Genus Heterodera Research Articles

Summary. Considerable diversity of opinion has existed regarding the practicability of controlling plant parasitic nematodes by means of granular calcium cyanide. Previous experiments with this substance have invariably been directed against eelworms of the genus Heterodera. The experiments described in this paper were carried out in South Devon and in the Isles of Scilly and with the exception of one with Heterodera radicicola, in tomato, relate to Tylenchus dipsaci, in narcissus. Doses of granular calcium cyanide, ranging from 300 lbs. to 2000 lbs. per acre, were employed under various conditions. Only with doses of from 1500 lbs. to 2000 lbs. per acre was any real indication of satisfactory control of T. dipsaci obtained, while H. radicicola remained unaffected by similar doses. In the opinion of the writers the successful use of granular calcium cyanide for the control of plant parasitic nematodes, on a commercial scale, is not possible under conditions pertaining to this country. At the same time, where expense is of no account, small areas of soil may be rid of nematodes by means of exceedingly heavy doses of the substance.

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