nematology Lab.  Are we exploiting the soil food web model’s power as a soil health diagnostic tool?  A focus across all of the NC1197 objectives is to identify suitable and sustainable soil health conditions.  Soil health components include biological, physiochemical, nutritional, structural and water holding capacity.

The Soil Food Web (SFW) as a diagnostic tool, SFW = suitable outcomes (abundance + functional groups).  The SFW model identifies soil conditions by integrating biological, mathematical, and ecological principles. Dr. Melakeberhan presented a study: sandy loam soil, under cultivation of 6 years of corn and soybean.  Treatments included rye cover crop and several rates of nitrogen.  There was no effect of treatment, only time had a significant effect. In this study, the effect of tillage, cover crop, and nitrogen on beneficial nematodes was variable.  The effects of these treatments on soil pH, SOM, and available N, no-till systems increase SOM and NO3.  But overall, very messy data!  The SFW model showed that the system was not optimized for nutrient cycling, and the model is useful for helping to address what conditions may need to be changed. You can check out more here:  www.hrt.msu.edu/haddish-melakeberhan

Jon Eisenback – Virginia

Dr. Eisenback gave a presentation and update on beech leaf disease, caused by Litylenchus crenatae.  Characteristic symptoms of beech leaf disease include dark green stripes on the leaves.  When the leaves first come out of the buds, no nematodes are present, which is why the cause of the disease went unknown for a long time.  As the population level increases, the stripes become brown, and then crinkle, then the leaves fall off the trees. The nematode has spread to the north and east was very quick, yet spread to the south has been slower.  It has likely spread by birds using the beech trees, and insects such as aphids, leafhoppers, and ants. Japanese beech, American beech, Chinese beech are all susceptible.  In Japan, the nematode causes symptoms, but doesn’t cause the death of the tree.

Dr. Eisenback gave a demonstration of a useful tool called “NotebookLM” – you can upload a paper to the NotebookLM site and it produces a podcast from the paper at a level appropriate for a general audience.

Dr. Eisenback also updated us on a new species of round cyst nematode on boxwood found in downtown Charlottsville.  Currently being described as a new Globodera species.

Nathan Schroder – Illinois

Dr. Schoder gave a presentation on results of an SCN survey in 2023-2024 funded by the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA).  Although lots of samples were collected from across the state, no obvious trends to the survey of the map.  Some areas had extremely high populations, next to areas with very low populations.  Nathan’s team plans to continue it another year and also add HG typing.

Dr. Schoder started a very good discussion among members about thresholds.  For the north central region, there is not much consensus on what “low” “moderate”, “high” or “extreme” populations are.  Dr. Schoder compiled egg counts for recommended threshold levels for each state and there is little consensus.  There was agreement among all members that there should be a discussion among the coalition on threshold levels.

Chang Lui – Mississippi

Dr. Lui gave an update on plant-parasitic nematode distribution and management in Mississippi and an introduction to her program.  Her program is working on nematicide and crop variety testing, conducting cover crop and crop rotation studies, evaluating biological controls.  She is working with soybean sweetpotato, and cotton, yet she is not limited to a certain set of crops.

Dr. Lui and her team is currently working on a nematode survey in soybean.  Growers are submitting samples, and her team is going out to collect the samples.  They are doing SCN HG typing and RKN speciation (however, few samples have been positive for RKN).  Her team is also trying to identify disease suppressive soils.  In total, they collected 205 samples from 15 counties, from which SCN was found in only 21 of the samples.  This suggests a population shift because in the previous survey SCN was the most dominant. An additional project she is working on is testing non-fumigant nematicides, both in the field and greenhouse.  Fluorinated nematicides have not yet been widely tested in MS.  Dr. Lui is doing this work in sweetpotato initially.  M. enterolobii has not been detected in MS, and reniform nematode is currently the most problematic in sweetpotato in MS.  A third project she is working on is efficacy of cover crop on reniform nematode population in sweetpotato.  Sunn Hemp is actually illegal in MS and AR (lol), so needs to figure out a different cover crop to work with!

As a new PI, Dr. Lui is interested in collaborating!  Please reach out to her at cl2142@misstate.edu

Carl Bradley – Kentucky

Dr. Bradley presented a survey of SCN densities and HG types in Kentucky.  THis survey has been conducted since 2018, and 488 samples collected from 35 counties.  He has been focusing on determining HG type of some of the samples based on geographic distribution.  About 40% of the fields have populations above 500 eggs, which is considered the threshold for yield loss in Kentucky.  About 20% of samples had no detectible SCN eggs. Over 85% of those samples that were HG typed were 2.5.7.  HG Type 5.7 was the next most common population at about 12%.  Female index range of about 13-48% on PI88788.

Dr. Bradley also presented a survey of other PPN in soybean in KY.  This survey was started in 2020 and is ongoing.  Total of 45 soybean fields sampled, and lesion, lance, dagger, spiral and stunt were found, but no PPN at very high densities. M. incognita is present in KY in two counties along the Ohio River, only a few fields, which have very sandy soils. Dr. Bradley also mentioned that a survey in KY corn for nematodes conducted by Dr. Kirsten Wise.  Found were lance, lesion, spiral, and stunt.  Found RKN in corn in the same county as the M. incognita found in soybean. 

Adrienne Gorny - North Carolina

Dr. Gorny presented updates from North Carolina field nematicide testing.  M. enterolobii continues to be problematic in sweetpotato in North Carolina.  Although nematicide trials conducted in 2024 have been harvested, the data has not yet been analyzed.  However, trials results from 2023 showed that Telone II fumigant continues to provide decreased root galling and increased yields.  The non-fumigant nematicide Salibro was tested at two different field sites in 2023, with variable results, suggesting that additional works needs to be performed to determine the optimal use rate and timing of this nematicide.      

Dr. Gorny also presented updates on developing a rapid test for detection of M. enterolobii directly from sweetpotato galls.  Current PCR tests performed by the NCDA&CS require dissecting adult females or J2s from soil samples, performing DNA extraction, standard PCR, and gel electrophoresis.  Although this is a robust test, it takes considerable technician time.  In developing a more rapid test, her team has been exploring Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA), which is a rapid, isothermal amplification technique.  Her team paired this with DNA extraction via Whatman FTA cards (where excised galls are smashed, dried, washed, and DNA eluted) and amplification visualization with universal lateral flow assay strips (Cytodiagnostics). 

