Thesis(M.Sc.(Plant Protection))-- University of Limpopo,2019 / Previously, cucurbitacin-containing phytonematicides that were drench-applied in black plastic containers filled with pasteurised loam soil when placed on the soil surface had no effect on suppression of population densities of root-knot (Meloidogyne species) nematodes. The active ingredients of cucurbitacin-containing phytonematicides, namely, the cucurbitacins, had been shown to be thermophilic, with the failure of the products explained from the view of the variability induced by container-type and aboveground positioning. The view was investigated further using Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides as influenced by container-type and positioning on growth of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants and suppression of M. incognita population densities. Tomato cv. ′Floradade′ seedlings were transplanted into 30-cm-diameter brown pot belowground, brown pot aboveground, black pot belowground, black pot aboveground, 5 L polyethylene plastic bag belowground and 5 L polyethylene plastic bag aboveground, each containing 5-dm3 steam-pasteurised sandy loam soil amended with Hygromix at 3:1 (v/v) ratio. Seedlings were inoculated with 2000 eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2) of M. incognita race 2, with Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides applied once 17 days after inoculation in both Experiment 1 and Experiment 2. Also, standard cultural practices were applied throughout the trial. At 56 days after inoculation, container-type and positioning had significant effects on various plant growth and essential nutrient element variables in Experiment 1 and Experiment 2, except that the six treatments did not have significant effects on nutrient elements and nematode population densities in Experiment 2. Relative to brown plastic pot belowground, treatments either increased or decreased plant growth, essential nutrient elements and nematode densities in Experiment 1, with selective similaritiesin Experiment 2. Specifically, nematode variables except for J2 in soil and total nematode population densities were significantly affected by the treatments in Experiment 2. Relative to the standard, plastic bag belowground increased J2 in soil and total population in soil by 18%. In conclusion, both container-type and positioning had effects on the efficacy of phytonematicides on plant growth, accumulation of essential nutrient elements and suppression of nematode population densities. Consequently, in trials where cucurbitacin-containing phytonematicides are conducted in microplots, brown plastic pots with the belowground positioning should be used to enhance the efficacy of the phytonematicides in stimulating plant growth and suppression of nematode population densities.

Thesis (MSc. (Horticulture)) -- University of Limpopo, 2016. / Pelargonium sidoides has numerous medicinal applications, with economic potential to serve as a future cultigen in smallholder farming systems. However, it is highly susceptible to the root-knot (Meloidogyne species) nematodes, without any identifiable nematode resistant genotypes. Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides, with cucurbitacin A and cucurbitacin B active ingredients, respectively, are being researched and developed as an alternative to synthetic nematicides at the University of Limpopo. However, since active ingredients in phytonematicides are allelochemicals, the two phytonematicides have the potential of inducing phytotoxicity on crops protected against nematode damage. The objectives of the study, therefore, were (1) to determine the non-phytotoxic concentration of Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide on plant growth of P. sidoides, and (2) to determine the non-phytotoxic concentration of Nemafric-BL phytonematicide in plant growth of P. sidoides. Cuttings were raised in 30-cm-diameter plastic pots containing 10 000 ml steam-pasteurised river sand and Hygromix-T at 3:1 (v/v) under microplot conditions in autumn (March-May) and repeated in spring (August October) 2015. After establishment each plant was inoculated with 5 000 eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2s) of M. javanica. Six treatments, namely, 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% concentrations of each phytonematicide on separate trials were arranged in a randomised complete block design, with seven replicates. At 56 days after inoculation, in Experiment 1, Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide, treatment significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected plant height, dry root mass and root galls, contributing 62, 69 and 70% to total treatment variation of the three variables, respectively. Relative to untreated control Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide increased plant height and dry root mass by 34 to 61% xxi and 20 to 76%, respectively, with a slight decrease by 5% in plant height at the highest concentration. However, the material decreased root galls by 5 to 50%. