Trap Crop Research Articles

Potential of various trap crops for the control of Bemisia tabaci on chilli pepper

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci is an important pest of chilli peppers and a vector insect that causes yellow leaf disease. This study aimed to compare the whitefly population and the intensity of its attacks on chilli production in plots with or without trap crops. This study used eggplant, tomato and mungbean as trap crops. As the main crop, Chilli pepper was planted in plots measuring 7 m x 4 m with a spacing of 60 cm x 70 cm. Trap crops were planted around the chilli pepper plots, with 16 plants in each plot. The results showed a significant difference between whitefly populations and the intensity of their attacks in plots without trap crops and plots with mungbean traps. The biggest chilli weight was obtained from plots with mungbean trap plants. State that mungbean has the best potential as a trap crop to control B. tabaci.

Impact of quantities of Nitrogen application on infestation of Sorghum insect pest

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is a vital essential nutriment crop in the biosphere and fifth most significant cereal crop afterward wheat, rice, maize and barley. NPK are elementary nutrients for plant development, which play a major role in uptake and energy creation in plants and suggestively improve the grain harvest. Sorghum is grown in a variety of agro-ecosystems, with varied biotic and abiotic variables influencing grain output. Arthropods are a serious difficulty for increasing sorghum yield among the biotic components. A variety of variables contribute to insect pest issues in the field, including alteration of the environment to make it more conducive to insect growth, reproduction, and development, as well as conventional cultural practises. Choosing pest-resistant cultivars that are well matched to local growing circumstances is the first step in integrated insect control in sorghum. This strategy is usually employed in conjunction with crop rotation, optimal planting date, trap cropping, cultivation of allelopathy or non-host crops, crop residue eradication, and field cleaning. Extant review has been made to cite the relevant literature on Impact of quantities of Nitrogen use on infestation of Sorghum insect pest.

Evaluation of 11 potential trap crops for root-knot nematode (RKN) control under glasshouse conditions

Abstract A preliminary study of the development and growth of lettuce crops trap cropped with 11 trap crops for root-knot nematode (RKN) control was studied under glasshouse conditions in Kadoorie Agriculture Research Centre in Palestine Technical University. Main crop growth parameters were evaluated by measuring the shoot height, lateral root length, wet and dry weight, ash percentage, and chlorophyll content. The total RKNs recovered from both main and trap crops from root systems were counted 6 weeks post RKN artificial inoculation. The first screening of the potential trap crops against RKNs showed a significant reduction in nematode numbers in lettuce and the average number of galls per gram fresh root when trap cropped with canola, B.G. pumpkin, mustard, and vetch cv. 976. No eggs were found by the end of the experiment. These trap crops attracted more nematodes and kept them from infecting the main crop. The effect of these trap crops on the growth and development of the main crop was variable. Trap cropping lettuce with canola, mustard, Armenian cucumber, and bottle gourd pumpkin caused a significant reduction of the total wet weight and dry weight compared with the control. Still, trap cropping did not significantly affect the lateral root length and wet weight. Removing the trap crops from the field after 6–8 weeks could be applied to reduce the competition between the main crop and the trap crops.

Assessment of the Potential of Umbrella Thorn [Vachellia tortilis (Forssk.) Galasso & Banfi] for the Rehabilitation of Sub-Sahelian Mining Sites at Essakane, North-Eastern Burkina Faso

Establishment of plant communities at mine sites with significant disturbance depends upon factors such as the presence of efficient mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobia. Field and greenhouse experiments were conducted to assess growth performance of umbrella thorn as a potential tree species for reforestation of mine sites in arid areas. In the first experiment, seedlings were transplanted onto waste rock stockpile (WR) and tailings (TLG) with high arsenic (As) content on sites at the Essakane gold mine. Trees were assessed for growth and survival 3 years after planting. In experiment 2, soil was sampled on four sites across a disturbance gradient from mining waste (WR and TLG) and artisanal gold mining to undisturbed natural soil (NS). Each soil was planted with two separate leguminous trap crops (cowpea and umbrella thorn) in pots to check for microsymbionts. At 3 years, trees grew better on TLG soils with greater arsenic contamination than WRs in the field. Although tree establishment was moderate, with <50% survival, overall results suggest the ability of umbrella thorn to tolerate As contamination levels up to 1,300 ppm and, therefore, its potential for reforestation. Soil pH has shown strong effects on soil nutrient content. In particular, ammonium was the dominant form of mineral nitrogen (N) in the more neutral pH NS soils, while nitrate was present in the more alkaline WRs. Denitrification likely resulted in high N loss where nitrate dominates, reflecting the poor performance of N-deficient trees on WRs compared to TLG soils. Growth trends of umbrella thorn in potted-soils were consistent with those reported on TLG and WR soils in plantations.

