Plant-Parasitic Nematodes on Sugarbeet in North Dakota and Minnesota

Abstract

Field surveys were conducted in the Red River Valley (RRV) of North Dakota and Minnesota during 2016 and 2017 to determine the incidence, abundance, and distribution of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) on sugarbeet. Seventy-two and 65 % of the fields surveyed were positive for PPNs in 2016 and 2017, respectively. The major genera of PPNs identified from sugarbeet production fields were Heterodera, Helicotylenchus, Tylenchorhynchus, Paratylenchus, Pratylenchus, Paratrichodorus, Hoplolaimus, and Xiphinema. Eight of PPNs were identified at the species level using species-specific PCR assays, and sequencing of the ribosomal rDNA gene. Stubby-root nematode, Paratrichodorus allius, is one of the important nematode pests for sugarbeet production worldwide. An experiment was conducted to determine the host status of sugarbeet and their rotational crops for P. allius under greenhouse conditions. The results from two experiments indicated sugarbeet and most rotational crops support the reproduction of P. allius.