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) plant variables were subjected to Curve fitting-allelochemical respond dosage model, to generate biological indices which were used to compute the mean concentration stimulation point (MCSP) using the relation: MCSP = Dm + Rh/2 and the overall sensitivity value (∑k). In Experiment 1, MCSP = 6.18% and ∑k = 3. Plant variables and increasing concentration of phytonematicide exhibited quadratic relations. Treatments reduced nematode variables, at all levels including at the lowest, but the effect were not different. In Experiment 2, Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide treatment effects were not significant on plant variables except for root galls, but were significant for root nematodes except for eggs. Data for plant variables in Experiment 2 were not subjected to Curve fitting-allelochemical respond dosage model because they were not significant (P ≤ 0.05). In Experiment 1, Nemafric-BL phytonematicide treatment significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected plant height and root galls, contributing 63 and 67% to total treatment variation of the two variables, respectively. Relatively to untreated control, plant height was increased by 10 to 36%, while root galls was reduced by 2.43 to 60%. In Experiment 1, MCSP = 2.87% and ∑k = 3. Concentrations of Nemafric-BL phytonematicide significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced eggs, juveniles and Pf at all levels including at the lowest, but the effect were not significant different, with treatments contributing 78, 72 and 90% to the total treatment variation. In Experiment 2, Nemafric BL phytonematicide treatment effects were not significant on plant variables except for root galls, but were significant for root. In conclusion, Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL xxii phytonematicides could be applied at the lowest concentration of 2% where it was shown to be effective in suppressing population densities of M. javanica. / Agricultural Research Council (ARC), National Research Fund (NRF) , Flemish Inter university Council of Belgium and Land Bank Chair of Agriculture ─ University of Limpopo

Thesis (M.Sc. (Agriculture, Plant Protection)) -- University of Limpopo, 2020 / The unavailability of environment-friendly nematicides for managing root-knot (Meloidogyne species) nematodes in crop husbandry have led to various alternative methods being sort which includes the development of cucurbitacin-containing phytonematicides. The cited phytonematicides consistently suppressed nematode numbers on different crops under greenhouse, microplot and field conditions, although there is lack of information on how the products would affect susceptible Swiss chard infected by root-knot nematodes. Swiss chard is one of most nutritious vegetables, grown throughout the year and is well adapted to different soil types. However, these products have the potential to induce phytotoxicity on various crops, if applied improperly. Phytotoxicity of phytonematicides on different crops, has been resolved by deriving Mean Concentration Stimulation Point (MCSP). The MCSP, developed using the Curve-fitting Allelochemical Response Data (CARD) computer-based model, is crop-specific, hence it should be developed for every crop. The objectives of this study were to investigate (1) whether population densities of Meloidogyne species, growth and accumulation of selected nutrient elements in Swiss chard would respond to increasing concentration of Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides under greenhouse and microplot conditions and (2) whether the nemarioc-group and nemafric-group phytonematicides in liquid and granular formulations would affect population densities of Meloidogyne species and the productivity of Swiss chard with related accumulation of nutrient elements in leaf tissues under field conditions. Parallel experiments for Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides were conducted concurrently under greenhouse and microplot conditions. Greenhouse experiment was prepared by arranging 25-cm-diameter plasticpods on greenhouse benches, whereas microplot experiment was prepared by digging holes and inserting 30-cm-diameter plastic pots in the field. The four-week-old Swiss chard seedlings were transplanted into the pots, filled with steam-pasteurised loam, sand and Hygromix-T at 3:1:1 (v/v) ratio. Treatments comprised 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64% phytonematicides arranged in randomised complete block design (RCBD), with six replications. Treatments were applied seven days after inoculation, with 3000 eggs and J2 of M. incognita race 4 under greenhouse conditions, whereas under microplot conditions were inoculated with 6000 eggs and J2 of M. javanica. Under field conditions, treatments comprised untreated control (0), 2 g Nemarioc-AG and 3% Nemarioc-AL phytonematicides (nemarioc-group) or 0, 2 g Nemafric-BG and 3% Nemafric-BL phytonematicides (nemafric-group), arranged in RCBD, each experiment with 8 replications. At 56 days after initiation of treatments, eggs in roots, J2 in roots and Pf exhibited negative quadratic relations under both greenhouse and microplot conditions. Under greenhouse conditions, dry shoot mass (R2 = 0.81), dry root mass (R2 = 0.87) and leaf number (R2 = 0.91) over Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide exhibited positive quadratic relations. In contrast, dry shoot mass (R2 = 0.78), dry root mass (R2 = 0.93) and leaf number (R2 = 0.70) over Nemafric-BL phytonematicide exhibited positive quadratic relations. Under microplot conditions, dry shoot mass (R2 = 0.95) and gall rating (R2 = 0.96) over Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide, exhibited positive quadratic relations. Dry shoot mass (R2 = 0.84) and gall rating (R2 = 0.97) versus Nemafric-BL phytonematicide exhibited positive quadratic relations. Selected nutrient elements under greenhouse conditions K (R2 = 0.96), Ca (R2 = 0.79), Mg (R2 = 0.64), Fe (R2 = 0.78) and Zn (R2 = 0.77) over Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide exhibited positive quadratic relations. In contrast, only Ca (R2 = 0.90), Mg (R2 = 0.68) and Zn (R2 = 0.84) over Nemafric-BL phytonematicide exhibited positive quadratic relations, whereas K (R2 = 0.72) and Fe (R2 = 0.63) over the product exhibited negative quadratic relations. Under microplot conditions, K (R2 = 0.82), Ca (R2 = 0.90) and Mg (R2 = 0.98) over Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide exhibited positive quadratic relations, whereas Fe (R2 = 0.91) and Zn (R2 = 0.79) over the product exhibited negative quadratic relations. In contrast, K (R2 = 0.60), Ca (R2 = 0.68) and Zn (R2 = 0.95) over Nemafric-BL phytonematicide exhibited positive quadratic relation, whereas Mg and Fe over the product did not have significant relationships. Under greenhouse conditions, MCSP values for Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides on Swiss chard were 3.03 and 2.36%, whereas overall sensitivity (∑k) values of the crop to the product were 3 and 0 units, respectively. In contrast, MCSP values of Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides on Swiss chard under microplot conditions was successfully established at 3.71 and 3.33%, whereas the ∑k values were 2 and 1 units, respectively. Under field conditions, at 64 days after initiating the treatments, the nemarioc-group phytonematicides had highly significant effects on eggs in roots and reproductive potential (RP), contributing 79 and 77% in total treatment variation (TTV) of the respective variables. In contrast, the nemafric-group phytonematicides had highly significant effects on eggs in roots and RP, contributing 67 and 76% in TTV of the respective variables. Under field conditions, all plant growth variables were not significantly affected by the treatments. The nemarioc-group phytonematicides had significant effects on K and Mg in leaf tissues of Swiss chard, contributing nemafric-group phytonematicides had significant effects on Mg, contributing 62% in TTV of the variable. In conclusion, the products could be used on Swiss chard for managing population densities of Meloidogyne species. However, due to the sensitivity of Swiss chard to the products, it would be necessary to use the derived MCSP values to determine the application intervals of the products on the test cultigen / National Research Foundation (NRF) Agricultural Research Council (ARC)

Thesis (M.Sc. Agriculture (Agronomy) -- University of Limpopo, 2019 / Most sweet potato-producing regions in South Africa are heavily infested by the root knot (Meloidogyne species) nematodes, which are difficult to manage since the withdrawal of the highly effective fumigant synthetic chemical nematicides. Prior to the withdrawal, the management of Meloidogyne species was not a priority in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) production since methyl bromide was highly effective in suppressing nematodes. The withdrawal resulted in the introduction of various alternative nematode management strategies, with nematode resistance being the most preferred. However, progress in the use of nematode resistance had been hindered by limited information on accurate species identification since Meloidogyne species have a wide host range and some biological races. The objectives of the study were (1) to determine the degree of nematode resistance in sweet potato cv. 'Mafutha' to M. javanica, M. incognita races 2 and M. incognita race 4 and (2) to investigate the mechanism of resistance in sweet potato cv. 'Mafutha' to M. javanica, M. incognita race 2 and M. incognita race 4. A total of six Experiments were conducted. In each, treatments comprised 0, 25, 50, 125, 250, 625, 1250, 3125 and 5250 eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2), arranged in a randomised complete block design (RCBD), with six replications. Uniform rooted sweet potato cuttings were transplanted in 20-cm-diameter plastic pots filled with steam pasteurised (300˚C for 1 hour) loam soil and Hygromix-T mixed at 3:1 (v/v) ratio. At 56 days after inoculation, plant variables and nematodes in roots were collected. Meloidogyne javanica inoculum levels in Experiment 1 had highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) effects on dry shoot mass and, stem diameter, contributing 74% and 50% in total treatment variation (TTV) of the respective variables, whereas under M. incognita race 2 inoculum levels contributed 70% and 56% in TTV of dry root mass and dry shoot mass, respectively. Meloidogyne incognita race 4 inoculum levels contributed 65% xx and 58% in TTV of stem diameter and dry shoot mass, respectively. In Experiment 2, M. javanica treatment levels contributed 56% in TTV of dry root mass, whereas M. incognita race 2 inoculum levels had no significant effect on any plant variable. In contrast, M. incognita race 4 contributed 51% in TTV of vine length. In Experiment 1, the nematode levels had significant effects on reproductive potential (RP) values, with treatments contributing 96%, 86% and 76% in TTV of RP values in M. javanica, M. incognita race 2 and M. incognita race 4, respectively. In Experiment 2, treatments contributed 79%, 46% and 61% in TTV of RP values in the respective Meloidogyne species. Results of the study suggested that growth of sweet potato cv. 'Mafutha' was affected by nematode infection, whereas the test nematodes were able to reproduce and develop on the test potato cultivar. In conclusion, sweet potato cv. 'Mafutha' was susceptible to M. javanica, M. incognita race 2 and M. incognita race 4 and therefore, the cultivar should not be included in crop rotation programmes intended to manage tropical Meloidogyne species and races in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Since the cultivar was susceptible to the test nematodes, the study did not evaluate the mechanism of resistance. / Agricultural Research Council (ARC), National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Land Bank Chair of Agriculture