Guiping Yan - North Dakota

Dr. Yan provided updates on a large amount of resistance screening work her team has been conducting.  She and her team screened 35 commercial soybean cultivars to HG Types 0, 7, 2.5.7  Some of these were resistant to HG Types 0 and 7.  Her team also screened wheat cultivars and germplasm lines to Pratylenchus neglectus from ND.  From this, one line was determined to be resistant.  They also screened 21 potato cultivars for level of reproduction of dagger nematode (Xiphenema americanum).  Dr. Yan’s group has also been evaluating cover crops as hosts and non-hosts to Pratylenchus penetrans in a white potato system.

Dr. Yan also updated us on development of a ddPCR for stubby root nematode (paratrichodorus allius).  They’ve worked on optimization of annealing temperature, and extracting DNA directly from soil samples inoculated with P. allius. 

 Lastly, Dr. Yan and her team have been evaluating the effects of different cover crops on hatching and penetration of SCN.  The faba bean ‘Petite’ is a non-host of SCN and induced the greatest hatching of SCN - the nematodes did not develop in the faba bean roots, where as they do develop in the soybean control. 

 Intiaz Chowdhury - Georgia

Dr. Chowdhury gave an update on staying one-step ahead of emerging PPN in Georgia.  Particularly, what is the threat of M. enterolobii and M. floridensis in GA?  He presented on work evaluating the susceptibility of cotton varieties to M.e., M.i., and M.f..  All varieties were susceptible to M.e., while all varieties were resistant to M.f., but the gall severity was still high.  Dr. Chowdhury presented a method/equation for comparing relative egg production across different trials, locations, and nematode isolates. 

Dr. Chowdhury also presented results from a cucumber nematicide trial.  In this trial, Nimitz performed the best in terms of RKN counts and reducing galling severity.  They also tested split applications of Velum and Salibro - a split application of Velum was effective, but a split application of Salibro was less effective. 

Nabin Poudel - University of Georgia

Nabin is a Masters student working with Dr. Chowdhury.  Nabin evaluated the reproduction of M. enterolobii on onion.  Onion is a significant crop in Georgia, and is often rotated with sweetpotato - in this system, what is the risk posed to onion by M.e.?  Nabin conducted a greenhouse trial in which he had inoculated onion and had non-inoculated controls to measure the impact of nematode impact on onion growth.  All cultivars tested were susceptible to M.e., and further it was noticed that M.e. may be more pathogenic to red onion than vidalia onion.  Another experiment was performed to look at relative reproduction of M.e. and M.f. compared to M.i.. It was found that M.e. had a higher reproduction rate than M.f. and M.i.

Nabin was also interested in exploring whether M.e., M.f., and M.i. are equally susceptible to fluorinated nematicides and oxyaml, or if there is a differential response.  In vitro assays suggest that M.e. is less sensitive than M.f. and M.i.

Bonna Chowdhury - University of Georgia

Bonna is a graduate student with Dr. Chowdhury, and presented her work on the occurrence and distribution of PPN in Georgia tobacco fields.  She noted that PPN cause significant impacts on tobacco in GA, and to better measure this impact, she conducted a soil survey in 2023-2024.  She collected soil samples from 217 tobacco fields and extracted nematodes.  Soil property data was also collected.  Bonna found that RKN was present at high levels in all the counties that were sampled, but reniform and stubby root had the lowest density.  Lowndes County was found to be highly diverse in PPN composition.  An analysis of the PPN, soil, and climate factors was performed - sandier soil was higher in RKN.  Speciation of the RKN resulted in M.i. and M.j. from those samples that had RKN. 

Mandy Bish - Missouri

Dr. Bish started by acknowledging the work of her colleague Dr. Jeff Barizon, who supports much of the day to day operations at SCN Diagnostics.  She then presented updates on a 2024 survey of PPN in soybean in MO.  In this survey, RKN was found in a couple of counties, and SCN was found in several counties at high threshold levels.  She noted that the majority of commercial soybean in MO is PI88788 resistance, but little other resistance is available in farmers preferred maturity group.  Dr. Bish’s team test some earlier maturity group with Peking resistance against HG Type 2.5.7.  They found that the Peking lines performed better under SCN pressure. 

Dr. Bish and her team is promoting the use of the SCN Profit Checker with stakeholders in MO.  She noted that they are trying to build relationships with the Amish and Menonite communities in the state. 

 Lei Zhang -  Indiana

Dr. Zhang provided updates on his work exploring biocontrol agents against SCN.  The aim of his work is to test fungi associated with cysts for efficacy in managing SCN.  Nearly 60 fungal species were identified to be in association with SCN cysts.  Dr. Zhang’s lab is now screening these fungi for their effects.  He and his team are using fungal filtrates to SCN egg viability and hatching - large vacuoles forming in eggs treated with the fungal filtrates indicates some activity.  From these, 15 fungal species were selected for study on SCN J2s. 

Dr. Zhang noted that future work will include investing the impact of soil properties on the fungal interactions, such as organic matter on efficiency of fungal or bacterial agents on SCN. 

Tristan Watson - Louisiana

Dr. Watsan presented updates on reniform nematode management on LA sweetpotato and cotton.  His team did survey work in LA, but did not find M. enterolobii (rather they did find M.i. and reniform nematode) in sweetpotato at high densities.  Dr. Watson noted that regarding reniform nematode (RN) in sweetpotato, there are few above ground symptoms, but rather generally there are fewer storage roots.  Dr. Watson and his team conducted on-farm nematicide trials to evaluate fumigant and non-fumigant nematicides for RN control.  In this trial, soil RN populations at plant and at harvest were lowest following Telone and Kpam treatments.  However, egg populations on the plant were lowest under Velum.  All treatments had greater yield than the non-treated controls.  Although there were numerical differences, there were no statistical differences between fumigant and non-fumigant treatments.  In light of these results, Dr. Watson noted that when working with RN, it is important to measure both RN populations in the soil and egg populations on the roots.  In the greenhouse, Dr. Watson’s team also conducted a screening for susceptibility of different sweetpotato cultivars to RN.  Covington and Burgundy were highly susceptible to RN, whereas Bayou Bell was least susceptible. 

Dr. Watson is also part of the new leadership of the SCN Coalition, and is working on developing new soybean RN management guides.  He may reach out to you for input! 

