Essential oils for managing Pratylenchus penetrans on Easter lilies

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Nematology
• Plant Pathology

Background:

• Easter lily bulbs are commercially produced in California and Oregon.
• Pratylenchus penetrans (lesion nematode) infestation severely impacts field-grown bulb development.
• Effective nematode management is crucial for healthy Easter lily production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of essential oils (EOs) in managing Pratylenchus penetrans.
• To compare EO treatments with standard chemical fumigants and an untreated control.
• To assess the impact of EOs on Easter lily bulb circumference, root health, and nematode levels.

Main Methods:

• Field trials conducted over two consecutive years with 22 treatments.
• Commercially prepared EO formulations (Duogard, EF400, EF300, Cinnamite) applied as preplant dips.
• Comparison with chemical fumigant (FU) and phorate (PH) treatments, and untreated controls.

Main Results:

• Ten treatments consistently improved bulb circumference compared to the control.
• Three treatments resulted in healthier roots over consecutive years.
• Nine treatments demonstrated consistently lower lesion nematode levels in roots at harvest.

Conclusions:

• Essential oils are beneficial in mitigating Pratylenchus penetrans damage in Easter lilies.
• EO treatments offer a viable alternative for nematode management in bulb production.
• EOs contribute to improved plant health and yield in affected crops.