The occurrence, importance and control ofLongidorus elongatus(Nematoda, Dorylaimida) in Scottish strawberry plantations

Abstract

SummaryThe control of Longidorus elongatus and its effect on the growth and yield of strawberries were studied in two field trials in Scotland using chemicals applied to the soil before planting. In the first trial plant growth was not significantly affected until the third year when vegetative growth was increased in plots previously treated with oxamyl, benomyl or dazomet. Growth was correlated with the degree of control of L. elongatus. In the second trial, which used other chemicals, quintozene and quinto-zene+aldicarb increased top growth and fruit yields in the third and fourth years more than aldicarb alone. In a pot test aldicarb decreased the numbers of L. elongatus and increased top growth; quintozene also decreased L. elongatus numbers but was phytotoxic. Most strawberry plantations in eastern Scotland were found to be infested with L. elongatus, but most nematode populations were small and unlikely to be causing severe damage.