Tamara Jackson - Nebraska

Dr. Jackson started by acknowledging the contributions of her collaborator Dr. Dylan Mengal, who wasn’t able to make it to the meeting.  Dr. Mengal is new to UNL Extension Plant Pathology and part of the new leadership team at the SCN Coalition.  Dr. Jackson presented on PPN in association with crown rot in Nebraska corn.  Crown rot is a disease that displays rapid discoloration, early senescence, “ghosting”.  The disease may be apparent very early in the season, where seedlings appear stunted, purple or chlorotic.  Dr. Jackson noted that they’ve tried inoculating with different fungal species to recreate symptoms, but none of the fungal species tested reproduced the symptoms.  Therefore, they were curious if plant-parasitic nematodes could be associated with the disease.  Dr. Jackson and her team conducted a survey, collecting “ghost” plants and a neighboring healthy plant.  Nematodes were extracted from each plant and soil fraction.  More lesion nematodes were found in roots of symptomatic plants in 2022, but the trends were reversed in 2023.  The survey is ongoing and more samples are incoming.   

Zane Grabau - Florida

Dr. Grabau provided an overview of his research program on nematode management in North Florida field crops.   He presented his work on sting nematode in white potato, including nematicide evaluation.  Dr. Grabau’s team has done extensive work with evaluating nematicides for management of M. enterolobii in sweetpotato in North Florida.  He presented his work on M. arenaria host resistance in peanut, and reniform nematode host resistance in cotton.  Dr. Grabau’s team is also working with alternative crops such as carinata for reniform management.  Carinata is used as a biofuel crop and may be promising for nematode management. 

Sabina Budhathoki - University of Florida, Gainesville

Sabina is a graduate student with Dr. Grabau, and she presented on her work exploring brassica cover crop species for sting nematode management in potato production.  Particularly, she is researching the application of brassicas as biofumigant or trap crops.  There is currently a knowledge gap in how cover crops interact with sting nematode.  In the greenhouse, three brassica cover crops (arugala, carinata, and caliente mustard) were tested for host status to sting nematode.  For controls, sunn hemp was used as a poor host, and sorghum was used as a good host.  All three brassica cover crops were found to be host to sting nematode. 

Sabina’s next step was to evaluate the cover crops in the field.  The tree cover crops were tested.  Sunn hemp increased, while arugula decreased potato yield.  Fumigation treatment also increased potato yield.  Sabina concluded that brassica cover crops should be avoided in cases of sting nematode. 

S-1092 2024 Business Meeting (Charleston, SC,  11/15/2024) 

For the 2025 meeting, we discussed potentially meeting with the Western group, who may be meeting in Little Rock, AR.  Depending on what time of year they are planning to meet, this could be an excellent opportunity and facilitate more collaboration with this group.  Dr. Adrienne Gorny is the chair for 2025, and she will reach out to the Western group to determine if a joint meeting would be of interest. 

Dr. Intiaz Chowdhury nominated himself to be the vice-chair for 2025 and incoming chair for 2026.  A unanimous vote from all members present confirmed his position. 

State Reports - Dr. Will Rutter will send out an email to all members reminding them to submit their state reports.  Dr. Gorny will compile them and submit the composite report.  These are due 60 days after the meeting. 

Dr. Will Rutter will send out a follow up meeting survey to ask members their preferred time of year to meet. 

Alabama

Publications:

Peer-reviewed

Sudha Acharya, Hallie A. Troell, Rebecca L. Billingsley, Kathy S. Lawrence, Daniel S. McKirgan, Nadim W. Alkharouf, Vincent P. Klink. 2024. Glycine max polygalacturonase inhibiting protein 11 (GmPGIP11) functions in the root to suppress Heterodera glycines parasitism. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 0981-9428/2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.108755

Miranda Otero, Ambika Pokhrel, Seungyeon Seo, Laura Wendell, Amber Smith, Kathy S. Lawrence, Jeffrey J. Coleman.2024. Evaluation of genetic diversity, haplotype, and virulence of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum Alabama field isolates. Phytopathology 114 01 July 2024

Summarized distribution of the reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis, in field crops in the United States. 2024. Plant Health Progress 25 accepted 19 Sept 24

Richard O. Murphy, Janiyah S. Cotton, Isabella M. Owens, Jazmine D. Carroll, 5 Kathleen M. Martin, David Held, Kathy Lawrence, John F. Beckmann. 2024 Fast Screening Libraries of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPRs) for 2 Insecticidal Activity. Microbial Biotechnology. (Submitted) 

Schloemer, Claire M., Graham, Scott H., and Lawrence, Kathy S.  2024. Sweetpotato pest challenges and management options. Journal of Integrated Pest Management. (Submitted)

Schloemer, Claire M., Scott H. Graham, Koon-Hui Wang, Brent S. Sipes, and Kathy S. Lawrence. 2024. Evaluation of cover crops and biopesticides to manage Meloidogyne incognita and insect pest damage in organic sweetpotatoes. Journal of Nematology (Submitted).

Abstracts

Schloemer, Claire, K.S. Lawrence, S.H. Graham,  K-H. Wang, B. Sipes. 2024. Taking it to the field: organic management of M. incognita in sweetpotato using winter cover crops and biological control. Nematropica. 

Schloemer, Claire, K.S. Lawrence, S.H. Graham, Bisho Lawaju, K-H. Wang, B. Sipes. 2024. Winter cover crops and biological products to manage Meloidogyne incognita and promote soil health in sweetpotato. Journal of Nematology 56:131-132. https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/jofnem-2024-0036.

Schloemer, Claire, K.S. Lawrence, S.H. Graham, B. Sipes and K-H. Wang. 2024. Soil health as affected by winter cover crops on sweetpotato yield in Southern U.S. Journal of Nematology 56:129-130. https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/jofnem-2024-0036.

