Problems Associated with Crop Rotation for Management of Pratylenchus penetrans on Easter Lily

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Nematology
• Plant Pathology

Background:

• Easter lilies (Lilium longiflotum) are commercially cultivated in rotation with pastures in California and Oregon.
• The lesion nematode, Pratylenchus penetrans, significantly harms Easter lily production, necessitating nematicide use.
• Current nematicide practices, including soil fumigation and at-planting applications, risk groundwater contamination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate factors for an improved Easter lily crop rotation program.
• To assess the nematode host suitability of various pasture crops for cattle and sheep.
• To monitor Pratylenchus penetrans populations under fallow and pasture conditions over time.

Main Methods:

• Conducted five field trials in Oregon to examine crop rotation strategies.
• Assessed the relative host status of different clovers and fescues for Pratylenchus penetrans.
• Monitored nematode populations in soil and lily roots over a 4-year period and across two successive lily crops.

Main Results:

• Differences in host suitability were observed among pasture plants, suggesting potential for tailored pasture mixes.
• Pratylenchus penetrans populations generally increased on pasture plants and decreased under weed-free fallow over 4 years.
• Nematode populations in soil peaked in July on Easter lilies, while root populations increased until harvest.

Conclusions:

• Crop rotation, including strategic pasture use and fallow periods, can aid in managing Pratylenchus penetrans in Easter lily production.
• Identifying suitable pasture components is crucial for developing effective rotation programs.
• Further research into nematode dynamics within crop rotations can reduce reliance on chemical nematicides.