Thesis (Ph.D. Agriculture (Plant Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2020 / Worldwide, both root-knot (Meloidogyne species) and sugarcane aphid (Melanaphis sacchari Zehntner), are economic pests on sugarcane and sorghum crops. In most cases, each of the two pests is managed using host plant resistance due to the economic benefits derived from this management strategy. The highly nematode resistant sweet stem sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) cv. 'Ndendane-X1' used in ethanol production, is highly sensitive to sugarcane aphid, with some indication that the latter could interfere with nematode resistance in the sorghum cultivar. This study had four objectives which collectively intended to investigate the interactive effects of infection by three Meloidogyne species and infestation by aphid under different conditions on resistance to nematode in a nematode-resistant sorghum cultivar. The research objectives were achieved through four trials. In each trial a 2 × 2 factorial experiment, each with and without nematode and aphid as first and second factors, respectively, were conducted. Treatments were arranged in a randomised complete block design, with six replications, and each experiment validated in time. At 150 days, after emergence, the nematode × aphid interaction significantly reduced sucrose by 17, 74 and 42% in Meloidogyne enterolobii, Meloidogyne incognita and Meloidogyne javanica trials, respectively. Aphid infestation of sorghum significantly increased the reproductive potentials of the three respective Meloidogyne species by 196, 320 and 152%, but significantly, reduced plant growth variables from 20-44 and 48-51% in two respective trials. The mineral nutrients S and Zn were reduced in leaf tissues of the test cultivar in Trial 1, whereas Ca and Zn were respectively reduced by 24 and 51% in Trial 2 and by 52 and 51% in Trial 3. Since the reproductive potential values for Meloidogynqe species on the test sorghum cultivar were greater than unity and nematode infection reduced the plant variables, cv. 'Ndendane-X1' lost resistance to xx the test Meloidogyne species. In achieving Objective 2, procedures were similar to those in Objective 1 except that the study was conducted under field conditions under mixed nematode populations of M. enterolobii, M. incognita and M. javanica. Sorghum seedlings were raised at 0.3 m × 0.3 m inter and intra row spacings. Soon after emergence, plants were thinned to one per station, randomly selected for nematode and nematode-aphid treatments. Mixed populations of Meloidogyne species (M. enterolobii, M. incognita and M. javanica) at approximately 1:1:1 (v/v) ratio were applied at 300 eggs + J2 per plants after thinning at the five plants which were used as nematode alone treatments. The latter were also infested with 20 sugarcane aphids to constitute a nematode + aphid treatments. Buffer zone plants separating the treatments were monitored for aphids and stock borer, which were sprayed when necessary. At 150 days after infestation, relative to nematode alone, nematode-aphid significantly reduced degrees Brix from 13% to 61%, but significantly increased the reproductive potential of mixed Meloidogyne species and root galls by 279 and 199%, respectively. Also, the combined effect significantly reduced plant growth variables from 35 to 55% and the mineral nutrient elements in leaf tissues of the cultivar from 33 to 73%. At 150 days after the treatment, the second and first order interaction (Nemarioc-AL × Nemafric-BL × Mordica and Nemafric-BL × Mordica) had significantly increased sucrose content from 48 to 66%, increased plant growth variables from 49 to 163%, increased accumulation of certain nutrient elements from 164 to 206%. The terpenoid-containing phytonematicides could have potential future application in the husbandry of ethanol-producing sweet stem sorghum cultivars in relation to increasing sucrose above the 16% minimum for premium delivery fees and increased plant growth. Under field conditions, in pest-free condition (Objective 3), drenched terpenoid-containing phytonematicides significantly increased sucrose content at xxi middle and bottom part of SSS cv. 'Ndendane-X1' by 66 and 48%. However, these products did not significantly increase plant variables, except tiller number, which was increased by 163 under first order interaction from Nemafric-BL and Mordica phytonematicides. Similarly, nutrient elements variables had generally not been increased by the interaction of these products, except Ca and K, which were increased by 206 and 164%. In achieving Objective 4, a 2 × 2 × 2, with the first, second and third factor being Nemarioc-AL (with and without), Nemafric-BL (with and without) and Mordica (with and without) phytonematicides, respectively. on sorghum cultivar infected with a mixture of Meloidogyne species and infested with aphids, under microplot conditions, untreated control sucrose content remained below the standard of 16 degrees Brix, whereas the second order interaction increased the variable far above the standard, along with various plant growth variables also increased. However, both nematode and aphid population densities were significantly reduced by the interactions. Findings in this thesis constituted the first report where aphid infestation broke resistance to Meloidogyne species in sweet stem sorghum cv. 'Ndendane-X1'. Therefore, the successful use of nematode resistance in the cultivar in areas with high nematode population densities would depend upon the effective management of the sugarcane aphid population densities. Also, the three terpenoid-containing phytonematicides would when combined or used alone have the potential future in the husbandry of sweet stem sorghum cultivars intended for ethanol production and suppression of nematode population densities / National Research Foundation (NRF)