Extension and Outreach

Lawrence, Kathy, and C. Schloemer. 2024. Evaluation of resistant and susceptible cotton varieties with nematicides in root-knot nematode infested field in central Alabama, 2023. Report 18:N013. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.  https://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume18/abstracts/N013.asp

Lawrence, Kathy, and C. Schloemer. 2024. Evaluation of resistant and susceptible cotton varieties with and without nematicides in reniform nematode infested field in north Alabama, 2023. Report 18:N005. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.  https://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume18/abstracts/N005.asp

Lawrence, Kathy, and C. Schloemer. 2024. Evaluation of resistant and susceptible cotton varieties with nematicides in reniform nematode infested field in north Alabama, 2023. Report 18:N012. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.  https://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume18/abstracts/N012.asp

Lawrence, Kathy, H. Jordan, E. Francisco, and C. Schloemer. 2024. Evaluation of soybean varieties yield when challenged with the root-knot nematode in central Alabama, 2023.  Report 18:N006. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.  https://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume18/abstracts/N006.asp

Schloemer, C.M., S. H. Graham, and K. S. Lawrence. 2024. Evaluation of biological control products  and winter cover crops to manage Meloidogyne incognita on sweetpotato, 2023. Report No. 18:N055. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.  https://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/trial/pdmr/volume17/abstracts/N055.asp

Ali, Akhtar, T. W. Allen, K. Bissonnette, R, C, Kemerait, Kathy Lawrence, D. McDonald, C. Monclova-Santana, J. Muller, P. Price, M. Prorock, I. Small, T. Spurlock, A. Strauer-Scherer, M. Purvis, D. Ezell, A. Tolbert, R. Hoyle, M. Bish, B. Wilson, H. M. Kelly. 2023. Assessing the impact of foliar diseases through spore trapping in commercial settings. Proceedings of the 2024. Beltwide Cotton Conference Vol. 1:1-4. National Cotton Council of America, Memphis, TN. https://www.cotton.org/beltwide/proceedings/2024/event-data/pdf/a031/fl029

Lawrence, K. S. and B. Lawaju.  2024. “Cotton varieties with Reniform nematode resistant genes update.” Tennessee Valley Research and Extension Center Field Day. July 31^st, 2024. 15-minute oral presentation and walk through the variety test. 63 attendees.

Lawrence, K. S. and B. Lawaju.  2024. “Root knot nematode resistant cotton variety update.” 46^th Annual Central Crops Field Tour. August 1^st, 2023. 10-minute oral presentation. 80 attendees.

Cotton Specialists Corner Podcast; “Cotton Nematode Management across the U.S. Cotton Belt”

Drs. Steve Brown, Kathy Lawrence, Terry Wheeler, and Heather Kelly. Feb. 6, 2024, 1277 downloads.

https://www.planthealthexchange.org/Pages/default.aspx

I See Dead Plants Podcaster  "Reniform Nematode in Cotton" Iowa I See Dead Plants Podcaster

Interviewee: Dr. Kathy Lawrence

 https://iastate.box.com/s/5hzrupbz3oe1x7zt3yb3w35bg0jo9ga6

Feel-free to go into more details as outlined => https://nimss.org/seas/52418

Arkansas

Publications:

Peer reviewed

Brown, K., and Faske, T. R. 2024. Sensitivity of Meloidogyne incognita and Rotylenchulus reniformis to cyclobutrifluram. Plant Disease 108:3400-3405. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-04-24-0936-RE

Faske, T. R., Watson, T., Desaeger, J., Duffeck, M. R., Eisenback, J. D., Floyd, C., Grabau, Z., Hajihassani, A., Kelly, H., Kemerait, R., Lawrence, K., Mueller, D., Smith, M., Wheeler, T., and Ye, W. 2024. Summarized distribution of the reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis, in field crops in the United States. Plant Health Progress 25:506-508. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-06-24-0059-BR

Peer Reviewed Extension Articles

Faske, T., and Sisson, A. 2024. Cotton disease loss estimates from the United States - 2023. Crop Protection Network. CPN-7001-23. https://doi.org/10.31274/cpn-20240219-0

Faske, T., Watson, T., Wheeler, T., and Grabau, Z. 2024. An overview of reniform nematode. Crop Protection Network. CPN-7002. http://doi.org/10.31274/cpn-20241118-0

Sikora, E., Faske, T., Spurlock, T., Koehler-Betts, A., Grabu, Z., Small, I., Kemerait, B., Mederos, S., Bond, J., Telenko, D., Mueller, D., Sisson, A., Onofre, R., Bradley, C., Padgett, B., Price, P., Watson, T., Chilvers, M., Malvick, D., Allen, T., Lux, L., Duffeck, M., Tenuta, A., Collins, A., Esker, P., Roth, G., Mueller, J., Plumblee, M., Shires, M., Kelly, H., Isakeit, T., Langston, D., Zeng, Y., and Smith, D. 2024a. Soybean disease loss estimates from the United States and Ontario, Canada - 2023. Crop Protection Network. CPN-1018-23. https://doi.org/10.31274/cpn-20240315-0

Sikora, E., Faske, T., Meyer, R., Koehler-Betts, A., Kemerait, B., Telenko, D., Robertson, A., Mueller, D., Sisson, A., Onofre, R., Wise, K, Price, P., Chilvers, M., Malvick, D., Allen, T., Bish, M., Jackson-Ziems, T., Broderick, K., Bergstrom, G., Heiniger, R., Ahumada, D., Friskop, A., Pierce, P., Duffeck, M., Tenuta, A., Roth, G., Collins, A., Mueller, J., Plumblee, M., Shires, M., Kelly, H., Isakeit, T., Anderson, N., Langston, D., Zeng, Y., and Smith, D. 2024b. Corn disease loss estimates from the United States and Ontario, Canada - 2023. Crop Protection Network. CPN-2007-23. https://doi.org/10.31274/cpn-20240315-1

Technical Articles

Emerson, M., Baker, B., Faske, T. R., 2023. Field performance of thirty-six soybean varieties marketed as resistant to southern root-knot nematode, 2022. Pp. 59-62. in Soybean Research Studies, 2022. AAESRS 698.

Emerson, M., Baker, B., and Faske, T. R. 2024. Field Efficacy of soil-applied fluopyram at low nematode densities in corn. Pg. 18-21. in Corn and Grain Sorghum Research Studies 2023. AAESRS 704.

Faske, T. R., Emerson, M., and Baker, B. 2024. Evaluation of six nematicides on two cotton cultivars in a field infested with Meloidogyne incognita in Arkansas, 2023. Plant Disease Management Reports 18: N018.

Florida

Publications:

Z.J. Grabau. 2024. What is the Most Cost-Effective Nematicide for Managing Sting Nematode in Potato? Panhandle Ag e-News.   https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/2024/08/09/what-is-the-most-cost-effective-

  nematicide-for-managing-sting-nematode-in-potato/ 

 Z.J. Grabau. 2024. Resistant cotton cultivars and nematicides can help manage reniform nematode. Panhandle Ag e-News.  https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/phag/2024/02/16/resistant-cotton-cultivars-and-

  nematicides-can-help-manage-reniform-nematode/

 Peer Reviewed

L.A. Schumacher, H-L. Liao, I.M. Small, and Z.J. Grabau. 2024. Vertical distribution of plant-parasitic nematodes in peanut-cotton cropping systems. Applied Soil Ecology. 200: article 105445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2024.105445

L.A. Schumacher, I.M. Small, and Z.J. Grabau. 2024. The influence of irrigation, crop rotation, and fluopyram nematicide on peanut yield and the nematode community. Nematropica. 54:96-110.

Z.J. Grabau, R. Sandoval-Ruiz, and C. Liu. 2024. Fumigation using 1,3-Dichloropropene manages Meloidogyne enterolobii in sweetpotato more effectively than fluorinated nematicides. Plant Disease. 108:2162-269. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-12-23-2726-RE

2024. Wolday Tsegay, M.O. Wallau, C. Liu, J.C.B. Dubeux Jr., and Z.J. Grabau. 2024. Crop rotation for management of plant-parasitic nematodes in forage corn production. Agronomy Journal. 116: 313-325. https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.21522

Z.J. Grabau, R. Sandoval-Ruiz­, and C. Liu. 2024. Management of Meloidogyne arenaria in peanut production using resistance or nematicides. Nematropica. 54: 1-14.

Abstracts

Z.J. Grabau, R. Sandoval-Ruiz, and C. Liu. 2024. Assessing cost effectiveness of nematicide rates and chemistries for sting nematode management in Florida potato. Journal of Nematology. 56: article e2024-1 page 57

Budhathoki, Z.J. Grabau, and G. Maltais-Landry. Effects of cover cropping systems on soil nematode community composition in organic vegetable production. Journal of Nematology. 56: article e2024-1 page 26.

Z.J. Grabau, R. Sandoval-Ruiz, and C. Liu. 2024. Efficacy of resistant cultivars and nematicide application for managing reniform nematode in cotton. Journal of Nematology. 56: article e2024-1 page 58.

D. Jacobs, J. Deseager, M. Lusk, and Z.J. Grabau. 2024. Vegetable farm cover crop practices to improve nematode management, nitrogen utilization and to support water quality improvement in Florida. Journal of Nematology. 56: article e2024-1 page 69.

Publications:

Peer-reviewed

Bui H and Desaeger J (2023). Efficacy of five nematicides against root-knot nematode when applied via single and double drip tapes in a Florida sandy soil. Pest Management Science, 79:4474-4480. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.7649

Desaeger J, Coburn J , Freeman J and Brym Z (2023). Plant-parasitic nematodes associated with Cannabis sativa in Florida. Journal of Nematology, 55, 10 pg. https://doi.org/10.2478/jofnem-2023-0018Faske T, Mueller J, Becker O, Bernard E, Bradley C, Bond J, Desaeger J, Eisenback J, Grabau Z, Hu J, Kemerait R, Koehler A, Lawrence K, Mehl H, Rudolph R, Sikora E, Thomas S, Walker N, Wheeler T, Wrather A, Ye W, and Zhang L (2023). Summarized Distribution of the Southern Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, in Field Crops in the United States. Plant Health progress, 3 pg. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-04-23-0031-BR

Faske T, Watson T, Desaeger J, Duffeck M, Eisenback J, Floyd C, Grabau Z, Hajihassani A, Kelly H, Kemerait R, Lawrence K, Mueller J, Smith M, Wheeler T, and Ye W (2024). Summarized Distribution of the Reniform Nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis, in Field Crops in the United States. Plant Health progress Published Online:22 Jul 2024 https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-06-24-0059-BR.

Lopes de Paula L, Campos VP, Terra WC, de Brum D, Jacobs D, Bui H, Desaeger J (2024). The combination of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Purpureocillium lilacinum in the control of Meloidogyne enterolobii, Biological Control 189: 9 pp.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2023.105438

Oliveira C, Inserra R and Desaeger J (2023). First report of direct damage caused by stubby-root nematode, Nanidorus minor, to strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa), in Florida. Journal of Nematology, 55, 4 pp. https://doi.org/10.2478%2Fjofnem-2023-0016

Oliveira CJG, Riva GG, Brito JA, Xue R, and Desaeger J (2023). First Report of Meloidogyne javanica Infecting Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) in the United States. Journal of Nematology, 55, 4 pg. https://doi.org/10.2478/jofnem-2023-0034

Oliveira C G, Peres N & Desaeger J (2023). Nematode population dynamics and plant steaming effects on strawberry cultivars under organic field conditions in Florida. Nematology, 26(2): 227-238. https://doi.org/10.1163/15685411-bja10304

Oliveira CJ G, van Santen E, Marin M, Schumacher LA, Peres NA and Desaeger J (2023). Susceptibility and interaction of Belonolaimus longicaudatus with Phytophthora cactorum on different strawberry cultivars. Nematology, pg 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1163/15685411-bja10237

Sikora R, Helder J, Molendijk L, Desaeger J, Eves-van den Akker S and Mahlein A (2023). Integrated nematode management in a world in transition: constraints, policy, processes and technologies for the future. Annual Review of Phytopathology, 61:209-230. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-phyto-021622-113058

Abstracts

Bui HX, and Desaeger JA (2024). Efficacy of fluopyram and fluensulfone on sting nematode (Belonolaimus longicaudatus) in Florida strawberry. The 63rd Annual SON Conference, Park City, Utah, Aug 4-9, 2024. (Poster). https://doi.org/10.2478/jofnem-2024-0036

Desaeger J, Agudelo P, Chowdhury I, Corbin J, Gorny A, Grabau Z, Mueller J, Quesada-Ocampo L, Riva G, Rutter W, Wadl P and Ye W (2024). Distribution of Meloidogyne enterolobii in vegetable crops in the southeastern United States. 35^th Symposium of the European Society of Nematologists (ESN), Cordoba, Spain, April 15-19, 2024.

Desaeger J, Bui H, Coburn J and Carter J (2024). Plant-parasitic nematodes infecting alternative crops in Florida. The 137th Annual Meeting of the Florida State Horticultural Society, June 9-11, 2024. Orlando, FL. https://www.fshs.org/assets/2024conference/Book%20of%20Abstracts%20FSHS%202024.pdf

Desaeger J and Sikora R (2024). Biological and Chemical nematicides – not either or both differently. Society of Nematologists 64^th Annual Conference, Park City, UT, August 5-18, 2024.

Desaeger J (2024). Nematode management in an unpredictable world – one-size-fits-none. Australian Soilborne Disease Symposium, Kingscliff NSW, Australia, August 26-30^th, 2024.

