Trends in Occurrence, Distribution, and Population Densities of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes in the Pacific Northwest of the United States from 2012 to 2016

Abstract

The Pacific Northwest (PNW) of the United States (Idaho, Oregon, and Washington) is a diverse agricultural production area with over 400 different commodities grown in the region. Plant-parasitic nematodes are a constraint to the production of many of these commodities. Soil sample data from 2012 to 2016 were obtained from nematode diagnostic laboratories in the region to assess trends in occurrence, population densities, and distribution of plant-parasitic nematodes in the PNW. A total of 38,022 unique data points were analyzed. The number of plant-parasitic nematode samples processed in the PNW by diagnostic laboratories has significantly increased from 2012 to 2016. Fifteen genera of plant-parasitic nematodes were identified by diagnostic laboratories, with 86% of the samples in the PNW containing at least one plant-parasitic nematode genus. These laboratories provide a valuable service to agriculture in the PNW. Additionally, they serve as a rich source of information on plant-parasitic nematode distribution, occurrence, and abundance that, when analyzed, provides an empirical basis upon which to interpret individual grower reports and make management recommendations.