ABSTRACT

The Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas, has conducted Cotton Research Verification Program (CRVP) demonstrations since 1980. The whole field demonstrations of research based Cooperative Extension Service recommendations have been used to bring new technology and production practices to farmer fields. Fields enrolled in the CRVP are selected based on specific criteria set by the Cooperative Extension Service.

A soil analysis is taken in the fall preceding initial enrollment of a cooperator and field into a research verification program. The analysis for the CRVP is for both fertility and nematode detection. Nematode pressure, usually rootknot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) [RKN], or Reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis)[RN] can be yield-limiting problems for cotton producers. .Reniform nematode presence was first reported in Arkansas (Robbins, et al, 1989) in the late 1980's and were not a significant problem at that time. By 1994 the reniform nematode was reported to be a significant problem in the southern and mid-Mississippi and Arkansas Delta production areas (Stewart, et al, 1994). Data in 1995 (Lorenz, et al, 1995) indicated that reniform nematode ranked second only to RKN for economic yield loss in the United States. The reniform nematode is a root parasite that has a large host plant range. They build up rapidly in cotton production fields and may survive well on soybean roots. Corn roots seem to be resistant to reniform nematode buildup and significant decrease in reniform nematode numbers are noted when corn is in a rotation with cotton. Levels also decrease well with rice rotations.

This paper will present information regarding the use of an integrated pest management approach to suppressing reniform nematode in one specific field near Altheimer, Arkansas during the production seasons of 1999 through 2002.