Managing nematodes: the invisible pest – Cotton Grower Magazine

By George Huckabay

Growing cotton is like trying to fly a plane. Every external force is attempting to bring that plane crashing back to the ground. And just like a good pilot, a cotton grower needs to be nimble and able to adapt to these external forces. But what do you do when the external force is so small you can’t see it?

Microscopic round worms that are invisible to the naked eye, nematodes have become one of the most devastating pests to control in a cotton field. Causing significant damage to the crop during critical early stages of development, nematodes can be seriously detrimental to cotton yield at the end of the day.

There are thousands of species of nematodes that inhabit the soil, but the ones worth concern are plant parasitic nematodes. The main morphological characteristic of plant parasitic nematodes is the presence of a stylet protruding from their mouthpiece. Nematodes damage the roots through this stylet by either stinging or feeding off them, reducing the ability to absorb water and nutrients, which can lead to stunted growth, wilting, and reduced yield.

So how can a grower combat these notorious nematodes? Management strategies include crop rotation, using nematode-resistant seed varieties, and applying chemical nematicides. And if pressure is bad enough, a grower might need to use two or all three of these methods.

Averland FC nematicide, from Vive Crop Protection, is proven to combat nematodes in an easy-to-use, economical solution. An abamectin-based nematicide enhanced with Vive’s patented Allosperse Delivery technology, Averland FC can be applied directly to the root zone in a seamless application with liquid fertilizers, hard water, micronutrients, and other crop inputs.

Click here for the full aritcle: https://www.cottongrower.com/crop-inputs/insect-disease-management/managing-nematodes-the-invisible-pest.