Selection of Non-Crop Plant Mixes Informed by Arthropod-Plant Network Analyses for Multiple Ecosystem Services Delivery Towards Ecological Intensification of Agriculture

Ecological intensification (EI) of agriculture through the improvement of ecosystem service delivery has recently emerged as the alternative to the conventional intensification of agriculture that is widely considered unsustainable and has negative impacts on the environment. Although tropical agricultural landscapes are still heterogeneous, they are rapidly losing diversity due to agricultural intensification. Restoration of natural or semi-natural habitats, habitat diversity, and provision of multiple benefits have been identified as important targets for the transition to EI. Choosing the right plant mixes for the restoration of habitats that can offer multiple ecosystem service benefits is therefore crucial. The selection of candidate species for plant mixes is generally informed by studies focusing on a specific ecosystem service (e.g., pollination) and not based on the whole arthropod—non-crop plant interactions matrix. In this study, we try to identify non-crop plant mixes that would provide habitat for pollinators, act as refugia for natural pest predators, and also as a trap crop for potential crop pests by studying non-crop plants—arthropod interaction network. We have identified the non-crop plant species mixes by first identifying the connector species based on their centrality in the network and then by studying how their sequential exclusions affect the stability of the network.

Prospects for habitat management to suppress vegetable pests in Australia

AbstractHabitat management is an ecologically based approach to suppress pest densities, utilising properties of non‐crop vegetation to improve the impact of natural enemies or to directly affect pest behaviour. Research in this approach has escalated dramatically this century, extending to uptake in some crops, but adoption in Australia has been lower than overseas. Here, we address the need of the Australian vegetable sector to reduce reliance on insecticides by assessing the scope for habitat management in brassica (Brassicaceae), lettuce (Lactuca sativa) (Asteraceae), capsicum (Capsicum annuum) (Solanaceae), carrot (Daucus carota) (Apiaceae), French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) (Fabaceae) and sweetcorn (Zea mays) (Poaceae) crops. Each crop is of major economic importance, and together, they represent contrasting botanical families and production systems that are associated with different arthropod complexes. We review studies of habitat management that are based on provision of shelter, nectar, alternative prey or pollen for natural enemies (top‐down effects) or changing pest behaviour (bottom‐up effects) through intercropping or trap crops. The likely utility of these approaches under Australian conditions is assessed, and recommendations are made to promote adoption and for adaptive research. Nectar‐ and pollen‐providing plants, such as alyssum (Lobularia maritima) (Brassicaceae), offer strong potential to promote natural enemies in multiple crops whilst trap crops, especially yellow rocket (Barbarea vulgaris) (Brassicaceae), have more targeted utility against diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), the most serious pest of brassicas. Opportunities for intercrops and banker plant species are also identified. Our recommendations serve as a platform for researchers and for farmer‐led studies to help realise the full potential of habitat management approaches in Australian vegetable production systems.

Plant protection module on management of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella and other lepidopteran pests in cabbage

The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.) is the most destructive insect pest of cruciferous crops throughout the world. The use of trap crops, pheromones, botanicals, bio-agents and safer insecticides for pest control promises to be an important integrated approach in the management of DBM and other lepidopteran pests which helps to solve major environmental and human health problems. A study was designed and carried out at Ramanagara and Bengaluru Rural district during 2017-18 and 2018-19 to understand the effectiveness of IPM module, recommended practices and farmers' practice in cabbage fields.The results revealed that 15 days prior to cabbage transplanting, sowing of Indian mustard (2 rows after 25 rows of cabbage) attracted DBM moths for oviposition, 7 days after transplanting (DAT), installation of WOTA-T traps @ 5 Nos./acre helped in monitoring and mass trapping of DBM moths. The spraying of botanicals, bioagents and safer insecticides as per the schedule, viz. neem soap (10 g/l) after 15 DAT, Spinosad 2.5 SC (1.25 ml/l) after 18 DAT, Emamectin benzoate 5SG (0.5 gm/l) after 21 DAT, Bt (Dipel) (1 g/l) after 35 DAT, Chlorfenapyr 10 SC (1.5 ml/l) after 50 DAT, Spinosad 2.5 SC (1.25 ml/l) after 65 DAT and Emamectin benzoate 5 SG (0.5 gm/l) after 80 DAT, effectively reduced the damage caused by DBM in cabbage fields. The pest incidence in IPM module was negligible resulted in fetching higher yields, quality heads and better returns compared to farmers' practice. Farmers can adopt IPM module as an alternative to insecticides as it is ecologically safe, economically viable and socially well acceptable.

Belowground Chemical Interactions: An Insight Into Host-Specific Behavior of Globodera spp. Hatched in Root Exudates From Potato and Its Wild Relative, Solanum sisymbriifolium.

Understanding belowground chemical interactions between plant roots and plant-parasitic nematodes is immensely important for sustainable crop production and soilborne pest management. Due to metabolic diversity and ever-changing dynamics of root exudate composition, the impact of only certain molecules, such as nematode hatching factors, repellents, and attractants, has been examined in detail. Root exudates are a rich source of biologically active compounds, which plants use to shape their ecological interactions. However, the impact of these compounds on nematode parasitic behavior is poorly understood. In this study, we specifically address this knowledge gap in two cyst nematodes, Globodera pallida, a potato cyst nematode and the newly described species, Globodera ellingtonae. Globodera pallida is a devastating pest of potato (Solanum tuberosum) worldwide, whereas potato is a host for G. ellingtonae, but its pathogenicity remains to be determined. We compared the behavior of juveniles (J2s) hatched in response to root exudates from a susceptible potato cv. Desirée, a resistant potato cv. Innovator, and an immune trap crop Solanum sisymbriifolium (litchi tomato – a wild potato relative). Root secretions from S. sisymbriifolium greatly reduced the infection rate on a susceptible host for both Globodera spp. Juvenile motility was also significantly influenced in a host-dependent manner. However, reproduction on a susceptible host from juveniles hatched in S. sisymbriifolium root exudates was not affected, nor was the number of encysted eggs from progeny cysts. Transcriptome analysis by using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed the molecular basis of root exudate-mediated modulation of nematode behavior. Differentially expressed genes are grouped into two major categories: genes showing characteristics of effectors and genes involved in stress responses and xenobiotic metabolism. To our knowledge, this is the first study that shows genome-wide root exudate-specific transcriptional changes in hatched preparasitic juveniles of plant-parasitic nematodes. This research provides a better understanding of the correlation between exudates from different plants and their impact on nematode behavior prior to the root invasion and supports the hypothesis that root exudates play an important role in plant-nematode interactions.

STRIGA HERMONTHICA SUICIDAL GERMINATION ACTIVITY OF TEN SOYABEAN, COWPEA AND GROUNDNUT VARIETIES IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

The obligate hemiparasite Striga hermonthica is one of the major global biotic threats to agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa, causing severe yield losses of cereals. The germination of Striga seeds relies on host-released signaling molecules, mainly Strigolactones (SLs). Strigolactones (SLs) are plant hormones that regulate the branching of plants and seed germination stimulants of root parasitic plants. Striga hermonthica’s non-hosts stimulate parasite seed to germinate without getting infected because the non-hosts produce unique germination stimulants Strigolactones). This phenomenon called suicidal seed germination is greatly used in S. hermonthica control. For improved efficiency of the suicidal seed germination method in S. hermonthica control, detailed analysis of comparative ability of potential trap crops to stimulate germination is critical. This study was undertaken with the aim to screen 10 genotypes each of soybean, cowpea and groundnut as trap crops for Striga: the potential ability of their root exudates to stimulate germination of Striga seed was evaluated. The results indicate that soyabean varieties TGX 1019-2EB and TGX 1448-2E delayed Striga emergence in 2013 and 2014 respectively compared to other varieties. In the results of the Striga count, plant height and grain yield, Soyabean variety TGX 1448-2E generally performed better than other varieties. 2.5 g Striga level gave better results in all the parameters measured compared to 5 g Striga level. Cowpea varieties IT04K-339-1 and IT07K-25-3-3 delayed Striga emergence in 2013 and 2014 respectively, while in Striga count and plant height, cowpea variety IT04K-217-5 performed better than other varieties but higher grain yield was recorded in cowpea variety IT04K-339-1 compared to other varieties. Groundnut varieties TES, QH 243C, RMP-12 and RMP-91 delayed Striga emergence compared to other varieties in 2014. Groundnut variety RMP-91 performed better in Striga count, plant height and grain yield in both planting years 2013 and 2014 compared to other varieties.

