Agriculture

Wheat Root-knot Nematode Pest Management in Wheat: Symptoms, Treatment, Chemical, Biological, Natural, and Organic Control

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Wheat Root-knot Nematodes, Meloidogyne incognita, belonging to the Family Heteroderidae of the Order Tylenchida, also known as southern root-nematode or cotton root-knot nematode, are a type of plant-parasitic nematode that can cause significant damage to wheat crops. The root-knot nematode is globally distributed and is one of wheat’s most economically important pests.

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They can survive in various environments and cause serious yield losses. Root-knot nematodes feed on the roots of wheat plants, causing galls or knots to form. These galls stunt the growth of the plant and reduce its yield. Root-knot nematodes can also transmit bacterial and viral diseases to wheat plants, further increasing damage. Control of root-knot nematodes is essential for protecting wheat yields.

Cultural methods, chemical treatments, and biological control are all used to manage root-knot nematode populations in wheat crops. To effectively manage this pest, it is important to understand its life cycle, its preferred habitats, and the best methods for controlling it. This article will provide an overview and discussion of the Wheat Root-knot Nematode Pest in wheat crops, including its symptoms, identification techniques, and control.

Wheat Root-knot Nematode Pest Management in Wheat

Life Cycle of Wheat Root-knot Nematode Pest in Wheat Crop

The lifecycle of the wheat root-knot nematode pest in wheat crops begins with the egg stage. The female nematodes lay the eggs in the soil and can remain viable for several weeks or months, depending on soil conditions. During this stage, the eggs are dormant and do not move or feed. Once the eggs hatch, the juvenile nematodes emerge as first-stage larvae. Now, the larvae are ready to feed on plants’ roots and burrow into the soil. This allows them to find suitable plant hosts to feed on.

The larvae then feed on the plant’s root system, causing the roots to become swollen and distorted. This is known as root-knotting and can cause the plant to become stunted and produce an unhealthy crop. After a few weeks of feeding on the roots, the larvae mature into adult nematodes. The adult nematodes begin to reproduce, laying more eggs in the soil and repeating the cycle. This cycle can continue for several generations until the nematode population is large enough to cause severe damage to the crop.

Occurrence of Wheat Root-knot Nematode Pest in Wheatfield

  • Location of Wheat Root-knot Nematode: This pest is prevalent in warmer climates and is found to infect wheat crops in many countries, including the United States, Brazil, Chile, Peru, the United Kingdom, Africa, China, India, and Turkey.
  • Host range:  The wheat root-knot nematode can infect different crops, including corn, wheat, oats, barley, and other cereal grains.

Factors Favoring the Population Increase of Wheat Root-knot Nematode Pest in Wheatfield

  • Temperature – The wheat root-knot nematode thrives in warm climates, and development occurs rapidly when the range is between 21-27 °C.
  • Soil type – The root-knot nematode prefers sandy, loamy soils that are well-drained and have high organic matter content. These soils provide an ideal living environment for the pest.
  • Higher reproductive rate – Female root-knot nematodes can produce up to 200 eggs in their lifetime, quickly increasing the population.

Identification of Wheat Root-knot Nematode Pest in Wheatfield

  • Egg: The eggs are very small, about 0.5 mm in diameter, oval-shaped, white, and are laid in clusters.
  • Juvenile: The juvenile nematodes are small, white in color, cylindrical, and can be identified by their movement in the soil.
  • Adult: The adult nematodes are larger, up to 2 mm long, and are reddish-brown.

Damage Symptoms of Wheat Root-knot Nematode Pest in Wheatfield

  • The primary symptom of this pest is the formation of galls on the roots of the wheat plants.
  • The most common damage symptoms include stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, wilting, and reduced yields.
  • The beard root symptom is often seen when the roots are highly branched at the gall tissues. And the infected roots show a knotty appearance.
  • The infected plants show a patchy appearance in the field.

