P-427 - A Multi-Pronged Approach to Combat Sting Nematodes in Cotton Fields

Sting nematode (Belonolaimus longicaudatus) is a major threat to cotton growers, especially in fields with coarse, sandy soils. In 2024, a field trial was initiated in a sting nematode infested field to evaluate cultural practices in combination with nematicides to reduce losses to sting nematode.   A split-split plot design was used where irrigation (irrigated vs. non-irrigated) was the main plot variable, nematicide treatments (1,3-dichloropropene and aldicarb were the first level of sublots with soil amendments standard soil fertility, 150% soil fertility, poultry litter, compost, summer cover crop, and winter cover crop as third factor subplots. Each treatment was replicated three times. Soil samples were collected at the beginning, middle and end of the season to monitor nematode populations. Initial nematode pressure ranged from 1 to 106 nematodes/100cc (average 31/100cc). There were no significant differences in initial nematode populations across treatments. By season's end, nematode populations significantly decreased in all treatments. While cultural practices had no significant statistical effect, reductions in nematode populations were numerically greater in plots with poultry litter, compost, summer cover, 150% soil fertility, and standard practices compared to winter cover crop. Yields were highest in plots with poultry litter (678 lb/acre) and 150% soil fertility (594 lb/acre). These practices show promise for managing sting nematodes and improving cotton yields.