Integrated Control of Heterodera avenae1

Cereal cyst nematode is a major pathogen in southern Australia costing $40 to $80 million in lost production each year. Our research has shown that three chemicals applied with the seed in the drill row, viz. Counter (terbufos) granules, Vydate (oxamyl) as a seed dressing and Nemadi (ethylene dibromide), reduced Heterodera avenae damage and gave yield increases which are economical in the Australian wheat farming system. A plant assay of soil has been developed to assess potential damage by H. avenae before employing chemical control. Wheat yields 2 years after growing H. avenae-resistant Festiguay wheat were 0.4 to 1 t/ha higher than after other cultivars. Rotations with legumes alternating with wheat reduced damage from H. avenae. Wheat sown without cultivation (minimum tillage) resulted in less root damage from H. avenae and higher yields than when sown into cultivated soil.