Potential of foliar, dip, and injection applications of avermectins for control of plant-parasitic nematodes

Studies were conducted to determine the potential of two avermectin compoun ds, abamectin and emamectin benzoate, for controlling plant-parasitic nemat odes when applied by three methods: foliar spray, root dip, and pseudostem injection. Experiments were conducted against Meloidogyne incognita on toma to, M. javanica on banana, and Radopholus similis on banana. Foliar applica tions of both avermectins to banana and tomato were not effective for contr olling any of the nematodes evaluated. Root dips of banana and tomato were moderately effective for controlling M. incognita on tomato and R similis o n banana. Injections (1 mi) of avermectins into banana pseudostems were eff ective for controlling M. javanica and R similis, and were comparable to co ntrol achieved with a conventional chemical nematicide, fenamiphos. Injecti ons of 125 to 2,000 mu g/plant effectively controlled one or both nematodes on banana; abamectin was more effective than emamectin benzoate for contro lling nematodes.