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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Crop Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #210383
Title: Comparison of Early and Normal Planting Dates for Suppression of Reniform Nematode Populations

Author
item Stetina, Salliana - Sally
item SCIUMBATO, GABRIEL - MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIV
item Pettigrew, William
item Molin, William

Submitted to: World Cotton Research Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/10/2007
Publication Date: 8/1/2008
Citation: Stetina, S.R., Sciumbato, G.L., Pettigrew, W.T., Molin, W.T. 2008. Comparison of Early and Normal Planting Dates for Suppression of Reniform Nematode Populations. World Cotton Research Conference Proceedings. Proceedings of World Cotton Research Conference-4, 2007, September 10-14, Lubbock, TX, USA. 2008 CDROM

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis Linford & Oliveira) causes significant yield losses in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in the southeastern United States, particularly in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. In this region, reniform nematode management relies primarily on the use of nematicides, which are expensive and often give inconsistent results. Alternative management options are needed to limit losses. The objective of this research was to determine if suppression of the nematode population and associated yield benefits would result from planting cotton a month earlier than normal, at a time when cooler soil temperatures support reduced nematode activity. Early (April 1) and normal (May 1) planted cotton plots were established in fields naturally infested with reniform nematode. At 5 weeks after planting (in three trials) and at the end of the season (in four additional trials), reniform nematode populations in plots planted early did not differ significantly from those in plots planted at the normal time. In only one trial did cotton planted early yield higher than cotton planted at the normal time. The yield benefits derived from early planting, when present, do not result from a reduction in the reniform nematode population.