Evaluation of Seed-Applied Nematicides for Reniform Nematode Management in Cotton

Three seed-applied nematicides Aeris, Avicta and VoTiVo were evaluated for their efficacy in the management of the reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) in cotton. Three cotton cultivars, Deltapine 0912B2RF, Barbren and Lonren were treated with either Aeris, Avicta, or VoTiVo with a non-treated control of each cultivar included for comparison. The trial was established at two naturally-infested reniform nematode silt-loam sites in Stoneville, MS in 2012. Plots consisted of four rows 25ft long and 10ft wide arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Data on cotton stand counts and plant heights, as well as reniform nematode population densities pre-plant, 10-weeks post-plant, and at harvest were collected in addition to lint yield. Ten soil cores each 2.5 cm-diameter and 20 cm-deep, were collected from the two middle rows of each plot in a systematic sampling pattern. Nematodes were extracted using the elutriation and sucrose centrifugation technique. Data were analyzed by GLM procedure in SAS version 9.4 and means were compared using Fisher’s protected least significant difference test (P<0.05). Significant differences between lint yield and nematode population densities at harvest occurred between fields. Seed treatment did not significantly affect lint yield; however, measureable mathematical differences were observed. Reniform nematode population densities increased throughout the season, however, no significant differences were observed between seed-applied nematicide treatments or the cotton cultivars investigated.