Host plants, distribution, and ecological association of Hoplolaimus columbus
Lewis, S.A.; Smith, F.H.
Journal of Nematology 8(3): 264-270
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-300X PMID: 19308233 Document Number: 108785
Selected species and cultivars of plants were evaluated for host suitability for H. columbus under greenhouse and field conditions. Sixteen agronomic plant cultivars were assayed for infection and reproduction after 2-6 mo. Lima bean [Phaseolus lunatus], soybean [Glycine max], cotton [Gossypium hirsutum] and sweet corn [Zea mays] were most favorable for nematode reproduction; sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas] was a nonhost plant. Field corn and watermelon [Citrullus lanatus] which tolerated H. columbus without significant yield losses, are suited for alternative crops in the southern coastal plain. Populations of H. columbus occurred in 15% of soybean and 25% of cotton soil samples assayed. Population levels of H. columbus and Helicotylenchus ssp. were correlated with fluctuations in various soil nutrient factors; Meloidogyne spp. and Scutellonema spp. were not. No correlation was detected between the presence of H. columbus and populations of other nematode genera studied.