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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Crop Production Systems Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #282437
Title: Responses of reniform nematode and browntop millet to tillage, cover crop, and herbicides in cotton

Author
item Molin, William
item Stetina, Salliana - Sally

Submitted to: Crop Management
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/11/2013
Publication Date: 5/28/2013
Citation: Molin, W.T., Stetina, S.R. 2013. Responses of reniform nematode and browntop millet to tillage, cover crop, and herbicides in cotton. Crop Management. doi:10.1094/CM-2013-0428-01-RS.

Interpretive Summary: Yield losses arising from phytoparasitic nematodes and weed interference are constant challenges in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production. Scientists from USDA-ARS-CPSRU and USDA-ARS-CGRU conducted a study to determine effects of tillage, rye cover crop, and herbicide programs on reniform nematode and browntop millet populations in cotton. Reniform nematode populations were not reduced by any of the crop management practices whereas browntop millet control was highest with conventional tillage in combination with preemergence herbicides and no cover crop so this production practice could benefit producers who need to manage this weed. New management practices will need to be developed to minimize reniform nematode losses however standard crop management practices will minimize losses from browntop millet.

Technical Abstract: Cropping practices that reduce competition from reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) and browntop millet (Urochlora ramosum) may help minimize losses in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). The impacts of tillage, rye cover crop, and preemergence and postemergence herbicides on cotton yields, reniform nematode populations and browntop millet control were investigated from 2005 to 2007 at Stoneville, MS. Cotton yields were highest with conventional tillage and were reduced by rye cover crop. Reniform nematode populations were not reduced by tillage, cover crop, or herbicide treatments so these treatments probably should not be recommended for reniform nematode management at this time. Browntop millet control was highest with conventional tillage in combination with preemergence herbicides and no cover crop so this production practice could benefit producers who need to manage this weed. However, browntop millet control was reduced by the rye cover crop which may have been due to greater herbicide absorption by the rye residue. New management practices will need to be developed to minimize reniform nematode losses; however, the management practices that were shown to reduce losses from browntop millet did not affect reniform nematode populations and can be used without increasing damage from the nematode.