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Development of a new management strategy for the control of root‐knot nematodes ( Meloidogyne spp) in organic vegetable production
Author(s) -
Atkins Simon D,
HidalgoDiaz Leopoldo,
Kalisz Helen,
Mauchline Tim H,
Hirsch Penny R,
Kerry Brian R
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.603
Subject(s) - meloidogyne incognita , fungus , biology , crop rotation , nematode , biological pest control , crop , root knot nematode , agronomy , integrated pest management , pest analysis , soil water , horticulture , botany , ecology
The nematophagous fungus, Pochonia chlamydosporia (Goddard) Zare & Gams, has been investigated as a potential biological control agent for use in integrated pest management strategies for Meloidogyne incognita (Kof & White) Chitwood in vegetable crops. The release of the fungus as a biological control agent requires a diagnostic method to monitor its spread in the environment and to gain knowledge of its ecology. Only molecular methods are sufficiently discriminating to enable the detection of specific isolates of fungi in soil. A method to extract DNA from soil was developed to increase the efficacy of PCR‐based diagnostic tests that use specific primers. A selected isolate of P chlamydosporia var catenulata was applied at densities similar to those that occur naturally in nematode‐suppressive soils. The fungus significantly reduced nematode infestations in soil following a tomato crop, in a strategy that combined the use of the fungus with crop rotation. The survival of the fungus in soil was also examined in controlled conditions in which it remained in soil in densities significantly greater than its original application rate for at least 5 months. Hence, it seems that populations of this fungus may be built up in soil and have significant effects on the regulation of root‐knot nematode populations. © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry