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Greenhouse and Field Evaluations of Selected Winter Cover Crops for Reniform Nematode Suppression in Cotton

J.R. Jones and K.S. McLean

ABSTRACT

The reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis, has become one of the most prevalent cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) pests in Alabama over the last decade. Cover crops that are non-hosts to R. reniformis could potentially decrease the inoculum for next season’s cotton crop. Eight cover crops were evaluated for host suitability to the reniform nematode in the greenhouse and field trials. In the greenhouse, each cover crop was planted in autoclaved soil and inoculated with 2000 R. reniformis. The pots were harvested sixty days after inoculation. AU Robin crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum), Hairy vetch (Vicia sativa), and Subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) produced a reproduction factor (Rf = final population / initial population) of greater than one. Other crops evaluated had a reproduction factor of less than one indicating a reduction in the R. reniformis populations. The eight winter cover crops were planted in a field naturally infested with R. reniformis immediately following the cotton harvest. Nematode samples were collected monthly throughout the winter. Although an increase in R. reniformis populations was observed on Crimson clover, Subterranean clover, and Hairy vetch in the greenhouse the nematode populations did not increase over the winter in the field evaluation. These selected winter cover crops could potentially fit into the cotton production scheme providing an aid in reniform management.





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Document last modified 04/27/04