Development and evaluation of a non-chemical pest management system for bitter gourd with emphasis on fruit fly

Some non-chemical pest management modules against fruit fly on bitter gourd were developed by incorporating natural components like plant fractions, barrier and trap crop, plant diversity, biopesticide, bait-traps, straw mulch, phytosanitation etc. and tried against the pest. The components of the modules effectively checked the infestation and damage of the important pests like fruit fly (8.8 - 9.2% infested fruit), white fly (0.3 - 0.7/leaf), jassid (1.1 - 1.4/leaf), aphid (3.2 - 3.7/leaf), thrips (1.4 - 1.8/leaf), leaf webber (6.2 -10.0% infested plant), red pumpkin beetle (0.5 - 0.7/plant) and epilachna (1.1 - 1.5/plant) and registered good yields. Results showed that the non-chemical modules effectively checked the growth and development of the pest populations and their subsequent damage. They were also cost-effective and safe to natural enemies and pollinators.

A REVIEW ON CULTURAL PRACTICE AS AN EFFECTIVE PEST MANAGEMENT APPROACH UNDER INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

Integrated Pest Management is a sustainable and holistic approach based on ecological, biological, physical and chemical tactics for controlling pests in the field that, in any way, minimizes risk towards the health and environment. IPM methods involve identifying and knowing the characters of possible pests, making efforts to prevent prevalence, judgment of severity of pest-disease infestation through scouting and monitoring techniques. This paper highlights some of the already practiced strategies and experiments with interpretation of results obtained in various field conditions suggesting wider implications of IPM for managing pests in our fields. The review collects and studies some of the basic and commonly adopted cultural practices like clean and healthy crop growth, trap crop plantation, crop rotation, crop combinations etc. Cost effectiveness, ease of execution, instantly observable results etc are some unattainable aspects affecting IPM adoptions yet farmers seem somewhat encouraged towards sustainable and healthy production in recent years. It is necessary to know about crop and pest biology, ecology, phenology and their links/interaction to successfully implement cultural practices.

Assessment of Trap Crops for The Wheat Bug, Nysius huttoni Management: A Cage Study

The wheat bug, Nysius huttoni, is an endemic New Zealand insect pest. Its feeding can seriously reduce crop establishment in forage A cage study was conducted in Lincoln University, New Zealand to evaluate the pest’s host preferences on four plant species. Kale plants (Brassica oleracea) were used as a potentially susceptible control and other four trap plants were tested to evaluate as potential trap-plants. These were: Lobularia maritima (alyssum), Triticum aestivum (wheat), Coriandrum sativum (coriander) and Trifolium repens (white clover). The alyssum plant was more attractive to the wheat bug. The survival rate and preferences of the wheat bug was significantly better than other four plants. The deployment of such flowering trap crops can potentially trap the wheat bug and also provide multiple ecosystem services (ES) in an agro-ecosystem. The findings can be used to develop the wheat bug management protocol and also potentially provide ecosystem services in brassica fields.

Assessment of Traditional Methods of Controlling Striga on Cultivated Crops in Sudanian Agricultural Zone of Chad

The phytoparasite, Striga spp., is a major biotic constraint to cereals production in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was carried out at station of Bébédjia of Chadian Institute of Agronomic Research for the Development in Sudanian agricultural zone of Chad, on traditional methods of controlling Striga spp. This study helped to find out several methods of controlling Striga among which the most important is the agronomic method including organic and or mineral fertilization, associated crops, crop rotation and the use of false hosts and trap crops. Some farmers cultivated resistant varieties and early maturing varieties to control pest attack and some others used shea flour and herbicide treatment to reduce the effect of Striga on the farm. Most of these methods were applied by farmers from generation to generation, without a thorough study to understand their mechanism. Thus, the listed methods will be analysed by research in station to find out scientific explanations for each applied method. Then experiments will be carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of some methods previously identified by extension rural services in farmers’ area after improvement.