Thesis (M.A. Agricultural Management (Plant Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2017 / Nemafric-BL and Nemarioc-AL phytonematicides, which are being researched and developed to serve as alternatives to methyl bromide, have not been tested against plant growth and accumulation of essential nutrient elements in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) cultivars. The objectives of this study were two fold, to determine the (1) overall growth responses and accumulation of selected essential nutrient elements in watermelon cultivars ‘Congo’ and ‘Charleston Gray’ and suppression of Meloidogyne javanica in response to increasing concentrations of Nemafric-BL and Nemarioc-AL phytonematicides, and (2) efficacy of Velum, Nemafric-BL and Nemarioc-AL phytonematicides on growth of watermelon, accumulation of selected essential nutrient elements in leaf tissues of cv. ‘Congo’ and the suppression of population densities of Meloidogyne species. Objective 1 and Objective 2 were achieved under greenhouse and field conditions, respectively. At 56 and 90 days after initiating the greenhouse and field treatments, respectively, the data were collected and subjected to statistical analyses. Nemafric-BL phytonematicide significantly affected growth of watermelon cultivars ‘Charleston Gray’ and ‘Congo’, whereas Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide did not have any significant effects on the plant variables of both cultivars. Generally, plant growth variables and increasing concentrations of Nemafric-BL phytonematicide had density-dependent growth (DDG) patterns, which were quantified through either positive or quadratic equations (Chapter 3). In contrast, both phytonematicides had significant effects on selected nutrient elements in leaf tissues of both watermelon cultivars. The affected nutrient elements, P, Mn and Na versus increasing concentrations of phytonematicides exhibited the DDG patterns, which were also quantified through either positive or quadratic equations (Chapter 3). The phytonematicides were consistent in suppressing nematode numbers in both watermelon cultivars. Comparison of synthetic nematicide Velum and the two phytonematicides under field conditions suggested that, relative to untreated control, the three products each stimulated growth of watermelon cv. ‘Congo’. The efficacy of Nemafric-BL and Nemarioc-AL phytonematicides on suppression of population densities of Meloidogyne species was comparable to that of Velum. In conclusion, Nemafric-BL and Nemarioc-BL phytonematicides were highly effective in managing population densities of Meloidogyne species in watermelon cultivars and also affected the partitioning of selected nutrient elements in tissues. The study provided essential information that could assist in decision-making in nematode management in watermelon production, particularly in fertiliser application.

Thesis (M. A. Agriculture (Plant Protection)) -- University of Limpopo, 2019 / Available potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars do not have any genotype that is resistant to the root-knot (Meloidogyne species) nematodes. Due to the susceptibility of potato cultivars to Meloidogyne species, alternative management strategies had to be researched and developed after the withdrawal of methyl bromide from the agro-chemical markets, amongst which were the cucurbitacin-containing phytonematicides. However, of the available application methods of phytonematicides, the ground leaching technology (GLT) and botinemagation technology were not suitable for use in most high-rainfall potato-producing regions, where production is under rain-fed conditions. The objective of the study, therefore, was to determine whether pre- and post-emergent application of Nemafric-BG phytonematicide would have effects on growth of potato and suppression of M. javanica population densities. Parallel pot trials of pre- and post-emergent application of Nemafric-BL phytonematicide were conducted under greenhouse conditions in autumn (February-April: Experiment 1) 2017 and validated (Experiment 2) in 2018. Each plant was inoculated with 3000 M. javanica eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2). Five treatments, namely, 0, 2, 4, 8 and 16 g concentration of Nemafric-BG phytonematicide, arranged in randomised complete block design, were either applied mixed with seed tubers for pre-emergent or spread on the soil surface after emergence for post-emergent trials. In all cases, plant growth variables were assessed using the Curve-fitting Allelochemical Response Data (CARD) model, whereas nutrient elements (Fe, K, Na and Zn) and nematode variables were assessed using analysis of variance, with data subjected to lines of the best fit. In pre-emergent application trial, plant height (R2 = 0.98) and fresh root mass (R2 = 0.99) exhibited quadratic relations, characterised by density dependent growth patterns with increasing concentrations of Nemafric-BG xv phytonematicide in Experiment 1, similar trends were also observed on plant height (R2 = 0.99) and root mass (R2 = 0.99) in Experiment 2. In contrast, in post-emergent application trial, plant height (R2 = 0.97), fresh root mass (R2 = 0.99) and dry shoot (R2 = 0.98) exhibited quadratic relations in Experiment 1, which ascribed to DDG patterns, similar trends were also observed in Experiment 2 on plant height (R2 = 0.99), fresh root mass (R2 = 0.96) and dry shoot (R2 = 0.99) of potato