Desaeger J (2024). Nematode management in strawberries. 39^th Congresso Brasileiro de Nematologia and LIV ONTA Annual Meeting, Foz de Iguazu, Brasil, September 1-5, 2024.

Jacobs D, Desaeger J, Lusk M & Grabau Z (2024). Vegetable Farm Cover Crop Practices to Improve Nematode Management, Nitrogen Utilization, and Water Quality in Florida. Society of Nematologists 64^th Annual Conference, Park City, UT, August 5-18, 2024.

Li, Yi; Huang, Kuan-Ming; Guan, Zhengfei; Desaeger, Johan; Bui, Hung Xuan (2024). To Fumigate or Not: Optimal Nematode Management Strategy for Florida Tomato Growers. Southern Agricultural Economics Association (SAEA) 56th Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA, February 3-6, 2024.

Mayorga L, Medina K, and Desaeger J (2024). Effect of chitin amendment and Purpureocillium lilacinum against Meloidogyne javanica. Organization of Nematologists of Tropical Americas 54^th Annual Conference, Foz do Iguazu, Brazil September 1-5, 2024

Moreira D, Desaeger J, and Avellaneda C (2021). Integrated Nematode Management on Watermelons in Honduras. Society of Nematologists 63rd Annual Conference, Park City, UT, August 4-9, 2024.

Noling J and Desaeger J (2024). Integrated Nematode Management Strategies In Florida:  How The Integration Occurs. Society of Nematologists 64^th Annual Conference, Park City, UT, August 5-18, 2024.

Porazinska DL, Gendron E, Oliveira C and Desaeger J (2024). Nematode communities from strawberry fields: a comparison between morphology and mitometagenomics. 35^th Symposium of the European Society of Nematologists (ESN), Cordoba, Spain, April 15-19, 2024.

Extension and Outreach

Desaeger J (2023). Hops Nematode Update, Hops field day, GCREC, Balm, October 4, 2023.

Desaeger J (2023). Nematode management in vegetables. Diagnostic, Surveillance and Management Training Course for Economically Important Plant-parasitic nematodes - Greater Caribbean Safeguarding Initiative (GCSI), October 25, 2023.

Desaeger J (2023). Cover crops for nematode management. Florida Ag Expo, UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center Wimauma, FL, November 9, 2023.

Desaeger J (2023). Foliar Nematodes in Strawberries Seminario “Nemátodos de la frutilla Aphelenchoides fragariae”, Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (SAG), San Pedro, Chile, 24 de Noviembre, 2023.

Desaeger J (2023). Nasty Nematodes Can Steal Yields if Not Monitored and Managed (interview). December 13, 2023. Specialty Crop Grower. https://specialtycropgrower.com/plant-parasitic-nematodes-florida/

Desaeger J (2023). Plant Parasitic Nematodes in Agriculture, indestructible, misunderstood and underestimated. Webinar for Certis USA Biologicals, December 15, 2023.

Desaeger J (2024). Nematode survey in Florida strawberry fields and nursery transplants. FSGA Strawberry Nursery Conference, UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, January 10, 2024.

Desaeger J (2024). Nematode Management with fumigants in vegetable crops. Southeastern Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Savannah, GA, January 11-14, 2024.

Desaeger J (2024). Salibro in Florida vegetables and Strawberry. Salibro Research Exchange, Bowling Green, FL, February 28, 2024.

Desaeger J (2024). Five years of organic strawberry research at GCREC … @#$%&!. FSGA 39th Annual Agritech Trade Show, Plant City, FL, May 7-8, 2024.

Desaeger J (2024). Hops Nematode Update, Hops field day, GCREC, Balm, June 5, 2024.

Desaeger J (2024). FINDMe –five years of Focused Investigations on the Distribution and management of Meloidogyne enterolobii in the southeastern United States. Multi Pest Info Session, 23 AUGUST 2024, DAF Research Station, 49 Ashfield Road, Kalkie, QLD, Australia.

Publications:

Peer Reviewed

Gitonga, D., Kasam, R., Lesa, M., Hajihassani, A. 2024. First report of guava root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne enterolobii, on dragon fruit in the United States. New Disease Reports. 50, e12297. https://doi.org/10.1002/ndr2.12297

Singh, P.R., Gitonga, D., and Hajihassani, A. 2024. Four Criconematid species from avocado orchards in Florida, USA. Nematology. 26. https://doi.org/10.1163/15685411-bja10330

Singh, P.R. and Hajihassani, A. 2024. A taxonomic update on Tylenchorhynchus annulatus (Nematoda: Dolichodoridae), a widely distributed stunt nematode species. Nematology. 26: 341-349. https://doi.org/10.1163/15685411-bja10312

Hajihassani, A., Kasam, R., and Gitonga, D. First report of southern root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, infecting papaya in Florida, USA. Australasian Plant Disease Notes 19 (24).  https://doi.org/10.1007/s13314-024-00547-0

Gitonga, D., Singh, P.R. and Hajihassani, A. 2023. Detection of guava root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne enterolobii infecting Psidium guajava orchards in Homestead, Florida. Australasian Plant Disease Notes 18 (20). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13314-023-00506-1

Hajihassani, A., Singh, P.R. and Gitonga, D. 2023. The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita infects passion fruit in the USA. Australasian Plant Disease Notes 18 (7). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13314-023-00493-3

Abstracts

Larkin, J, Kassam, R., Crow, W., and Hajihassani, A. Exploring the diversity of turfgrass-associated entomopathogenic nematodes and their symbiotic bacteria in Florida for utilization of bacterial metabolites for nematode control. Annual Meeting of the Society of Nematologists. August 4-9, 2024, Park City, Utah.

Kassam, R., Rao U., and Hajihassani A. Novel bacteria for biological control of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. Annual Meeting of the Society of Nematologists. August 4-9, 2024, Park City, Utah.

Jagdale, G. B., Wong, C., Hajihassani, A., and Shapiro-Ilan, D. Influence of entomopathogenic nematode antagonism against root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica in tomato under greenhouse conditions. APS Annual Meeting (Plant Health). July 27-30, Memphis, Tennessee.

Gitonga, D., Carrillo D., and A. Hajihassani. Influence of ecological and edaphic factors on plant-parasitic nematodes associated with tropical fruit trees in south Florida. Annual Meeting of the Society of Nematologists. August 4-9, 2024, Park City, Utah.

