Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Crop Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #208066
Title: Influence of Planting Date and Water Management on Reniform Nematode Populations in Cotton

Author
item Stetina, Salliana - Sally
item Pettigrew, William

Submitted to: Journal of Nematology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/1/2007
Publication Date: 3/1/2007
Citation: Stetina, S.R., Pettigrew, W.T. 2007. Influence of Planting Date and Water Management on Reniform Nematode Populations in Cotton. Journal of Nematology. Vol 39: 67-68

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Planting dates and water management practices were examined for potential impact on reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) populations in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). A field trial conducted in 2005 and 2006 in Stoneville, MS examined the influence of early (April 1) or normal (May 1) planting dates and irrigated or dryland production on early-season root infection by reniform nematode and seasonal changes in the nematode population in the soil. Treatment effects were evaluated on six cultivars (DeltaPine 444 BR, DeltaPine 555 BR, FiberMax 800 BR, FiberMax 960 BR, Stoneville 4892 BR, and Stoneville 5599 BR) in a modified split block design with six replications. Treatments were assigned to plots at the initiation of the study and remained in the same place during the second year. Soil populations of reniform nematode were measured at planting and harvest each year, and root infection was assessed 3 to 5 weeks after planting. No differences were detected among cultivars, so data were averaged across them to examine planting date and water management effects. Average reniform nematode population sizes in irrigated and dryland cotton were equivalent, though a significant seasonal interaction was detected. In both years of the study, nematode populations increased from planting to harvest, but significantly more so in irrigated plots than in dryland plots. Planting date did not affect either soil reniform nematode populations or early-season root infection by reniform nematodes. These findings suggest that modifications to either planting dates or water management practices will not suppress reniform nematode populations in cotton.