Evaluating efficacy of a novel nematicide for management of Northern Root Knot nematode in greenhouse strawberry production

Northern root knot nematode, Meloidogyne hapla is a major pest of horticultural and field crops. In Canada, reducing total yield and quality of fruits and vegetables due to this nematode is an increasing concern. Thereby, the need to develop new nematicide to control M. hapla for greenhouse productions is in demand. In this study we have tested the efficacy of a newly developed non-fumigant nematicide (Y) that is potent against M. hapla but have minimal effect on free-living nematodes and environment. M. hapla is an important plant parasitic nematode on greenhouse strawberries, understanding how the nematode respond to different doses of Y is imperative in determining the best recommended use. Towards this goal, we have tested different application rates (560, 1120, 1680, 1120+560, and 2240 g ai/ha) of Y against M. hapla on strawberries.
Nematodes reproduction were determined after 8 weeks and 11 weeks of nematicide application. There was no significant difference in nematodes reproduction after 8 weeks. However, at 11 weeks count, all concentrations except one significantly reduced nematodes reproduction. Among the concentrations, 2240 g ai/ha had the lowest nematodes reproduction at second count. Although, there was no significant difference in average weight of marketable fruits, Y at concentration of 2240 g ai/ha had the lowest average weight of non marketable fruits when compared to our reference nematide Velum prime. These results indicate that, applying Y at 2240 g ai/ha rate is effective in managing M. hapla in strawberry production and can be used as part of integrated pest management programmes.