Ginger Industry Preparedness for Guava Root-knot Nematode (Meloidogyne enterolobii) Phase 2

Summary

Root-knot nematodes are one of the top three pest/disease issues for the Australian ginger industry. Agrifutures project PRO- 017741, Ginger Industry Preparedness for Guava Root-knot Nematode (Meloidogyne enterolobii), investigated the likely impact of this new root-knot nematode (RKN) species on the industry and developed improved diagnostic tools for all RKN species that occur in Queensland. Continuing from their work in PRO-017741, Queensland Department of Primary Industries have identified the follow key areas for further work to help manage existing RKN pests, prepare for the potential arrival of GRKN and to increase the preparedness of industry against nematode incursions.

Screening resistant cover crops
The use of resistant cover crops as a rotation is a key management tool for reducing root-knot nematode numbers to allow continued production of susceptible crops. Chemical control options for nematode pests are decreasing, further raising the importance of cultural practices like rotations for management. Growers have indicated that the long (up to 4 year) breaks that are often employed between ginger crops mean that cash crops are favoured as rotations for commercial considerations. Crops that are legumes and/or which produce large quantities of biomass are also considered important in rotation programs for soil improvement. Industry has also raised the issue that fall army worm (FAW) has become a significant pest of ginger and many of the traditional choices of RKN resistant rotations. The QDPI nematology team will liaise with FAW researchers to help identify potential crops for nematode screening that are not preferred by FAW.
A selection of break crops for short-term or longer rotations (chosen in consultation with industry) will be screened against GRKN and other RKN species to determine their resistance and suitability for reducing inoculum levels in between ginger crops. Priority will be given to cash crops, biomass/legume crops and crops which are not preferred for FAW feeding preference.
Outcome: Knowledge of suitable cover crops to assist with sustainable production by reducing root-knot nematode populations between ginger crops. Rotations resistant to GRKN will be identified so that it can be managed should it become established in the industry.

Utilising wood chip/sawdust amendments to introduce biocontrol agents
Sawdust and wood chips have utility in the ginger industry as mulches and incorporated amendments to improve soil health. Preliminary results from non-related DPI research indicate that wood chips can be a host to potential fungal biocontrol agents. This activity would investigate the potential to utilise the wood products used in the ginger industry to suppress nematodes by co-inoculation with available fungal biocontrol agents. Suitable potential biocontrol agents are available as commercial products which can help manage RKN through plant growth promotion, stimulation of plant defences and direct effects on nematodes via enzymes, antibiotics, etc.
Outcome: Proof of concept glasshouse pot trial for introduction of nematode biocontrol agents via wood products

Packaging and extension of RKN management information

Creation of extension materials tailored to the ginger industry which collate current best practice information for integrated management of RKN pests. Information will be drawn from previous soil-health and nematode work in ginger as well as more recent relevant research from other industries. This will include on-farm biosecurity messaging to help growers avoid introduction of GRKN and other new soil-borne pests and pathogens. To incorporate the most recent findings from this project, the extension information will be packaged towards the end of the project. A risk calculator for plant-parasitic nematodes will also be developed as a tool to help growers make management decisions and to understand the implications and risks for nematodes associated with various practices.
Outcome: Updated best practice information and project outcomes for RKN management extended to industry.

Program

Ginger

Research Organisation

The State of Queensland acting through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries