CP 201: Utilisation of single and multiple species cover crops for the suppression of soil borne nematodes of Narcissus

Bulbs and cut flowers of Narcissi are valuable markets for growers based in England (Cornwall, Devon Lincolnshire, and the Scilly Isles) and Scotland. These crops, however, are subject to feeding damage from stem and bulb nematodes (Ditylenchus dipsaci) and root lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp). Stem and bulb nematodes can cause decay in the bulbs, while root lesion nematodes inhibit root development and can form damaging disease complexes with soil borne fungi.  Hot water treatment can reduce D. dipsaci in bulbs but there are limited options for treating nematodes in soil. Added to this, D. dipsaci can persist in soil for up to 10 years, whilst root lesion nematodes have multiple plant hosts. This project aims to investigate alternative cover crop options for managing soil borne populations of D. dipsaci and Pratylenchus spp.

This project will investigate the impact of various types of cover crops for nematode suppression. In particular, the suppressiveness of brassica biofumigants and trap crops will be assessed. Methods for enhancing partial biofumigation (biofumigation achieved during the growing crop) for nematode suppression will also be investigated. The effect of biofumigant and trap crop species on non-target organisms will be assessed using molecular tools E.g. MiSeq and mixtures of cover crop species for providing more universal suppression of plant parasitic nematodes will be investigated.