Lasa, M. and A. Hajihassani. Evaluation of different nematicide rates and application intervals against plant-parasitic nematodes associated with turfgrass in south Florida. Annual Meeting of the Society of Nematologists. August 4-9, 2024, Park City, Utah.

Larkin, J, and Hajihassani, A. Utilizing seasonal population dynamics of plant-parasitic nematodes for improved management strategies in southern Florida golf courses. Annual Meeting of the Society of Nematologists. August 4-9, 2024, Park City, Utah.

Jagdale, G., Hajihassani, A., and Shapiro-Ilan, D. Efficacy of organic nematicides against Meloidogyne incognita infecting cucumbers under field conditions. Annual Meeting of the Society of Nematologists. August 4-9, 2024, Park City, Utah.

Mississippi

Peer Reviewed

Tsegay, M.W., Wallau, M.O., Liu, C., Dubeux, J.C., Grabau, Z.J. Crop rotation for management of plant‐parasitic nematodes in forage corn production. 2024, Agronomy Journal, 111, 313-325.

Grabau, Z.J., Sandoval Ruiz, R., Liu, C. Management of Meloidogyne arenaria in peanut production using resistance or nematicides. 2024, Nematropica, 54.

Grabau, Z.J., Sandoval Ruiz, R., Liu, C. Fumigation using 1,3-dichloropropene manages Meloidogyne enterolobii in sweetpotato more effectively than fluorinated nematicides. 2024. Plant Disease, 108, 2162-2169.

Wang, Y.,  Wu, P., Xu, J., Fu, R., Lin, Q., Liu, C., Wang, Y. Psyllid-mite interactions promote psyllid fecundity by selecting for a different life history. 2024. Pest Management Science. DOI 10.1002/ps.8539

Abstracts

Fumigant and non-fumigant nematicide efficacy at managing Meloidogyne enterolobii on sweetpotatoes. C.Liu and Z.J. Grabau. European Society of Nematologists Conference, Cordoba, Spain.

Integrated nematode management on sweetpotato in Florida. C. Liu and Z.J. Grabau. National Sweetpotato Growers Collaborative Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Resistant cultivars are more effective than nematicide appliction for managing reniform nematode in cotton.  Grabau, Zane J., R. Sandoval-Ruiz, and C. Liu. Society of Nematologists Annual Meeting, Parker City, Utah.

Plant-parasitic nematode distribution on soybeans in Mississippi. C. Liu. Mississippi Society of Entomologists, Plant Pathologists and Nematologists annual meeting, Starkville, Mississippi.

Assessing cost effectiveness of nematicide rates and chemistries for sting nematode management in florida potato. Grabau, Zane J, R. Sandoval-Ruiz, and Chang Liu.  Society of Nematologists' Annual Meeting. Park City, Utah.

Publications:

Peer Reviewed

Fraher, S., Watson, M., Nguyen, H., Gorny, A.M., Kudenov, M., and Yencho, G.C. 2024. A comparison of three automated nematode egg counting approaches using machine learning, image analysis, and a hybrid model. Plant Disease First Look.  DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-01-24-0217-SR. 

Wong, TW. S., Ye, W., Thiessen, L., Huseth, A.S., Gorny, A., and Quesada-Ocampo, L.M. 2024. Occurrence and distribution of Meloidogyne spp. in fields rotated with sweetpotato and host range evaluation of a North Carolina population of Meloidogyne enterolobii.  Plant Disease [First Look.]  DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-08-22-1877-RE. 

Schwarz, T., Chitra, Jennings, K., and Gorny, A.M. 2024. Evaluation of weed species for host status to the root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne enterolobii and M. incognita race 4. Journal of Nematology 56:20240017.  DOI: 10.2478/jofnem-2024-0017.  

Bonyak, H.C., Vann, M.C., Ye, W., Lewis, R.S., and Gorny, A.M. 2024. A 2-year, multi-county survey of plant-parasitic nematodes in North Carolina flue-cured tobacco. Agronomy Journal 116:1492-1503. DOI: 10.1002/agj2.21565.

Peer Reviewed Extension Articles

Dotray, J., Jeffreys, P.B., and Gorny, A.M.  2024. Evaluation of non-fumigant nematicides in sweetpotato production for management of Meloidogyne enterolobii in North Carolina, 2023.  Plant Disease Management Reports.  18:N010. 

Jeffreys, P.B., Dotray, J., and Gorny, A.M.  2024. Evaluation of non-fumigant nematicides for management of sting nematode in soybean in North Carolina, 2023.  Plant Disease Management Reports. 18:N008.

Texas

Publications:

Peer Reviewed

Dotray, J., J. Chagoya, T. A. Wheeler, and C. Monclova-Santana. 2024. Greenhouse screening of cotton varieties against Fusarium wilt complex. Plant Health Progress 25:410-417.

Virginia

Publications:

Eisenback, J. D. 2023. Nematode Trading Cards Decks 4-6. Mactode Publications: Blacksburg, VA and Amazon Kindle Press (Softcover ISBN 978-1-893961-59-3).

Eisenback, J. D. 2023. Nematode Trading Cards Decks 4-6. Mactode Publications: Blacksburg, VA and Amazon Kindle Press (Hardback ISBN 978-1-893961-58-6).

Eisenback, J. D. 2023. Life Cycle of the Root-knot Nematodes with Narration. Researchgate.net, Oct. 12, 2023.

Peer Reviewed

Travis R. Faske, Tristan Watson, Johan Desager, Maria Duffeck Jonathan Eisenback, Chase Floyd, Zane Grabau, Heather Kelly, Robert Kemerait, Kathy Lawrence, John Mueller, Maxwell Smith, Terry Wheeler, Weimin Ye. 2024. Summarized distribution of the reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis, in field crops in the United States. Plant Health Progress https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-04-23-0031-BR

Eisenback, J. D., Z. Chen, and M. White. 2024. Evaluating Vacuum and Steam Heat to Eliminate Pinewood Nematode in Naturally Infested Pine Logs. Journal of Nematology 56:e2024-2

Kantor, Camellia, Jonathan D. Eisenback, and Mihail Kantor. 2024. Biosecurity Risks to Human Food Supply Associated with Plant-Parasitic Nematodes. Frontiers in Plant Science 14:1195970. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1195970

Shokoohi Ebrahim, and Jonathan Eisenback. 2023. Description of Anaplectus deconincki n. sp. from South Africa. Journal of Helminthology 97:1-12. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022149X23000330

