Field efficacy of furfural as a nematicide on turf

A commercial formulation of furfural was recently launched in the United States as a turfgrass nematicide. Three field trials evaluated efficacy of this commercial formulation on dwarf bermudagrass putting greens infested primarily with Belonolaimus longicaudatus, Meloidogyne graminis, or both these nematodes, and in some cases with Mesocriconema ornatum or Helicotylenchus pseudorobustus. In all these trials, furfural improved turf health but did not reduce population densities of B. longicaudatus, M. graminis, or the other plant-parasitic nematodes present. In two additional field trials, efficacy of furfural at increasing depths in the soil profile (0 to 5 cm, 5 to 10 cm, and 10 to 15 cm) against B. longicaudatus on bermudagrass was evaluated. Reduction in population density of B. longicaudatus was observed in furfural-treated plots for depths below 5 cm on several dates during both trials. However, no differences in population densities of B. longicaudatus were observed between the furfural-treated plots and the untreated control for soil depth of 0 to 5 cm during either trial. These results indicate that furfural applications can improve health of nematode-infested turf and can reduce population density of plant-parasitic nematodes in turf systems. Although the degree to which turf improvement is directly caused by nematicidal effects is still unclear, furfural does appear to be a useful nematode management tool for turf.

Factors affecting furfural as a nematicide on turf

Recently a furfural nematicide Multiguard Protect EC was launched for use on turfgrasses in the United States. A series of greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the concentration and exposure time required for this formulation to irreversibly affect Belonolaimus longicaudatus, and to study factors that might affect the practicality of furfural use in turfgrass systems. One experiment exposed B. longicaudatus to increasing concentrations of furfural (0 to 990 ppm) in vitro for either 24 or 48 hr, followed by inoculation onto bermudagrass. A second experiment evaluated effects of exposure of B. longicaudatus to increasing concentrations of furfural in soil solution on bermudagrass with or without an organic thatch layer. A third experiment evaluated effects on B. longicaudatus of increasing concentrations of furfural applied as a spray treatment to creeping bentgrass. Results from the in vitro exposure experiment found decreasing numbers of B. longicaudatus with increasing furfural concentration beginning with the lowest concentration tested (270 ppm). Belonolaimus longicaudatus were virtually eliminated with furfural concentrations ≥ 720 ppm. Similarly, exposure to increasing concentration of furfural in soil solution resulted in increasing reduction in numbers of B. longicaudatus. Presence of thatch slightly reduced the population density of B. longicaudatus. Spray application of furfural only reduced numbers of B. longicaudatus at the two highest rates (3,600 and 4,950 ppm).

Comparison of Water Displacement and WinRHIZO Software for Plant Root Parameter Assessment

Water-displacement and WinRHIZO root-scanning methods were compared for efficacy of root damage assessment. Results from both methods were similar and a highly significant relationship was found between the two methods in trial one (r² = 0.9968, P < 0.0001) and trial two (r² = 0.9988, P < 0.0001). Both protocols provide consistent root volume measurements; however, water displacement is preferred as an economical method if a quick evaluation of a large amount of roots is essential. For a more detailed root morphological and architectural analysis, WinRHIZO root scanning provides additional information about several root parameters that cannot be measured by simple water displacement.

Effects of Belonolaimus longicaudatus Management and Nitrogen Fertility on Turf Quality of Golf Course Fairways

Field experiments evaluated the effects of nematicide and fertility on performance of 'Tifway 419' bermudagrass parasitized by the sting nematode (Belonolaimus longicaudatus). Plot treatments were nontreated or nematicide (1,3-dichloropropene) treated combined with different nitrogen (N) fertilizer levels. Effects of treatments on numbers of B. longicaudatus and turf performance were compared. Nematicide consistently reduced numbers of B. longicaudatus, but fertilizer level had no effect on B. longicaudatus. Turf performance of nematicide-treated plots was improved compared with nontreated plots during both experiments. Increasing N fertilizer level improved turf performance in nematicide-treated plots in some cases, but had no effect on turf performance in nontreated plots in either experiment. Results suggest that increasing N fertilizer levels may not improve turf performance at sites infested with B. longicaudatus unless nematode management tactics are effective in reducing nematode densities.

Influence of Belonolaimus longicaudatus on Nitrate Leaching in Turf

Experiments were conducted to quantify the effects of the sting nematode (Belonolaimus longicaudatus) on root reductions and quantity of nitrate (NO(3) (-)) leached from 'Tifdwarf' bermudagrass in lysimeters. Forty lysimeters were planted with 'Tifdwarf' bermudagrass, of which 20 were inoculated with B. longicaudatus and 20 were noninoculated. Root length was compared between treatments at six, 12, and 18 weeks after initiation of the experiments. Turf was fertilized every three weeks, and leaching events were simulated at 21 and 42-day intervals in trial one and trial two, respectively. Leachate was collected, and the quantity of NO(3) (-) leached was compared between treatments. Root reductions were observed in lysimeters inoculated with B. longicaudatus at all evaluation dates. Quantity of NO(3) (-) leached was greater in inoculated lysimeters at the 18-week evaluation during both trials. This study indicates that nematode damage to turf roots limits root vigor and N uptake, thereby increasing nitrate leaching, adding to water quality concerns.