In case you missed it: Wheat-gall Nematode Pest Management in Wheat: Symptoms, Treatment, Chemical, Biological, Natural, and Organic Control

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Percentage of Yield Loss in Wheat due to Wheat Root-knot Nematode Pest

Generally, a yield loss of 0.5-30% can occur in wheat, depending on the infestation’s severity and the area’s agroecological conditions.

  • In the United States, the pest caused a 6-15% loss of yield; in Canada, the yield loss was around 6%.
  • In Mexico, the yield loss has been reported to be between 15-30%.
  • In India, the yield loss has been reported to be around 10%. In China, the yield loss has been reported to be 10-20%.
  • In the European Union, the percentage of yield loss has been reported to be around 3-8%. In Australia, the yield loss has been reported to be between 0.5-10%. The percentage of yield loss in Africa has been reported to be between 1-20%.

Cultural Control of Wheat Root-knot Nematode Pest in Wheatfield

  • Crop rotation – This involves alternating the wheat crop with other non-host crops such as corn, sorghum, cotton, or soybeans for one to two years between wheat crops.
  • Fallowing – Fallowing the wheat field for one to two years can help reduce the nematode population.
  •  Cover crops – Cover crops can help reduce the nematode population by providing competition for nematodes, reducing their reproduction ability.
  •  Soil solarization – Soil solarization is a process whereby the soil is exposed to intense heat, which can help to reduce the nematode population.
  •  Tillage – Deep tillage can help reduce the nematode population by bringing deep-buried nematodes to the soil surface, where they are exposed to the environment and are more susceptible to destruction.
  • Crop residue management – Plowing crop residue back into the soil can help reduce the nematode population, as well as help to improve soil organic matter levels.

Biological Control of Wheat Root-knot Nematode Pest in Wheatfield

  • Beneficial organisms like Fungal species such as Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and Verticillium lecanii are effective against the pest.
  • Bacterial species such as Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis are effective against this pest.
  • Predatory nematodes such as Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora can also control the pest.

Chemical Control of Wheat Root-knot Nematode Pest in Wheatfield

  • The most commonly used nematicide, Carbofuran, is applied as a soil drench and is effective against a broad spectrum of nematode species. It interferes with the nematode’s nervous system and causes paralysis and death. It is also effective against grubs and mole crickets.
  • Other commonly used nematicides include aldicarb and oxamyl. Aldicarb is applied as a soil drench and is effective against a broad range of nematode species. It interferes with the nematode’s nervous system and causes paralysis and death. Oxamyl is another soil-applied nematicide used to control root-knot nematodes. It works by disrupting the metabolism of the nematode, causing death. 
  • Finally, Methyl bromide is a fumigant applied as a gas and is effective against all stages of the root-knot nematode life cycle. It disrupts the nematode’s metabolism and nervous system, causing paralysis and death.

Preventive Measures for Control of Wheat Root-knot Nematode Pest in Wheatfield

  • Irrigation and fertilization practices should be done judiciously to maintain soil fertility and reduce the chances of nematode infestation.
  • Mulching with organic materials such as straw or hay can reduce the nematode population.
  • Following proper sanitation measures, like cleaning and removing plant debris from the field, can help reduce the pest population.

In case you missed it: Wheat Molya Nematode Pest Management in Wheat: Symptoms, Treatment, Chemical, Biological, Natural, and Organic Control

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Conclusion

The wheat root-knot nematode pest is an important pest of wheat crops, causing significant losses in crop yields. The pest can be controlled through various measures, including crop rotation, irrigation management, and biological control agents such as nematode-resistant cultivars, cover crops, and nematicides.

However, the most effective method of control is an integrated pest management approach that includes cultural, biological, physical, and chemical methods. This approach effectively reduces crop losses and the need for chemicals and promotes a more sustainable agricultural system. In conclusion, the wheat root-knot nematode pest is a serious pest of wheat crops, and effective control requires an integrated pest management approach.

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Author: Reddy

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