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Determining the optimal sowing dates and make-a-wintering green manure legumes for sustainable plant-nematode control in organic vegetables
Project
Project code: 2806OE052
Contract period: 01.09.2008
- 29.02.2012
Budget: 154,072 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Plant-parasitic nematodes are a major threat in vegetable production. Particular Meloidogyne hapla and Pratylenchus spp. can cause severe damage. Those nematodes are especially fostered by legumes. The objective of the present research project was to develop a long-term rotation scheme based on overwintering legumes that ensures N fixation but prevents multiplication of M. hapla. In particular, the exact date for seeding and incorporation of the overwintering legume needed to be determined so that multiplication of M. hapla nematode is avoided. Results are expected to contribute to a better control of M. hapla in organic horticulture and improve our knowledge on nematode development during winter months. Field studies on a commercial organic farm over three years confirmed that planting dates around end of August/early September will not allow M. hapla to complete its life cycle before winter. In the following spring, new infestation by M. hapla is required for nematode multiplication. The time period required to complete its cycle can be predicted by the temperature sum (sum of mean daily soil temperature above 8°C). In praxis, to avoid M. hapla multiplication, it is recommended to incorporate the overwintering legume latest at a temperature sum of 350°C, i.e. around June 10th. By then, sufficient nitrogen has been fixed. To avoid nitrogen losses, Italian ryegrass was grown until next year March when onions were seeded. Regarding onion yield, plots with highest nematode reduction showed the highest marketable yield. Associated greenhouse experiments indicated that first offspring of M. hapla appeared at a temperature sum of 330°C; however, main reproduction occurred at 450°C. Temperatures below 5°C disturbed nematode development. In conclusion, legumes can be successfully grown as overwintering crop to fix nitrogen and reduce M. hapla populations at the same time.
Section overview
Subjects
- Crop Production
- Vegetable Gardening
- Organic Farming
Framework programme
Federal Organic Farming Scheme and other forms of sustainable agriculture (BÖLN)
Funding programme
Excutive institution
Institute for Epidemiology and Pathogen Diagnostics (JKI-EP)
