Title: Long term effects of nematodes on six South African sugarcane varieties.
Abstract: Newly released sugarcane varieties are routinely screened on sandy soils to assess their tolerance to nematodes. A site at Compensation in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, was chosen to assess the tolerance of N12, N31, N39, N41, N42 and NCo376. Varieties were either treated with Temik® at 20 kg/ha or left untreated. Yield, nematodes and soil and leaf nutrient status were assessed annually for seven years. Nematicide treated plots showed, on average, a 10 ton increase in cane yield and 1.3 ton increase in ERC yield per hectare over the seven year period, with the highest increase of 22 tc/ha in the fourth ratoon. All varieties tested responded to nematicide application and were rated as intermediate due to the 9-18% increase in yield. While yield differences were demonstrated between control and nematicide treated plots, differences in nematode community and nutrient status were not as distinct. Differences in yield between varieties were also observed. A difference of 8 tc/ha between N31 (lowest yielding) and N39, N41 and N42 (highest yielding) was noted in untreated plots. In general, varieties grouped together in couples with respect to the nematodes and nutrients associated with them. These groupings were NCo376 and N41, N31 and N42 and N12 and N39. Over time, the yield declined and this decline was consistent with climatic potential. A positive change in nematode community was also noted over time as the numbers of the plant parasitic (harmful) nematode Pratylenchus decreased and the free-living (beneficial) nematodes increased. All leaf nutrients except for nitrogen and silicon were present in sufficient amounts and therefore not growth limiting. Nitrogen levels however, were below critical levels from the second ratoon, and this could have affected yields. The data from this trial clearly illustrate the impact of nematodes on yields and the benefits of applying a nematicide.
Publication Year: 2012
Publication Date: 2012-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 1
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