cv. ꞌMondial G3ꞌ. In pre-emergent application trials, Mean Concentration Stimulation Point (MCSP) = 24.18 and 7.82 g, respectively, in Experiment 1 and Experiment 2, with ∑k being equivalent to 20 and 6 units for potato to the product, respectively, in Experiment 1 and Experiment 2. In contrast, post-emergent application trials, MCSP = 9.87 and 12.10 g, respectively, in Experiment 1 and Experiment 2, whereas the ∑k value for potato to the product was 11 and 6 units, respectively in Experiment 1 and Experiment 2. Increasing concentrations of the phytonematicide significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected the selected nutrient elements. In pre emergent application trials, K (R2  =  0.96) Na (R2  =  0.90) and Zn (R2  =  0.83) each with increasing Nemafric-BG phytonematicide concentrations exhibited positive quadratic fashion, while Fe (R2  =  0.87) exhibited negative quadratic relations in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, K (R2  = 0.99), Na (R2  = 0.90) and Zn (R2 =  0.97) contents each in leaf tissues against the increasing concentrations of the phytonematicide exhibited negative quadratic relations, while Fe (R2  = 0.88) exhibited positive quadratic relations. In post emergent trials, Fe (R2 = 0.91, Na (R2 = 0.90) and Zn (R2 = 0.99) contents in leaf tissues against increasing Nemafric-BG phytonematicide concentration exhibited negative quadratic relations, whereas K (R2 = 0.86) exhibited positive quadratic relation in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, Fe (R2 = 0.93), K (R2 = 0.92), Na ( R2  = 0.79) and Zn (R2 xvi = 0.89) contents in leaf tissues of potato exhibited positive quadratic, respectively. In pre emergent trial for Experiment 1, eggs in roots (R2 = 0.78), J2 in roots (R2 = 0.85), J2 in soil (R2 = 0.97) and Pf (R2 = 0.78) of M. javanica against increasing pre-emergent application concentrations of Nemafric-BG phytonematicide exhibited negative quadratic relations, characterised by DDG patterns. Similar trends were observed on eggs in roots (R2 = 0.82), J2 in roots (R2 = 0.99), J2 in soil (R2 = 0.84) and Pf (R2 = 0.85) in Experiment 2. In contrast, in post-emergent application trial, eggs in roots (R2 = 0.87), J2 in roots (R2 = 0.99), J2 in soil (R2 = 0.91) and Pf (R2 = 0.99) of M. javanica against increasing post emergent application concentrations of Nemafric-BG phytonematicide also exhibited negative quadratic relations in Experiment 1, which ascribed to DDG patterns. Similar trends were also observed on eggs in roots (R2 = 0.72), J2 in roots (R2 = 0.68), J2 in soil (R2 = 0.85) and Pf (R2 = 0.83) in Experiment 2. Results from the study demonstrated that Nemafric-BG phytonematicide stimulated plant growth at lower concentration and the product does not have any detrimental effects in accumulation of nutrient elements in leaf tissues. Therefore, it is concluded, that the product could be applied at the recommended rates of 7.82 and 9.87 g/plant in pre and post-emergent application, respectively, for the management of root-knot nematodes, provided the active ingredient does not accumulate in potato tubers or have any detrimental effects in accumulation of nutrient elements in tubers and temper with nutritional value of potatoes.

Thesis (Ph. D. Agriculture (Plant Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Plant-parasitic nematodes inflict economic damages on vegetable and field crops due to a lack of suitable crop protection chemicals and integrated crop management practices. Toxic synthetic chemical nematicides were withdrawn from the agro-chemical markets in 2005 due to their damage to the environment and humans. As such, there is continuous need to develop integrated nematode management strategies that are economic, environment friendly yet capable of effectively controlling the pest to alleviate crop loss and food insecurity. Root-knot (Meloidogyne species) nematodes are a major yield- and quality-reducing pest in most potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) producing regions in South Africa. However, little is known about the different plant-parasitic nematode species that are associated with potato in some Provinces. The sustainable production of crops in the absence of nematode resistant genotypes depends on the availability of nematode resistant crops in crop rotation systems. However, the effectiveness of these nematode resistance crops in managing root-knot nematodes in potato-based cropping systems has not been investigated in South Africa. The aim of the study was the development of sustainable cropping sequences for management of population densities of Meloidogyne species in potato production using crops with different mechanisms of nematode resistance. Two main objectives were investigated, but the second objective was sub-divided into three. The objectives of the study were to investigate (1) whether the diversity and abundance of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with potato in Limpopo Province, would be different to those in other potato-producing regions of South Africa, (2) whether (a) monoculturing potato would have any effects on population densities of Meloidogyne species, plant growth and soil health, (b) sequencing potato with a post-infectional nematode resistant crop like Cucumis africanus would have any effects on population densities of Meloidogyne species, plant growth and soil health and (c) sequencing potato with a pre-infectional nematode resistant crop such as sweet stem sorghum would have any effects on population densities of Meloidogyne species, plant growth and soil health. Ten known nematode genera, namely, Scutellonema, Helicotylenchus, Telotylenchus, Rotylenchulus, Paratylenchus, Tylenchorhynchus, Criconema, Nanidorus, Meloidogyne