Effect of Previous Rotation on Plant Parasitic Nematode Population in Peanut and Crop Yield

Abstract

Core Ideas A diverse crop rotation reduces soil parasitic nematode population. Impact of previous rotation can persist for multiple years. Wheat yield was greater after continuous peanut than yield of rotations including corn and cotton. Crop rotation is an important part of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production systems to maintain yield through avoidance of plant parasitic nematodes and diseases. Research was conducted at two locations in North Carolina to determine changes in plant parasitic nematode populations and peanut yield in 2013 following a rotation sequence that included two cycles of corn (Zea mays L.) followed by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (2007–2010), corn (2011), and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) (2012). Prior to rotations from 2007 to 2013, both short and long rotations of corn, cotton, peanut, and soybean were planted in these plots from 2001 to 2005. Decreases in populations of root knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) and stunt nematode (Tylenchorhynchus spp.) from 2006 to 2013 were the greatest when peanut was grown continuously from 2001 to 2006. Yields of corn, cotton, soybean, and wheat (2007–2012) were not affected by rotation from 2001 to 2006 at one location. However, at a second location wheat yield during 2008 and 2010 was greater following continuous peanut from 2001 to 2006 than yield following other rotations. Corn yield in one year following continuous peanut was greater than yield following several other rotations with fewer years of peanut or soybean. While peanut yield in 2006 was affected by rotation sequence in previous years (2001–2005), after 6 years of rotation from 2007 to 2012 peanut in 2013 did not differ in yield regardless of rotation from 2001 to 2006. These data indicate that developing adequate diversity of rotation can decrease plant parasitic nematode populations to levels that allow high peanut yield regardless of rotation history.