Nutritional indices and feeding preference of the Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) in several Brassicaceae plants

The quantity and quality of food consumed by insects affect their growth, development; likewise, the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae), one of the important pests of Brassicaceae plants. The study aimed to determine feed preferences and the effect of four Brassicaceae, namely cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata), caisin (B. rapa), broccoli (B. oleracea var. italica), and Rorippa indica, on the nutritional indices of P. xylostella larvae. The research methods consisted of insect rearing, nutrition indices test, preference test, and proximate analysis. The results showed that the highest preference was found in R. indica (47.81%), while the other three plant species were not significantly different. Cabbage treatment showed the highest efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI) (8.56%), followed by R. indica, caisin, and broccoli. The same thing, cabbage treatment showed the highest efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD) (13.02%), followed by caisin, R. indica, and broccoli. Broccoli had the highest approximate digestibility (AD) (89.38%), followed by R. indica, cabbage, and caisin. In general, the results of the nutritional indices showed that cabbage was the most suitable feed for P. xylostella larvae; in addition, with a high feeding preference, R. indica could potentially be used as a trap crop.

Nitrogen and phosphorus supply strongly reduced the control efficacy of maize against sunflower broomrape

ABSTRACT Heavy infestation by the root parasitic sunflower broomrape over wide regions constitutes a major biological constraint to sunflower production. The use of maize as a trap crop to induce sunflower broomrape germination is considered a cost-effective method for controlling sunflower broomrape. This study was designed to examine the activity of maize to induce sunflower broomrape seeds germination under varying levels of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization. Orthogonal experiments were conducted during two cropping seasons with four maize cultivars under four levels of N and P application. A significant reduction in sunflower broomrape germination induced by maize root and rhizosphere soil extracts upon N and P application was observed in both 2014 and 2015, with P having the strongest effect on the broomrape germination inducing activity of maize root extracts. Structural equation modelling analysis revealed that N and P supplementation not only directly affected the germination-inducing capacity towards sunflower broomrape of maize root extracts but also had an indirect effect through the impact on abscisic acid contents. This study may contribute to a better understanding of the connection between soil fertility and the production and release of germination stimulants in maize and that can lead to improved control strategies.

Insect pest management in vegetable crops through trap cropping: Review

The study was carried out at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2019 as the widespread use ofinsecticides to control crop pests has created various problems such as residues in the food chain, phytotoxicity,pesticide resistance, pest resurgence, bioaccumulation and secondary pest outbreak, in addition to causing harmfuleffect on the environment and non-targeted beneficial organisms. However, trap cropping is one such type of specialcompanion planting strategy that is traditionally used for insect pest management through vegetative diversificationused to attract insect pests away from the main crops during a critical time period by providing them an optionalpreferred choice. Trap cropping also has a tremendous potential to attract and conserve natural enemies in croppingsystems. The effect of attracting natural enemies may be an advantage compared to the other/conventional meansof pest control. Trap cropping can be integrated with other Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tactics. But trapcropping, like many other cultural tactics, remains under-exploited. Research on trap cropping has been very limited,and deserves more consideration to sustain agro-ecosystems throughout the world. In this review we have providedinformation based on trap cropping modalities and an updated list of trap cropping system in vegetable crops thatshould be proven as helpful in future trap cropping endeavors.

UPLC-MS/MS analysis and biological activity of the potato cyst nematode hatching stimulant, solanoeclepin A, in the root exudate of Solanum spp.

