Differential control of potato cyst‐nematodes, <i>Globodera rostochiensis</i> and <i>G. pallida</i> by oxamyl and the yields of resistant and susceptible potatoes in treated and untreated soils

Abstract

SUMMARY In sandy loam infested with Globodera rostochiensis (2–95 eggs g ‐1 soil) the yield of Desiree potatoes was decreased by 8·2 t ha ‐1 for every increment of 20 eggs g ‐1 soil. Oxamyl incorporated in the seedbed at 5 kg ha ‐1 before planting prevented significant loss of yield and damage to the tubers and minimised nematode increase. Cara and Maris Piper potatoes, which were resistant and tolerant to G. rostochiensis usually responded less to oxamyl than did susceptible cultivars. In a range of cultivars, yield responses to oxamyl treatment of soil infested with G. rostochiensis often differed from those in soil infested with G. pallida. In field experiments, oxamyl controlled G. pallida less than G. rostochiensis. In pots, such differential control of the two species by oxamyl was not observed.