Rotylenchulus reniformis Management in Cotton with Crop Rotation

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Nematology
• Crop Protection

Background:

• The reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) is a significant pest of cotton, causing substantial yield losses.
• Effective and sustainable management strategies are crucial for controlling nematode populations and mitigating crop damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of one-year crop rotations with corn or resistant soybean on Rotylenchulus reniformis populations.
• To assess the subsequent cotton crop yield following these rotations.
• To compare the efficacy of different aldicarb nematicide regimes.

Main Methods:

• Field trials were conducted at four locations, implementing one-year rotations of cotton with corn or resistant soybean.
• Rotylenchulus reniformis population densities were monitored before and after crop rotations.
• Cotton yield was measured following the rotation treatments.
• Nematicide (aldicarb) regimes were applied at two locations, while susceptible soybean rotation was used at others.

Main Results:

• One-year rotations with corn or resistant soybean significantly reduced Rotylenchulus reniformis populations at three of four sites compared to continuous cotton.
• The positive effect of crop rotation on nematode populations was not detectable by mid-season in the following cotton crop.
• Cotton yield increased following resistant soybean rotation at all locations and following corn at three locations.
• The optimal aldicarb application rate was 0.84 kg a.i./ha in furrow; side-dress applications were not cost-effective.

Conclusions:

• One-year crop rotations with corn or resistant soybean are effective in reducing reniform nematode populations and improving subsequent cotton yields.
• Resistant soybean rotations show particular promise for enhancing cotton productivity in nematode-infested fields.
• While nematicides can be effective, crop rotation offers a more sustainable and potentially cost-effective approach to managing Rotylenchulus reniformis.