Distribution and Pathogenicity of the Alfalfa Stem Nematode, Ditylenchus dipsaci, in British Columbia. T. C. Vrain, Nematologist, Research Station, Agriculture Canada, Vancouver, BC V6T 1X2. B. Lalik, Research Assistant, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Victoria, BC V8W 2Z7. Plant Dis. 67:300-302. Accepted for publication 3 August 1982. Copyright 1983 Department of Agriculture, Government of Canada. DOI: 10.1094/PD-67-300.

In a nematological survey of alfalfa-growing areas of British Columbia in 1980 and 1981, soil and plant samples were collected from 124 fields. Species of 12 genera of plant-parasitic nematodes were found. The alfalfa stem nematode, Ditylenchus dipsaci, was detected in patches of stunted plants in 11 fields. The host status of resistant alfalfa cultivars and breeding lines and clover cultivars to D. dipsaci from British Columbia was determined, Lahontan, Trek: and Vertus alfalfa and several breeding lines were found resistant. The nematode reproduced slightly on alsike clover but not on red and white clover.