The joint action of nitrogen and nematicides onPratylenchus penetrans and potato yield

The joint action of nitrogen fertilizer and nematicides onPratylenchus penetrons and yield was investigated using three potato varieties (Superior, Onaway and Russet Burbank), three rates of nitrogen (84, 168 and 336 kg/ha), five edaphic pesticides (disulfoton, aldicarb, 1,3-D + MIC, carbofuran and thiofanox), and an insecticide spray to minimize the role of foliar feeding insects In 1977, disulfoton, aldicarb, and disulfoton plus 1,3-D + MIC significantly increased the yield of Superior at all nitrogen rates. The yield increases ranged from 37–56% for Superior, 15–35% for Onaway and 13–27% for Russet Burbank. Nitrogen had no detectable influence on yield. Population densities ofP. penetrans were significantly reduced by disulfoton plus 1,3-D + MIC and by aldicarb. Superior was most susceptible toP. penetrans, Onaway intermediate, and Russet Burbank moderately tolerant. Neither the potato variety or nitrogen significantly influenced the population densities ofP. penetrans In 1978 aldicarb, 1,3-D + MIC and thiofanox significantly increased yields of Superior at all nitrogen rates. Nitrogen also significantly increased yields, but only where aldicarb and 1,3-D + MIC were applied. Total yield was increased 12–14% and 17–23% by 1,3-D + MIC and aldicarb at 168 and 336 kg N/ha, respectively. Aldicarb, 1,3-D + MIC, and thiofanox appeared to increase tuber set, while nitrogen increased tuber size. Although all of the nematicides provided some control ofP. penetrans, aldicarb had the highest degree of efficacy and gave excellent season-long control