Evaluation of GPS/GIS Technology as a Means of Effectively Controlling Root-Knot Nematode through Precision Placement of the Nematicide Telone II

This project proposes to determine nematode distribution in infested fields with GPS-coupled yield monitors along with soil texture data obtained with veris sampling equipment.  Correlation of yield and soil texture with nematode population levels will be determined by sampling. The resulting yield/soil texture/nematode maps will then be utilized to guide GPS-equipped tractors for precision application of nematicides.  Precision application of nematicides only to nematode-infested areas will increase yields at reduced cost and environmental impact.  Successful implementation of this methodology will give Arizona’s cotton growers a competitive edge and the technology should be easily adaptable to other crops where yield monitors are employed.  This study will demonstrate that nematode distribution in infested fields can be determined by yield monitors and effectively controlled by treating only the infested areas.  The effectiveness of the nematode control techniques will be evaluated by taking incremental yield measurements over an entire field and comparing normally high yielding areas with those from low-yielding areas that have been treated with a nematicide.