Influence of crop sequence, cultivar, and metam sodium on plant-parasitic nematode population and peanut

Prior cropping sequence can have a major effect on populations of plant parasitic nematodes (PPN), peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) yield, and financial return at the farm level. Effective crop rotation sequences can reduce PPN populations and reduce grower reliance on nematicides or fumigant. Recently, the root-knot nematode-resistant cultivar TifNV-High O/L was released. To determine the performance of this cultivar to PPNs in North Carolina, a cropping system trial that included 10 diverse rotation sequences from 2013–2020 was used that included rotation sequences that were favorable or unfavorable for maximum peanut yield. Peanut was planted in 2021 to determine the residual effects of the previous cropping sequence. Cropping sequence, cultivar, and metam sodium impacted peanut yield and population of PPN in soil. Fewer root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) and less root injury from nematode feeding were observed for the cultivar TifNV-High O/L than Bailey II. Metam sodium decreased populations of lesion (Pratylenchus brachyurus Filipjev & Schuurmans-Stekhoven), ring (Mesocriconema ornatum Raski), root-knot, and soybean cyst (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) nematodes in soil. With the exception of lesion nematode, response of nematodes and peanut to crop sequence, cultivar, and metam sodium was independent.