Dr. John Mueller, Edisto Research and Education Center, Clemson University, P.O. Box 247, Highway 78 West, Blackville, SC 29817, Phone (803) 284-3343, FAX (803) 284-3684
email: jmllr@clemson.edu
Major Nematode Species: Columbia lance, root-knot, and reniform nematodes cause significant damage to cotton in South Carolina. The most severe problem is Columbia lance nematode.
Nineteen cotton producing counties are located in the northeast, central, and southwest parts of the state. In the last nematode distribution and density survey (1995), 10 counties had high population densities of Columbia lance, and four counties had medium densities. In the same year, one county had high density of root-knot nematodes, 16 counties had medium densities, and two counties had low densities. In addition, reniform nematodes were reported at high densities in two counties and medium densities in six counties.
1998 Yield Loss Estimate Valued at $390/Bale: 8% of the cotton crop was lost to nematode damage ... 29,663 bales ... valued at $11,568,570.
Seven-year Average Yield Loss from 1992 through 1998: Annual average of 5.36% of the crop was lost to nematode damage ... 22,168 bales ... valued at $8,526,868.
1999 Activities to Consider in Latter Part of Growing Season: South Carolina nematode experts say the best time to take soil samples for nematodes is from mid-September through mid-November. However, any sample taken from first bloom through the first hard freeze will provide important clues to the type and numbers of nematodes inhabiting a field.
1998 Research Activities: Five research trials were conducted in South Carolina in 1998. In two yield tests, Temik 15G was used at-plant and side-dress at 5 and 7 lbs. rates to control nematodes under three and four nematicide regimes. Telone II and Temik 15G were used in another yield test under six nematicide regimes. Temik 15G and Gaucho were used in a stand and yield test in a field infested with Columbia lance nematodes. For a test in which thrips adults and nymphs were recovered in a field infested with Columbia lance nematodes, Temik 15G and Gaucho were used.
For details of test results, contact Jennifer Gimpert.