Stunt Nematode (Tylenchorhynchus claytoni) Impact on Southern Pine Seedlings and Response to a Field Test of Cover Crops

The stunt nematode, Tylenchorhynchus claytoni, was found to cause a reduction in root volume (cm) of loblolly pine at population densities equivalent of 125 nematodes/100 cm (6 in) soil and greater. The results of a host range test conducted in containers under controlled conditions determined that buckwheat cultivar (Fagopryum esculentum ‘Mancan’), velvetbean (Mucuna pruriens), Kobe lespedeza (Lespedeza striata ‘Kobe’), bicolor lespedeza (Lespedeza bicolor), and purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) are suitable hosts for the stunt nematode. Previous container studies concluded that pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) hybrid ‘ET-300’ was a nonhost for the stunt nematode. A 2-year field test of sorghum-sudangrass hybrid ‘Sugar Graze,’ pearl millet hybrid ‘Tifleaf 3,’ and fallow found that the use of pearl millet as a cover crop greatly restricts population development of the stunt nematode in infested fields, and its use would be a good alternative to fallow.