Role of Nematodes and Soil-borne Fungi in Cotton Stunt

Authors

  • G. W. Bird
  • S. M. McCarter
  • R. W. Roncadori

Abstract

The nematodes, Pratylenchus brachyurus, Trichodorus christiei, and T. porosus and the soil-borne fungi, Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium debaryanum, P. irregulare, P. ultimum, and Fusarium spp. were the pathogens most frequently found in the roots and rhizosphere of field-grown cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) showing "stunt" symptoms. Field-plot application of the nematicide D-D (l,2-dichloropropane, 1,3-dichloropropene) at 373.4 liter/ha (40 gal/A) significantly increased plant growth and yield. A fungicidal mixture of Dexon (p-dimethylaminobenzenediazo sodium sulfonate at 23.5 kg/ha (2l lb/A) and Terraclor (pentachloronitrobenzene at 25.2 kg/ha (22.5 lb/A) was phytotoxic, but combined nematicide/fungicide treatments were not. Greenhouse temperature-tank experiments in soils from two locations showed significantly improved root and shoot growth following methyl bromide fumigation at both 25 C and 18 C and more severe "stunt" at the lower temperature. Key Words: Pratylenchus brachyurus, Trichodorus christiei, Trichodorus porosus, Soil-borne fungi, Fusarium spp., Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia spp., Cotton, Gossypium hirsutum, Fumigation, Methyl bromide, 1,2-dichloropropane, 1,3-dichloropropene, Soil fungicide, p-dimethylaminobenzenediazo sodium sulfonate, Pentachloronitrobenzene.

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Published

1971-01-15

Issue

Section

Articles