Effects of Soil Solarization on Plant-Parasitic Nematodes and Phytophthora cinnamomi in South Africa. M. E. Barbercheck, Plant Protection Research Institute, Private Bag X5017, Stellenbosch 7600, Republic of South Africa. S. L. Von Broembsen, Plant Protection Research Institute, Private Bag X5017, Stellenbosch 7600, Republic of South Africa. Plant Dis. 70:945-950. Accepted for publication 25 February 1986. Copyright 1986 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-70-945.

The effect of clear plastic mulch on the survival of plant-parasitic nematodes and Phytophthora cinnamomi was investigated. Populations of total plant-parasitic nematodes, Pratylenchus pratensis, Rotylenchus incultus, Criconemella xenoplax, and a mixed population of Paratrichodorus lobatus plus P. minor were reduced by between 37 and 100% of their original levels by soil solarization. Control of Meloidogyne javanica was inconsistent. Solarization for 3 wk eliminated Phytophthora cinnamomi from 91% of buried infested wheat grains, whereas solarization for 6 wk completely eradicated the fungus. Growth of grapevines (cultivar Jacquez) and tomatoes (cultivar Moneymaker) was enhanced in soil treated with solarization for 6 wk.