Reniform Nematodes from Various Geographic Origins Uniquely Influenced Cotton Development

Area of Science:

• Plant Pathology
• Nematology
• Agronomy

Background:

• Reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) is a significant pest of cotton.
• Geographic variation in nematode virulence can affect crop management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of reniform nematode isolates from nine US cotton-belt states on cotton development.
• To compare the performance of a resistant and a susceptible cotton cultivar against these isolates.

Main Methods:

• Greenhouse studies using two cotton cultivars (resistant DP 2141NR B3XF and susceptible DP 2317 B3TXF).
• Inoculation with reniform nematode isolates from TN, AL, MS, LA, TX, AR, FL, SC, and GA.
• Assessment of plant height, leaf number, boll weight, chlorophyll content, plant vigor, photosynthesis, and transpiration.

Main Results:

• Nematode origin significantly affected cotton plant height, leaf number, boll weight, chlorophyll content, and vigor.
• Isolates from AR, MS, and TN caused the most severe negative impacts.
• The resistant cultivar consistently outperformed the susceptible cultivar across all isolates.

Conclusions:

• Reniform nematode virulence varies geographically, impacting cotton development differently.
• Niche-specific management strategies are needed for effective reniform nematode control in cotton.
• Resistant cultivars show improved performance against diverse reniform nematode populations.