Impact of Cotton Genetics and Nematicides on Reniform Nematode Populations and Yield

Rotylenchulus Reniformis, reniform nematode, is an increasingly important crop pest in cotton. As they have spread throughout the United States cotton belt, economic impact has become more detrimental to the American cotton producer. The percent total yield loss to this pest has increased significantly in the last decade. Field research is underway at Damon, College Station, and Wall, Texas to evaluate genetic resistance and nematicides to determine which management options offer the greatest efficacy against reniform nematodes. Treatments are split into two studies by varieties and nematicides. The variety trial includes cotton varieties with Root-Knot and Reniform resistant genes. The chemical trial includes in-furrow Aldicarb 15G, an in-furrow combination of Fluopyram and Prothioconazole, and foliar-applied Oxamyl. The cost of each nematicide application, initial and secondary nematode population counts, stand counts, other indicators of plant growth and phenology, yield, and fiber quality data will be assessed and reported after harvest.