Effect of crop rotation on Globodera rostochiensis and on potato yield¹

Abstract

A crop rotation field study was conducted in 1981–1989 to assess the effect of six crop rotation sequences on a soil population of potato cyst nematode (PCN), Globodera rostochiensis, and on potato yield. In the plots with potato monoculture, the tuber yield decreased from 35 to 4.6 t ha−1. All other cropping systems maintained the yield at the original or an even higher level. In monoculture, the population density of the nematode was raised during the first 3 years from 0.1 to 265 larvae g−1 soil, and the density fluctuated afterwards between 30 and 136 larvae g−1 soil. Three of the cropping systems, (1) susceptible potato once in 5 years, (2) susceptible potato once in 4 years, and (3) potato once in 3 years using resistant (H1) and susceptible cultivars alternately, decreased the nematode density under the economic threshold or even under the level of detection. The nematicide treatments (oxamyl) did not control nematode multiplication but prevented yield losses. No nematicide is currently registered nor needed for the control of PCN in Finland. The nematode can be controlled effectively with crop rotation, resistant cultivars and early harvesting.

Keltaperuna-ankeroisen (Globodera rostochiensis) taloudelliset torjunta-mahdollisuudet viljelykiertoa hyväksikäytettäessä

“…Levitessään laajalle alueelle peruna-ankeroinen aiheuttaa satotappioita ja heikentää perunantuotannon kannattavuutta. Suomen olosuhteissa tehdyissä kokeissa (Tiilikkala 1991) on havaittu, että perunaankeroissaastunta voidaan välttää, jos perunaa viljellään samalla peltolohkolla harvemmin kuin joka kolmas vuosi. Kun peruna-ankeroisia ilmestyy peltolohkolle, ne lisääntyvät vähitellen, jos perunaa viljellään useampina peräkkäisinä vuosina.…”

The Cyst Nematodes

“…Marzin (1991) showed that chemical alone was not effective against potato cyst nematodes and must be accompanied by planting a resistant cultivar. Also, Tiilkikkala, (1991) showed that nematicide treatment did not control the nematode population but prevented yield loss.…”

“…The effectiveness of a rotation is dependent on several factors like temperature, spontaneaus hatch, age of the cysts, field site, etc. Tiilkikkala (1991) showed that planting potatoes once in three years and altemating susceptible and resistant cultivars reduced the population drastically. In England, demonstrated that 11 years of nonhast were necessary to reduce the population level low enough that one year of susceptible host would not increase it above the pre-nonhost level.…”

Globodera rostochiensis (Woll.) Behrens (Tylenchida, Heteroderidae), the only potato cyst nematode species found in Finland

“…Since the beginning of the 19705,PCN has been the most harmful pest ofpotatoes in Finland. Magnusson (1987) and Tiilikkala (1987Tiilikkala ( , 1991) have studied the biological and physical factors affecting the success of G. rostochiensis. In Finland, the whole life cycle of G. rostochiensis requires over 600 day degrees above 4.4°C.…”