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Disease Management

Chemical management

Sting nematodes can be effectively managed with nematicides. Unlike many of the endoparasitic nematodes that spend a majority of their life within roots, contact nematicides often work well on sting nematode. Both carbamate (aldicarb, carbofuran) and organophosphate (fenamiphos, ethoprop, turbufos) nematicides and fumigants (methyl bromide, 1,3-dichloropropene, metam sodium) are currently registered and can be effectively used to reduce sting nematode populations. On annual crops, nematicides applied either before or at planting usually provide acceptable levels of control by protecting newly developing root systems. On perennial crops such as turfgrasses, seasonal application of post-plant nematicides during times of root growth may be required.

Cultural practices

When possible, avoid use of infested planting material. Most warm-season turfgrasses are planted as sod or sprigs, so sting nematodes and other pathogens can be moved in the soil adhering to the sod (Figure 27). It is believed that this is the primary way that the sting nematode has become established in new areas, especially outside of its native geographical range.

Figure 27

On turfgrasses, relieving additional stresses by raising mowing height, increasing irrigation frequency, improving aeration to roots, and reducing traffic can improve tolerance to sting nematodes. The addition of organic, and some inorganic, amendments to soil also can improve tolerance to sting nematodes by improving the water and nutrient-holding capacity of the soil. Organic amendments have also been shown to reduce population densities of sting nematodes in some studies. This may be due to direct effects of these additives on the nematodes or due to stimulation of antagonistic microorganisms in the soil.

Biological control

Pasteuria usgae, an endospore-forming bacterium, is an obligate parasite of B. longicaudatus (Figures 28, 29). This bacterium is found in soils throughout Florida, and presumably other areas where sting nematodes occur. Pasteuria usgae was successfully introduced into a previously non-infested putting green resulting in the suppression of sting nematodes. Presently, the only method for infesting a field site with P. usgae is by adding soil from a site that already has sting nematodes infected with the bacterium. Unfortunately, this method is not economically feasible for commercial use. However, in vitro production of P. usgae is being attempted at this time. If these efforts are successful, P. usgae may become a viable inoculative biological control agent for sting nematodes in the future.

Figure 28

Figure 29

Some researchers have found that application of various entomopathogenic nematodes (nematodes used for biological control of insect pests) on turf can reduce sting nematode populations. However, research trials conducted in Florida have revealed that the results are too inconsistent to be relied on as a management tool in that state.

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