Lei Zhang- Assistant Professor Botany and Plant Pathlology, Purdue University
Thursday September 26th, at 3:30pm,
HORT 117 or via Zoom.
“Integrating Basic and Applied Nematology for Effective Management of Root-knot Nematodes”
Root-knot nematodes (RKN; Meloidogyne spp.) are among the critical yield-limiting pests of specialty crops in the US and around the world. The presence and damage caused by RKN in vegetable production have long been recognized in the tropical and subtropical regions. Recently, increasing cases of RKN infestations have been reported in vegetable fields in temperate regions in the US, potentially due to climate change and the growing use of high tunnels. RKN infections cause the formation of galls on plant roots, and the damaged root systems affect plant water and nutrient uptake and upward translocation. Consequently, RKN infestations cause significant economic losses, and an average yield loss of 10% for vegetables has frequently been reported. The seminar will focus on RKN distribution and virulence survey in Indiana, management strategies using novel biological agents and suppressive soils, exploring RKN development and reproduction for nematode control.