Effect of Reniform Nematode on Cantaloup Yields. C. M. Heald, Research Nematologist, Agricultural Research, Science and Education Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Weslaco, TX 78596. Plant Dis. 64:282-283. Accepted for publication 19 October 1979. This article is in the public domain and not copyrightable. It may be freely reprinted with customary crediting of the source. The American Phytopathological Society, 1980. DOI: 10.1094/PD-64-282.

The effect of the reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) on the quality and yield of cantaloup (Cucumis melo ‘Perlita’) was compared in fumigated and unfumigated plots over a 3-yr period; 1,3-dichloropropene was used in 1975 and 1976, and 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane was used in 1977. Cantaloup yields were higher in fumigated treatments than in controls (105, 82, and 79% higher in 1975, 1976, and 1977, respectively). Reniform nematode populations were significantly reduced by soil fumigation. In 1975, the percentage of soluble solids was significantly higher in fumigated than in unfumigated plots.