and Pratylenchus species were present in potato production fields in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study was conducted on 30 farms, located in Mopani, Sekhukhune, Capricorn, and Waterberg districts by randomly collecting 10 core soil samples per hectare in a zigzag-sampling pattern. A total of eight nematode genera except two (Meloidogyne and Pratylenchus species) were recorded for the first time in potato fields in Limpopo Province. Additionally, the sampled districts were predominated by different nematode species. The Meloidogyne species were the most prevalent nematodes associated with potato crops followed by Helicotylenchus and Scutellonema species. In contrast, the Tylenchorhynchus and Nanidorus species were the least prevalent parasitic nematodes in potato production fields in the Limpopo Province. To achieve Objective 2, two field experiments were conducted at the University of Limpopo (UL) and the Agricultural Research Council-Vegetable and Ornamental Plants (ARC-VOP). In Sequence 1, the treatments (sorghum cv. ʹNdendaneʹ, potato cv. ′Mondial G3′, Cucumis africanus and potato (cv. ′Mondial G3′)-(Velum) were laid out in a randomised complete block design. In Sequence 2, potato (cv. ′Mondial G3′) was cultivated on all plots as the successor main crop. In Sequence 3, the treatments were laid out as in Sequence 1, whereas in Sequence 4 sole potato crop was cultivated as in Sequence 2. Therefore, four cropping sequences namely, sorghum-potato, potato monoculture, C. africanus–potato and potato-(Velum)-potato (control) were investigated simultaneously.Generally, post-infectional resistant C. africanus-potato was more effective than pre-infectional nematode resistant sorghum-potato or potato monoculture cropping sequences in reducing the population densities of Meloidogyne species in the soil. This has led to reduced damage to subsequent potato crop providing higher tuber yield, increased shoot mass and nutrients elements accumulation in potato leaf tissues at both sites. The high soil organic carbon content, microbial diversity and enzyme activity observed in C. africanus-potato and sorghum-potato showed that these two cropping sequences enhanced soil health better than the monoculture production system of potato with or without Velum application. The different indices (maturity index, channel index, enrichment index and structure index) collectively demonstrated that the soil was highly disturbed with bacteria dominated decomposition pathways. The nematode faunal profile showed that sorghum-potato was the only cropping sequence that improved soil structure as exhibited by high structure index. Therefore, the inclusion of nematode resistant sweet stem sorghum in potato-based cropping system promoted soil health better than the other cropping sequences. In conclusion, C. africanus-potato sequence could be used to effectively manage root-knot nematode population densities, whereas sorghum-potato sequence could be considered where the aim is to improve soil health. / National Research Foundation(NRF) Green Biotechnologies Research Centre of Excellence(GBRCE) Agricultural Research Council-Vegetable and Ornamental Plants(ARC-VOP)

Thesis (M. Agricultural Management (Animal Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2016 / Cultivated potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultigens do not have resistant genotypes to root-knot (Meloidogyne species) nematodes. Currently, efforts are underway to introgress nematode resistance in potato breeding programmes, whereas other environment-friendly nematode management strategies are being assessed in various cultigens. Nemafric-BL and Nemarioc-AL phytonematicides have being researched and developed for managing the root-knot nematode whereas Biocult Mycorrhizae are intended to enhance crop productivity through improved absorption of P, which is inherently low in most South African soils. The objectives of the study, therefore, were: (1) to determine the interactive effects of Nemacur (N), Biocult Mycorrhizae (B) and Nemarioc-AL or Nemafric-BL phytonematicide (P) on population densities of M. javanica and growth of potato plants, (2) to investigate the effects of Nemacur (N), Velum (V), Biocult Mycorhizae (B) and Nemarioc-AL or Nemafric-BL phytonematicide (P) on population densities of M. javanica and growth of potato plants. For the microplot experiment, potato cv. ‘Mondial G3’ seeds were sown in 25 cm-diameter plastic pots with 5 000 ml steam-pasteurised river sand and Hygromix-T at 3:1 (v/v) growing mixture in autumn (March-May) 2015. Pots were buried 80% deep into the soil in with 0.5 m inter-row and 0.5 m intra-row spacing. Potato cv. ‘Mondial G3’ seeds were dipped in a mixture of Mancozeb with a wettener for disease management prior to sowing. Appropriate treatments were applied soon after emergence of leaves. Each plant was inoculated by dispensing a mixture of 5 000 eggs and M. javanica J2. Eight treatments, control (N0B0P0), Nemacur (N1B0P0), Biocult (N0B1P0), phytonematicide (N0B0P1), Nemacur × Biocult (N1B1P0), Nemacur × phytonematicide (N1B0P1), Biocult × phytonematicide (N0B1P1) and Nemacur × Biocult × phytonematicide (N1B1P1), were arranged in a randomised complete block xxvi design (RCBD) with 8 replications (n= 64). Under field conditions the study was conducted in summer (October 2015 - January 2016), with 30-cm furrows dug and potato seeds placed in the soil with 30 cm inter-row and 40 cm intra-row spacing. The four treatments, namely, (1) untreated control, (2) Nemacur or Velum (3) Biocult Mycorrhizae and (4) Nemarioc-AL or Nemafric-BL phytonematicide, were