Vieira, Paulo, Mihail R. Kantor, Andrew Jansen, Zafar Handoo, and Jonathan D. Eisenback. 2023. Cellular insights of beech leaf disease reveal abnormal ectopic cell division of symptomatic interveinal leaf areas. PLOS One https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.06.22.546113

Vieira, Paulo, Mihail R. Kantor, Andrew Jansen, Zafar Handoo, and Jonathan D. Eisenback. 2023. Cellular insights of beech leaf disease reveal abnormal ectopic cell division of symptomatic interveinal leaf areas. BioRxiv https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.06.22.546113

Ebrahim Shokoohi, Joaquín Abolafia Antoinette Swart, Ngonidzashe Moyo,and Jonathan Eisenback. 2023. Mesorhabditis sudafricana n. sp. (Rhabditida, Mesorhabditidae), a new species with a short tail from South Africa. Nematology, May 2023:1-16. DOI: 10.1163/15685411-bja10254

Travis R. Faske, John Mueller, Ole Becker, Carl Bradley, Ernest C. Bernard, Jason Bond, Johan Desager, Jonathan Eisenback, Adrienne Gorny, Zane Grabau, Alex Hu, Robert Kemerait, Alyssa Koehler, Kathy Lawrence, Hillary Mehl, Edward J. Sikora, Steve Thomas, Nathan Walker, Terry Wheeler, Allen J. Wrather, and Lei Zhang. 2023. Current distribution of the southern root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, in the United States. Plant Health Progress https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-04-23-0031-BR

Postnikova, Olga A., Brian M. Irish, Jonathan Eisenback, and Lev G. Nemchinov. 2023. Snake River alfalfa virus, a persistent virus infecting alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in Washington State, USA. Virology Journal 20:32. https://doi.org/10.1186/12985-023-01991-7

Pollock, Jill R., Charles S. Johnson, J. D. Eisenback, T. David Reed, and Noah Adamo. 2023. Effect of Soil Temperature on Reproduction of Root-knot Nematodes in Flue-cured Tobacco with Homozygous Rk1 and/or Rk2 Resistance Genes. Journal of Nematology e2023-1. Doi.org/10.2478/jofnem-2023-0032

Abstracts

Eisenback, J. D. 2024. Making and Printing 3D Models of Nematodes Workshop. 63^rd Annual Meeting of the Society of Nematologists. Park City, Utah, Aug 7, 2024.

Mony, F.T.A., M. S. Ali, and J. D. Eisenback. 2024. Morphological characterization of Ditylenchus dipsaci on alfalfa in Virginia. SPES Symposium, Blacksburg, VA, Sept. 27.

Ali, Md. Sahadat, F. T. Z. Mony, J. D. Eisenback. 2024. The effect of a Pseudomonas strain of bacteria isolated from the roots of soybean nodules on root-knot nematode egg hatch and juvenile mortality. SPES Symposium, Blacksburg, VA, Sept. 27.

Tucker, M. A., J. D. Eisenback, and D. McCall. 2024. Evaluating plant growth regulator use with Hoplolaimus galeatus presence. SPES Symposium, Blacksburg, VA, Sept. 27.

Eisenback, J. D. 2024. Designing and printing 3D models of nematodes: Resources for Nematode Systematics Workshop. Society of Nematologists, Park City, UT. Aug 14, 2024. Journal of Nematology 56:30.

Ali, Md. Sahadat, F. T. Z. Mony, J. D. Eisenback. 2024. The effect of a Pseudomonas strain isolated from soybean nodules, on root-knot egg hatch and juvenile mortality. Society of Nematologists, Park City, UT. Aug 14, 2024. Journal of Nematology 56:30.

Mony, Fatima Tuz Zohora and J. D. Eisenback. A survey of plant-parasitic nematodes on alfalfa with an emphasis on Ditylenchus dipsaci in Virginia. Society of Nematologists, Park City, UT. Aug 14, 2024. Journal of Nematology 56:30.

Eisenback, Jonathan, Paulo Vieira, and Mihail Kantor. 2024. Beech Leaf Disease Begins its Invasion of Virginia Forests and Landscapes. 2024 Invasive Species Symposium, Invasive Species Working Group, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, March 15.

Pfeiffer, D. G. and J. D. Eisenback.  2024. An examination of cuticular sensory structures of spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White).  Entomological Society of America Eastern Branch. Morgantown WV. March 9-12.

Tucker, M., D. S. McCall, and J. D. Eisenback. 2023. Inter-lab Variability of Nematode Assays from Turfgrass Systems. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting, St. Louis, MO. (First Place) https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2023am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/150486

Tucker, M., D. Haak, J. D. Eisenback, and D. S. McCall. 2023. A Molecular Approach to Objective Hoplolaimus nematode Diagnostics. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting, St. Louis, MO. https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2023am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/150425

Tucker, M. Aaron, D. S. McCall, and J. D. Eisenback. 2023. Inter-lab variability of nematode assays from turfgrass systems. SPES Symposium, Blacksburg, VA, Oct. 5. (Third Place)

Mony, Fatima, and J. D. Eisenback. 2023. Survey of plant-parasitic nematodes on alfalfa in Virginia with an emphasis on Ditylenchus species. SPES Symposium, Blacksburg, VA, Oct. 5.

Tucker, M. Aaron, D. S. McCall, and J. D. Eisenback. 2023. A Numbers Game:  Comparing Turfgrass Nematode Assay Efficiencies from Ten State Labs. Society of Nematologists, Columbus, OH July 10, 2023. Journal of Nematology 55:119.

Eisenback, J. D. 2023. Digital micrographs of nematodes – Making mosaic micrographs. Digital Resources for Nematode Systematics Workshop. Society of Nematologists, Columbus, OH July 10, 2023. Journal of Nematology 55:29.

Eisenback, J. D. 2023. Digital 3D model of nematodes – Modeling and Printing 3D Nematodes. Digital Resources for Nematode Systematics Workshop. Society of Nematologists, Columbus, OH July 10, 2023. Journal of Nematology 55:30

Kantor, Mihail, and J. D. Eisenback. 2023. Project Nematoda. Digital Resources for Nematode Systematics Workshop. Society of Nematologists, Columbus, OH July 10, 2023

Lev G. Nemchinov, Joseph Mowery, Jonathan Eisenback, Jonathan Shao, and Paulo Vieira. 2023. Cellular and Transcriptional Responses of Resistant and Susceptible Alfalfa Cultivars to the Root Lesion Nematode. January 13, 2023. Plant and Animal Genome 30.