Strawberry root-knot nematode investigations in Queensland

Abstract

Studies on the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne hapla Chitwood, a common pest of strawberries in south-eastern Queensland, are reported. The use of nematode-infested planting material results in later cropping, reduced plant size and lower yield. Mean berry size is not reduced. Treatment of nematode-infested runners in hot water at 47 deg. C; for 6, 10 and 14 min. controls the strawberry root-knot nematode but delays fruiting and does not increase overall yields. The use of dips containing chlorophenyl mercury choroglucine, phenyl mercury dinaphthylmethane disulphonate, phenyl mercury salicylate or mercuric chloride on nematode infested runners prior to planting controls nematodes but subsequent plant growth is unsatisfactory. Vigorous runners relatively free of nematodes can be produced in infested fields by allowing rooting to proceed in a 6 in. mulch of sawdust spread between the parent rows.