Project Number: 6602-13000-023-11
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Jan 01, 2008
End Date: Dec 31, 2008

Objective:
To apply the Nematode Management Zone algorithm developed earlier in this project to evaluate the efficacy of field-scale variable rate nematicide treatments; and to develop a "risk index" that will reflect the likelihood of crop loss associated with increasing nematode densities in coarse textured soils.

Approach:
Study sites from 2007 will be used to test the dependability of the Nematode Management Zone (NMZ) algorithm. Four nematicide rates will be replicated three times in each management zone: Telone at 6 gpa; Telone at 3 gpa; temik at 6 lbs/acre; Temik at 3 lbs/acre. At each site, soil properties and nematode density will be determined on a 0.5 acre grid, with more intensive sampling in plot areas. Nematode assays, soil water content and plant heights will be recorded once at planting, twice during the growing season and just prior to harvest. At the same time, volatile organic acid samples will be collected from cotton plants using portable air pumps, and later desorbed into a GC/MS for identification. Remotely sensed data will be obtained from the Quickbird satellite. Data from these experiments will document the potential that these technologies have for nematode management. The results of this study will be made publicly available through publication in the scientific literature and to producers through extension meetings and field day events.