Trap Crops and Crop Rotation for Control of the Potato Cyst Nematode
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
11:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Globodera pallida, the pale cyst nematode (PCN) is a quarantined pest of potato in Idaho. With the potential to cause up to 80% yield loss and to remain viable in the soil for 20 to 30 years, it poses a major threat to the Idaho potato industry. Growers with infested fields are losing profit because they cannot plant potato until PCN is deemed fully eradicated and their fields undergo the extensive deregulation process. Trap crops and crop rotation have potential as sustainable management strategies for use in PCN eradication efforts. Trap crops must be non-hosts that stimulate PCN hatch but prevent development and reproduction. Previous research has showed Solanum sisymbriifolium, litchi tomato to have significant PCN trap crop potential. However, litchi tomato would not provide a valuable crop in rotation. It is worthwhile to investigate the efficacy of other crops as PCN trap crops, especially those with potential commercial value. We have been evaluating trap crop potential of several other solanaceous species as well as quinoa, which has been shown to be a non-host that stimulates PCN hatch in prior studies. Our objectives are also to compare the impact and feasibility of litchi tomato and quinoa on populations of PCN over time in both greenhouse and Idaho field conditions. Three-year crop rotations with litchi tomato and partially resistant potato variety “Innovator” will also be assessed as PCN control strategies. If litchi tomato and quinoa are successful in significantly reducing PCN populations in the field, they can be recommended to growers with PCN-infested acreage. Ultimately, this project would ideally establish more sustainable strategies for use in an integrated management approach to the eradication of the pale cyst nematode.