Beet Cyst Nematode: Control and Catch Crop Guide
Beet Cyst Nematode: Control and Catch Guide
Managing BCN
BCN resistant varieties decrease cyst loads
BCN resistant varieties still stimulate egg hatch, however, plant defences limit nematode feeding leading to fewer females and more males. Fewer females mean fewer cysts and a reduced nematode population. Bio fumigation has minimal effect on cyst efficacy.
Quantifying resistance
The reduction of cysts in the soil over the life of a crop is measured and reported as its pf/pi or Reproduction Factor (RF). A pf/pi <1 describes BCN levels decreasing during the life of the crop.
When to grow catch crops
Resistant catch crops can be grown anywhere in the rotation to reduce BCN populations. Does not have to precede sugar beet.
More catch crops = greater control
Integrating multiple seasons of BCN resistant catch crops can provide cumulative control of BCN populations.
The RAGT Difference
Not all catch crops are created equal. RAGT screen 60,000 plans per year for BCN resistance to improve catch crop efficacy.
BCN Lifecycle
Cysts in the soil
BCN Cysts live freely in the soil and can be transferred through soil contamination. Cysts contain up to 500 eggs when formed, losing ~50% of eggs each year.
Juveniles hatch
BCN juveniles hatch in response to various factors, including host crop root exudates. Juveniles then infect the root and create a feeding site (syncytium).
BCN reproduction
Juveniles grow and sexually differentiate in the syncytium. Males exit and live briefly in the soil. Females require ~30 times more energy to develop. The body of the female forms what will become the cyst, rupturing out of the root where it is fertilized by the male. The cyst then matures and detaches, where it can live freely in the soil for years.
Growing non-host crops can help to limit cyst populations, which naturally decline by ~50% per year.
Growing a susceptible crop greater than 1 in 8 years can increase BCN population over time
BCN Cover Crop Cheat Sheet
Want to know more on enquire about a variety?
Get in touch today: scott.newell@ragt.com or call us on 01799 533700
