The phasing out of popular chemical nematicides has led to increasing difficulties in plant parasitic nematode management, in particular the newly emerged root-knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne minor. Infestation by this nematode results in stunted development of turf-grass and consequently the appearance of chlorosis. This damage is largely the result of the nematodes invasive endoparasitic life-cycle. Although M. minor has been found in potato crops, its appearance is steadily increasing in sports amenity sites. Initially this study investigated the population dynamics of plant parasitic nematodes (PPN) on sports amenity sites in the UK and Ireland. The investigation suggests that PPN ecology within these Isles is somewhat different to what is observed in the USA. The availability of a turf naturally resistant to key pest M. minor, was investigated leading to the suggestion that the propensity to adopt USGA specification and trends may not be appropriate for our more temperate climate which appears to be a factor in the proliferation of M. minor and other genera. The study progressed to exploring the effects of natural nematicidial compounds, such as biostimulants and plant extracts on turf development, plant resistance and PPN control. The key trend to emerge from the data was that of hyper-vari"lbility, a trend also reflected in the current available literature. However the potential for a plant based nematicide could not be ruled out; the data indicated promising in vitro effects on PPN mobility follOWing treatment with natural plant extracts, but the need for further exploration is apparent. Overall the investigations outlined in this study indicate that PPN management within sports amenities will no longer be as straightforward as applying a quick-fix nematiticide . Further study is most ardently warranted and it would be suggested that successful control of PPN within sports amenities will involve a relatively complex program incorporating observation of PPN ecology, lessening of external stress opposed to turf and careful selection and application of approved nematicidal products.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:679236 |
| Date | January 2015 |
| Creators | Kerr, Rachel |
| Publisher | Queen's University Belfast |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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