Distribution of plant-parasitic nematodes on sugarcane in Louisiana and efficacy of nematicides

A survey conducted from May 1995 through August 1998 revealed diverse nemat ode communities in Louisiana sugarcane fields. High populations of Mesocric onema, Paratrichodorus, Pratylenchus, and Tylenchorhynchus were widespread in nine sugarcane production levels increase significantly in successive ra toon crops. Nematicide trials evaluated the efficacy of aldicarb, ethoprop, and phorate against indigenous nematode populations. Aldicarb consistently increased the number of millable stalks, cane tonnage, and yield of sucros e in soils with a high sand content. Yield increases were concomitant with reductions in the density of the nematode community shortly after planting and at harvest. In soils with a higher clay content, the chemicals were les s effective in controlling nematode populations and, as a results, yield in creases were minimal.