Management of cereal cyst nematodes, Heterodera spp., in Norway

Cereal cyst nematodes, Heterodera spp., are known worldwide as parasites of cereals and grasses. Surveys of cereal fields in Norway have revealed that nematodes belonging to the H. avenae complex occur throughout the country, and that H. avenae (the oat cyst nematode) is the most common species, followed by H. filipjevi (the rye cyst nematode). Both species are of economic importance in Scandinavia. H. avenae has been found in two common pathotypes, Ha 11 and Ha 12. Work in Sweden, however, has detected three additional pathotypes, H. avenae "Knislinge", H. avenae "Ringsisen" and H. avenae "Våxtorp". These pathotypes were found also in the Norwegian surveys. In Sweden H. filipjevi has two pathotypes, "East" and "West". In Norway, only pathotype "West" has been detected so far. Nematode management practices must be based on the knowledge of the relationship between initial nematode density and yield, the population dynamics, and the measures capable of reducing or keeping the population density below the threshold for economic damage. Crop rotation and the use of cultivars with resistance are important measures for controlling cereal cyst nematodes. Several cereal cultivars with resistance to H. avenae are on the market. As to H. filipjevi, resistance may be found in some commercial cultivars, although no intentional breeding for resistance against this nematode species has been attempted. In 2004 and 2005 the majority of the cereal cultivars on the Norwegian market were tested for susceptibility/resistance towards H. avenae pathotype Ha 11, H. avenae pathotype "Våxtorp" and H. filipjevi pathotype "West". Management systems, based on careful nematode identification and good knowledge of appropriate resistant cultivars, are in operation in Norway. Resistant barley is generally recommended when nematode populations are high due to its high tolerance compared to resistant oats. Farmers implementing this program have reported increased cereal yields on the average of 1000 kg/ha. It has been calculated that by implementing this program in full the county of Vestfold could make an economic gain of 800,000 Euro annually.