by Jason Woodward, Associate Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Lubbock, TX; 806.746.6101; jewoodward@ag.tamu.edu

In addition to fungicide seed treatments, there are several nematicide seed treatments available for producers to use in the management of root-knot (Meloidogyne incognita) and reniform (Rotylenchulus reniformis) nematodes. Abamectin, the active ingredient in Acceleron-N and Avicta Complete Cotton (offerings on Deltapine and Phytogen varieties, respectively), has been registered for use in cotton for approximately 10 years. Acceleron-N and Avicta Complete Cotton differ from earlier products, namely Avicta Duo, in that they also include a premium fungicide package. The Aeris Seed Applied System, offered by Bayer CropScience, is comprised of the insecticide imidacloprid and the nematicide thiodicarb. Overall, the performance of these nematicides is comparable; however, they are most effective under low to moderate nematode pressure and should not be used as solely in fields severely infested with either nematodes. Efficacy of these products can be variable especially under dry conditions at and after planting, which results from the relatively low solubility of the active ingredients. Research will be conducted this coming season to evaluate a new chemical seed treatment for use against nematodes with a potential registration for 2017. There are also biological seed treatments that can be applied to cotton planting seed. Poncho Votivo contains the neonicotinoid insecticide clothianidin and the biological agent Bacillus firmus strain I-1582, which targets nematodes. Votivo affects the ability of nematodes to infect cotton by colonizing roots and disrupting the establishment of feeding sites. N-Hibit seed treatment contains the Harpin protein, a naturally occurring compound that has been shown to stimulate plant defense responses. While reductions in damage from and reproduction of the root-knot nematode have been reported using N-Hibit, no significant yield increases have been reported. These products can be ordered from each respective company or applied to seed by local retailers. While seed treatment nematicides are convenient compared to fumigants or in-furrow nematicides, their performance can be erratic. There are a number of varieties that can be grown in fields infested with root-knot nematodes including Deltapine 1454 NR B2RF, Deltapine1558 NR B2RF, Fibemax 2011GT, Fibermax 1911GLT, Phytogen 367, Phytogen 417WRF, Phytogen 427WRF, Phytogen 487WRF and Stoneville 4946GLB2. If you have any questions about this information or any other cotton diseases contact Jason Woodward jewoodward@ag.tamu.edu or 806.632-0762.

AssociateProfessor and Extension Plant Pathologist
Dept. of Plant Pathology and Microbiology
Texas A&M Agrilife Research
Lubbock, TX
806-746-6101
jewoodward@ag.tamu.edu