Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #67327
Title: EFFECT OF RENIFORM NEMATODES AND SILVERLEAF WHITEFLIES ON COTTONSEED QUALITY

Author
item Cook, Charles
item WOLFENBARGER, DAN - COOPERATOR
item Robinson, Arin
item NAMKEN, L - TX AGRIC EXP STN-WESLACO

Submitted to: National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/1/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Reniform nematodes and silverleaf whiteflies are serious pests of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Silverleaf whiteflies also are a serious pest in Arizona, where a large percentage of commercial cottonseed is produced. Although the effects of each of these pests have been studied, information is scarce concerning the einteraction of these pests on cotton lint yield, fiber quality, and seed quality. The objective of this study was to determine the single and combined effects of the reniform nematode and silverleaf whitefly on seed size, vigor, and quality. Experimental design was a split-plot arrangement with nematode treatments (Telone II and control) as the whole plots and whitefly treatments (imidacloprid and control) as the subplots. Across the nematode treatments, seed index of the Telone II plots was reduced from 9.1 to 8.7 for the control plots. Within the Telone II treatment, seed index was reduced by the silverleaf whiteflies. Within the reniform-infested treatment, whitefly stress reduced seed index form 9.0 to 8.3. Cool germination tests indicated that seed produced under whitefly infestations had lower percentage of seed germination, less radicle growth, and increased seed coat mold growth at seven days. Although several mechanisms are available for removing light weight and immature cottonseed, growers and commercial cottonseed producers should be aware of the potential effects of whiteflies on seed quality before saving seed produced under heavy infestations.

Technical Abstract: Information is very limited on the interaction of reniform nematodes and silverleaf whiteflies and their effects on cotton, especially in regard to the quality and vigor of seed produced under these stresses. In 1995, studies were conducted to ascertain the single and combined effects of reniform nematodes and silverleaf whiteflies on cottonseed quality and vigor. In a split-plot design, nematode treatments (Telone II and control) were the whole plots and whitefly treatments (imidacloprid and control )were the subplots. Across the nematode treatments, seed index of the Telone II plots was 9.1 compared to 8.7 for the control. Within the Telone II treatment, seed index was reduced from 9.7 to 8.4 by the silverleaf whiteflies, while within the reniform-infested treatment, whitefly stress reduced seed index from 9.0 to 8.3. Cool germination (65 degrees F) ragdoll tests indicated that seed produced under whitefly infestations had lower germination, less radicle growth, and more seed coat mold growth at seven days. Although several mechanisms are available for removing light weight and immature cottonseed, growers and commercial cottonseed producers should consider the potential effects of whiteflies on seed quality before saving seed produced under heavy infestations.