Population Dynamics and Control of Heterodera avenae -A Review with some Original Results1

Control of Heterodera avenae should largely aim to keep densities below tolerance limits at sowing-time (in spring oats < 1 egg/g soil, in susceptible barley < 3 eggs/g soil; spring wheat is only slightly less sensitive than oats, autumn-sown cereals are more tolerant than spring-sown ones). To obtain this, knowledge of population dynamics is important. Essential items in population dynamics are the host properties of different plants (characterized by two factors which do not always covary: maximum rate of multiplication and equilibrium density of the nematode), population decline of the nematode under fallow and non-hosts and the external factors influencing these characteristics. For cereals the following host efficiency order is found: winter oats (best), spring oats, spring wheat, spring barley, winter wheat, rye. Winter barley may be close to spring barley, and maize is a bad host. Grasses are generally less good hosts than cereals and usually cause high and moderate densities of H. avenae to decline. However, especially in first-year leys, rather high equilibrium densities may sometimes be maintained. Host properties of plants vary between sites and years and also relations between hosts may change. Populations decline under fallow, non-hosts and resistant cereals, usually in the order of 70–85 96 annually. H. avenae populations are favoured by lighter soils and heavier soils with a proper structure and also by good plant nutrient conditions. Soil moisture in interaction with temperature influences population dynamics in a complex way, in which natural enemies of the nematodes may also be involved, not least certain fungi. In many fields these may keep nematode populations at harmless levels. Traditional control measures like proper crop rotations can only be used to a limited extent. The most promising approach for controlling H. avenae is an appropriate use of resistant cultivars, of which barley cultivars are also tolerant, while oat cultivars are usually very sensitive. Biological control has hitherto not been used actively. Chemical control is profitable in Australia but not under European conditions. Farmers should check the need for control through soil sample investigations or by other means.