STING NEMATODE REPRODUCTION AND EFFECTS ON ROOT WEIGHT IN TALL FESCUE CULTIVARS
Applied Research
Brad Runsick
County Extension Agent - Agriculture
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Mountain Home
Abstract
Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) is one of the most common cool season forages for livestock and hay production in the southeastern U.S. Much is already known about the health benefits to livestock when utilizing novel or endophyte-free cultivars when compared to the more traditional, endophyte-infected ‘Kentucky 31’. However, the persistence of ‘Kentucky 31’ through periods of drought or heavy grazing, in general, cannot be matched by those other cultivars. The reason for this persistence may be, in part, due to resistance to the parasitic sting nematode (Belonolaimus longicaudatus), particularly in soils with a texture of 80% sand or greater. Greenhouse cultivar trials were conducted to measure reproduction of the nematode and their effect on the dry root weights of each cultivar. The objective of this research was determine which cultivars of tall fescue, if any, exhibited greater resistance to the nematode. All cultivars were determined to be hosts for sting nematode, but this study showed no significant difference (P = 0.05) in nematode reproduction rates between cultivars. Additionally, this research was inconclusive in regard to whether or not sting nematode infection causes reduced root weights in the studied cultivars at the given levels of infection. Further research in a variety of environments still needs to be conducted to determine if a particular cultivar provides greater resistance to sting nematodes than another. For producers managing fescue in sandy soils, proper cultivar selection based on further research may assist in management and control of this pathogen, resulting in increased yields.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: B. Runsick
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Runsick, B. CEA-AGRI, UACES, Arkansas, 72576