Control of stem nematode, Ditylenchus dipsaci, in tulip bulbs with aldicarb and oxamyl

In the Netherlands complete elimination of the stem nematode Ditylenchus dipsaci (Kühn, Filipjev) in tulip by destruction of infested lots and sterilization of infested soil is the aim of the Plant Protection Service. Elimination of stem nematode in narcissus bulbs is achieved by hot-water treatment, but this treatment is not appropriate for tulip bulbs because these are damaged at temperatures of 43 · 5°C and higher. As the effects of the systemic nematicides aldicarb and oxamyl looked promising, these were investigated further. Aldicarb, 6 kg a.i./ha, was applied once in the autumn and once in spring. Oxamyl, 2 · 88 kg a.i./ha, was applied three times in spring. The efficacy of these nematicides was shown not only by a reduction in the numbers of infested bulbs but also by a reduction in nematode numbers in the bulbs, shown here in the frequency distribution of infested bulbs over nematode numbers. However in some bulbs, probably those which had the highest number of nematodes before planting, a few stem nematodes could still be detected, having survived high dosages of nematicides. Therefore, complete elimination of stem nematodes from infected bulbs with very high nematode numbers is probably impossible. It is expected, however, that repeated treatment will increase the percentage of nematode-free bulbs and will lead to almost healthy tulip-bulb stocks.