arranged in RCBD, replicated three times for the Velum experiment and five times for the Nemacur experiment. At 56 days after inoculation, the second order interaction (N1B1P1) was highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) for eggs in root and total nematodes, contributing 13 and 12% to total treatment variation (TTV) of the two variables, respectively, in the Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide study. Relative to untreated control, the second order interaction (N1B1P1) reduced eggs in root and total nematodes by 42 and 36%, respectively. In both Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicide experiments, the combination of phytonematicide and Biocult Mycorrhizae reduced gall rating. Nemacur, Biocult and Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide, the treatment effects were highly significant on eggs, J2 in root and total nematodes, contributing 53, 68 and 57% to TTV of the three variables, respectively. Nemacur, Biocult and Nemafric-BL phytonematicide treatments each was not significant (P ≤ 0.05) for nematodes variables. Both treatments for Nemacur, Biocult and Nemarioc-AL or Nemafric-BL phytonematicides were significant for gall rating, contributing 92 and 70% to TTV of the variable, respectively. In Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide, relative to the untreated control, gall rating was reduced by 48 to 56%, whereas in Nemafric-BL phytonematicide the variable was reduced by 33 to 56%. In the Velum study, Biocult and Nemarioc-AL or Nemafric-BL phytonematicide, the treatment effects in both experiments were highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) on eggs in root, contributing 88% to TTV of the variable. Both treatments from Nemarioc-AL xxvii and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides had no significant effects on all plant variables measured. In microplot, the second order interaction (Nemacur × Biocult × Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide) was highly significant for nematode eggs in root and total nematode. In a three-way matrix, the N1B1P1 interaction had the highest effects on eggs, followed by Biocult alone, then Nemacur alone and then the phytonematicide. The same trend was observed in the three-way matrix for total nematodes. However, in two-way matrix for eggs, Biocult outperformed Nemacur, as was the phytonematicide on J2. In another microplot study, the second order interaction (Nemacur × Biocult × Nemafric-BL phytonematicide) was significant for J2 in soil and roots, with the three-way matrix showing, that Biocult alone had higher effects than the N1B1P1 interaction on J2 in root. A three-way matrix also showed that Nemacur was outperformed by the phytonematicide alone, Biocult alone and the interactions on J2 in soil. In conclusion, Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides could each be used with Biocult Mycorrhizae in the management of population densities of M. javanica in potato production since the impact from Nemacur which is a synthetic nematicide does not have that much difference from that of phytonematicides interacted with Biocult Mycorrhizae. / Agricultural Research Council

Thesis (M. Sc. (Plant Protection)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Worldwide, root-knot (Meloidogyne species) nematodes are considered to be the most important and damaging genus in crop husbandry. The existence of a wide host range, over 2000 plants, and several biological races, makes the management of this nematode genus difficult with nematode-resistant crop Hybrid Sorghum Sudan grass (Sorghum bicolor × Sorghum Sundanese) has been classified as being resistant to certain Meloidogyne species and races, with a wide range of uses in crop rotation intended to manage nematode population densities. However, due to the ability of nematodes to enter chemiobiosis when gradually exposed to chemicals, this hybrid might not be effective in managing nematode population densities for the subsequent highly susceptible sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) cultivars. The objective of the study was to determine whether hybrid Sorghum-Sudan grass would suppress M. javanica (Trial 1), M. incognita race 2 (Trial 2) and M. incognita race 4 (Trial 3) population densities, allowing a nematode susceptible sweet potato cv. ′Beauregard′ as successor crop to be cultivated without suffering nematode damage. The hybrid Sorghum-Sudan grass study was conducted under greenhouse conditions, with seven inoculation levels, namely, 0; 5; 25; 125; 625; 3 125 and 15 625 eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2) of each nematode species or race, arranged in randomised complete block design, with six replications and validated in time. Plant growth, foliar nutrient elements and nematodes were collected at 56 days after inoculation and prepared for analysis using standard methods. The reproductive factor (RF) at all levels was zero, whereas nematode inoculation at all levels did not have any effect on plant growth of the hybrid Sorghum-Sudan grass. However, the nematode levels affected the accumulation of nutrient elements and the quality of forage. After cultivating the susceptible sweet potato cultivar in pots xxx previously with hybrid Sorghum-Sudan grass at increasing levels of M. javanica alone, that is in Trial 1, similar results were observed with respect to RF and lack of nematode damage to plant growth. Consequently, the hybrid was suitable for use in crop rotation with sweet potato for the purpose of managing nematode population densities of thermophilic Meloidogyne species and/or races. / National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC)