In-field test helps spud farmers fight root knot nematode
Potato roots with galls © Nigel Cattlin/Alamy Root knot nematodes are a growing problem on UK farms and a new rapid in-field test will help farmers battle the costly soil pest.
Fera Science senior nematologist Tom Prior reported an increase in the incidence of the pest in laboratory tests carried out by the organisation.
“It could be the result of an increasing awareness of the disease, tighter rotations or the greater use of cover crops,” he told Farmers Weekly at the British Potato event.
See also: In-field septoria analyser to undergo trials in wheat
To help farmers battle this pest, Fera Science has launched a new rapid in-field test that can identify the species present in minutes.
Genie technology was first introduced for use by inspectors at airports to detect and identify pest and pathogens being imported in plant material, explained Fera scientist Catherine Harrison.
The portable device amplifies and then analyses DNA in a sample, which can then be matched to the DNA sequences of known pathogens
It takes just minutes. In contrast, current testing is lab based and takes a week to identify the pest, making it expensive.
Fera is looking to roll out the service, which will initially be aimed at agronomists.
What are root knot nematodes?
Root knot nematodes can be a hidden problem on farms, as they result in necrosis of leaves, which looks like a nutrient deficiency. Therefore, a problem may go unnoticed for some time, reducing crop yields.
The pest looks like a 0.5mm-longworm. The eggs hatch and emerge, with the larvae starting to feed on roots, resulting in the characteristic root galls.
Then, when the potato crop is lifted, the egg mass falls off onto the soil and will overwinter to hatch when conditions are favourable.
Different species affect crops in various ways. With potatoes, root knot nematodes cause wilting during periods of mild water stress and can also damage tubers, Mr Prior said.
However, for effective control, identifying which species is present is vital.
Unlike potato cyst nematodes, which remain in soil for many years, numbers can decline quickly in a few seasons by making simple changes to the rotation, he said.
So by knowing which species is present, farmers can avoid growing host crops, including species in cover crop mixes.
Different species of root knot nematode affect different crops
- Meloidogyne hapla The “northern root-knot nematode”. Recorded parasitising potatoes, onion, radish, beets, brassicas, carrots, parsnips, peas and beans. Cereals are not a known host.
- Meloidogyne naasi Found principally on cereals and grasses. However, it has been recorded on vegetable hosts such as beets, onion, peas and beans. Potatoes and brassicas are not known hosts.
- Meloidogyne artiellia Reported to infest brassicas, cereals, radish and beans. Potatoes are not a known host.