Main conclusionSolanoeclepin A is a hatching stimulant for potato cyst nematode in very low (pM) concentrations. We report a highly sensitive method for the analysis of SolA in plant root exudates using UHPLC-MS/MS and show that there is considerable natural variation in SolA production in Solanum spp. corresponding with their hatching inducing activity.Potato cyst nematode (PCN) is a plant root sedentary endoparasite, specialized in the infection of solanaceous species such as potato (Solanum tuberosum) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Earlier reports (Mulder et al. in Hatching agent for the potato cyst nematode, Patent application No. PCT/NL92/00126, 1996; Schenk et al. in Croat Chem Acta 72:593–606, 1999) showed that solanoeclepin A (SolA), a triterpenoid metabolite that was isolated from the root exudate of potato, induces the hatching of PCN. Its low concentration in potato root exudate has hindered progress in fully understanding its hatching inducing activity and exploitation in the control of PCN. To further investigate the role of SolA in hatching of PCN, the establishment of a highly sensitive analytical method is a prerequisite. Here we present the efficient single-step extraction and UHPLC-MS/MS based analysis for rapid determination of SolA in sub-nanomolar concentrations in tomato root exudate. This method was used to analyze SolA production in different tomato cultivars and related solanaceous species, including the trap crop Solanum sisymbriifolium. Hatching assays with PCN, Globodera pallida, with root exudates of tomato genotypes revealed a significant positive correlation between SolA concentration and hatching activity. Our results demonstrate that there is natural variation in SolA production within solanaceous species and that this has an effect on PCN hatching. The analytical method we have developed can potentially be used to support breeding for crop genotypes that induce less hatching and may therefore display reduced infection by PCN.

Root-Lesion Nematodes Affecting Dryland Cereals in the Semiarid Pacific Northwest U.S.A.

Root-lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) are parasites that invade and deteriorate roots, thereby reducing the efficiency of water and nutrient uptake. Pratylenchus neglectus and P. thornei are the two species that are most prevalent and cause reduced yields of rainfed wheat and barley in semiarid regions of the Pacific Northwest. They are particularly damaging where wheat and barley are produced without irrigation in areas receiving less than 450 mm (18 in.) of precipitation annually. This review is focused on the biology and management of P. neglectus and P. thornei in semiarid rainfed agriculture. Characteristics of climates, soils, and crop production systems are described as a preface to constraints placed upon management options. Discussions include the economic importance, host ranges, and protocols for sampling and species identification. Discussion of disease management options include crop rotation, genetic resistance and tolerance, planting date, trap and biofumigant crops, crop nutrition, chemical and biological nematicides, and tillage. Predictions for rainfed agriculture in a period of changing climate are presented, as are suggestions for important areas of research including crop genetics, nematode testing, and communication of results, Pratylenchus biology, mechanisms of resistance, the phytobiome, and closing the "yield gap" between actual and attainable yields.

Allelopathic Activity of Strigolactones on the Germination of Parasitic Plants and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Growth

Strigolactones (SLs) are a prime example of allelochemicals, promoting parasitic plant germination and certain hyphal branching factors associated to the growth of symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). However, the study of SLs is complex, and various issues have yet to be studied in depth. This review intends to provide an overview of the works that have been conducted on the identification, isolation, and evaluation of the allelopathic activity of natural canonical and non-canonical SLs on parasitic weeds and AMF growth. These topics were related with their application in agriculture through trap crops, suicidal germination or intercropping strategies. The high applicability of SLs in agriculture, for example, as preventing herbicides for parasitic weed control, has increased the interest for these compounds and the number of research articles published. This review updates and discusses the last findings in this field, with special emphasis in the results published since 2015, using tables and graphs to summarize and discuss that information. The promising results and conclusions obtained from the bioassays herein presented provide a good reason to encourage and support further research works on these natural products, which must also consider the disadvantages or current limitations that SLs present.

Effect of Steroidal Glycoalkaloids on Hatch and Reproduction of the Potato Cyst Nematode Globodera pallida.

Steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs) are phytoanticipins found in solanaceous crops that act as the first line of chemical defense against pathogen attacks. Solanum sisymbriifolium, a trap crop for potato cyst nematodes, has been shown to effectively reduce populations of Globodera pallida. S. sisymbriifolium contains α-solamargine and other solasodine-type glycoalkaloids that may contribute to plant defenses. This study evaluated the influence of solanaceous SGAs on G. pallida hatch, development, and reproduction. Exposure to α-solamargine and α-solamarine reduced G. pallida hatch by 65 and 87%, respectively. Exposure of G. pallida cysts with the glycoalkaloids α-solamargine and solasodine significantly reduced infection in susceptible potato 'Russet Burbank' by 98 and 94% compared with the control. Exposure of cysts to either solasodine or solamargine significantly reduced reproduction of G. pallida on 'Russet Burbank' by 99% compared with the control. The study demonstrated the deleterious effect of SGAs on G. pallida hatch, infection, and reproduction.