Biogeographic Approaches

(Avoidance)

Rev 01/01/20

Strategies

Tactics

A. Reduction of the initial population.

B. Reduction of the rate of population increase.


a) Location
  • Select a geographic area unsuited to the target nematode species.
  • May involve land purchase, lease, or realistic crop selection for that area
A. Reduction of the initial population.

B. Reduction of the rate of population increase.

C. Increase in carrying capacity.

b. Selection of planting site
  • Use known distribution of nematodes on farm, based on
    environmental conditions, cultural history, etc.
  • Select soil or climatic conditions that favor crop and disfavor nematode
B. Reduction of the rate of population increase.


 

c. Selection of planting date

Put target nematode at a disadvantage, e.g.,:

  • Planting date for potatoes in Scotland to avoid Globodera rostochiensis is a classic example; cv. Epicure sprouts at 4 C - so it may be planted before the nematode becomes active.
  • Sugarbeets in Imperial valley - if planted in January and February, they may be harvested earlier, thus less nematode damage will occur than if planted in March.
  • Carrots planted in the Imperial valley in mid-September when soil temperatures have dropped below 18 C can escape damage from Longidorus africanus.
  • Carrots in Kern County may escape root-knot damage if planted after January 15 following cotton, but not following alfalfa. (Cotton supports Meloidogyne incognita while alfalfa may support several species, including M. hapla, which is active at lower temperatures).
B. Reduction of the rate of population increase. d. Early harvest
  • Avoid extra generations and damage to root crop, e.g., potatoes grown in the Tulelake region of California.  But, this practice shortens the growing season.
  • Early plowdown of cotton. R-6-P (reduce 6 pests) in North Carolina tobacco.
 

A. Reduction of the initial population.

e. Clean planting stock
  • Nursery stock certification.
  • Clean seedlings (seedbeds, 
    sweetpotato slips, etc.).
  • Consider transplant shock effects.
  • Use seedlings produced elsewhere may allow early start.
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