DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF SUSTAINABLE NEMATODE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN MICHIGAN AGRICULTURE

Our general objective is to find economically viable and effective solutions to important plant parasitic nematode problems in commercial crops. At the same time evaluate the effect of these management practices on yield, profitability, soil health, and beneficial nematodesFinding alternatives to historically highly effective but environmentally risky and costly solutions such as Methyl Bromide fumigation is a priority for us.An essential objective for us is evaluating new commercial nematicides and compare their effectiveness to established products in order to assist growers make informed research-based decisionsCompare different management practices and product effects on beneficial soil organisms, particularly free-living nematodesUse of molecular methods to further characterize aggressive nematode populations that cause further damage than their numbers suggest and further understand the reasons for this damage differentialSoybeans: In soybeans our greatest priority is management of Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN). Our objective is evaluation of management practices to reduce numbers and reduce breaking resistance to resistant varieties. We are and intend to continue evaluation of variety (with different sources of SCN resistance) rotations, manures/composts, cover crops, and nematicides to manage SCN.Sugar beets: In sugar beets, our objective is to find effective solutions to managing Beet Cyst Nematode (BCN). Our trials include evaluation of nematicides, varieties, cover crops, and other management practices. We additionally intend to evaluate if BCN is successfully breeding with SCN and if their offspring can feed on both soybeans and sugar beets therefore making rotation with non-host difficult. Molecular techniques will be used for further evaluation of this in collaboration with Henry Chung.Corn: In corn, we completed a corn survey to determine the nematodes that cause the most damage in corn in Michigan. Stunt nematode is the one that most often passed the damage threshold in the state. We aim to conduct greenhouse trials to further determine damage of stunt nematode in corn. Finding best management practices for stunt and corn needle nematode is also part of our objectivesPotatoes: In potatoes, our objectives are to find management practices to reduce root lesion nematode and verticillium wilt which together cause the potato early die disease complex. Further evaluation of composts/manures, nematicides, and cover crops to manage this important disease complex are needed.Vegetables: Evaluation of nematicides, compost/manures, and cover crops, on the management of root lesion nematode on carrots and diverse other vegetables is our priority. In addition, northern root knot nematode is an important pest in vegetables grown in muck and finding effective management practices is part of our objectives. It is important to us to further understand the conducted vegetable survey, along with publication of its results.Fruits: Finding methods to reduce replant problem and find ways to manage nematode problems while the plants are established in order to prevent spread of nematode vectored-viral diseases is part of our priorityOrnamentals: In ornamentals is our objective to find and evaluate management practices of Northern Root Knot Nematode in bareroot ornamentals such as daylilies. Management practices such as dips of planting material, nematicides, bio-nematicides, compost/manures, and cover crops are and will continue to be evaluated.