Nematicide Development from Solanum sisymbriifolium for Sustainable Eradication of Globodera pallida in Idaho

Commodities

• Agronomic: potatoes

Practices

• Education and Training: on-farm/ranch research
• Pest Management: biorational pesticides, eradication

The quarantined pest of potato, Globodera pallida, the pale cyst nematode, was first found in Idaho in 2006. Since its’ discovery, the focus has been to contain and eradicate this economically devastating pest of potato. G. pallida can cause up to 80% potato yield loss on susceptible potato varieties, readily spreads in infested soil, and survives for 30+ years in soil. Eradication efforts have relied on soil fumigation. Since many nematicides have been banned due to environmental concerns, development of new sustainable methods for controlling this nematode are essential for success of the eradication program. One alternative eradication measure is the use of Solanum sisymbriifolium, a trap crop commonly called litchi tomato which induces hatch but limits reproduction of G. pallida. However, because S. sisymbriifolium has little economic value as a crop and seeds are largely unavailable, it has not been widely adopted for use by producers in Idaho. Previous research shows butanol extracts of S. sisymbriifolium, containing glycoalkaloids, reduce hatch and viability of G. pallida. The goal of this project is to develop a sustainable nematicide that targets G. pallida but does not affect beneficial nematodes. Further fractionation of the butanol extracts will be tested in field microplots to determine which chemicals are most toxic to G. pallida. Results will be presented to stakeholders through presentations at PAA, IAPP, as well as a published newsletter. Potential discovery of novel sustainable chemistries for nematicide development would be a valuable achievement for Idaho producers, or anyone dealing with G. pallida infestations.  

Research Objectives:

1. Fractionate 1-butanol extraction of Solanum sisymbriifolium stems and leaves and determine chemical composition and concentration.
2. Determine effect of fractions on Globodera pallida hatch and viability in vitro.
3. Determine effect of fractions on Globodera pallida reproduction and populations under Idaho field conditions

Education Objectives:

1. Utilize professional meetings and conferences to present findings and progress to stakeholders on nematicide development to help eradicate Globodera pallida populations in infested fields.
2. Evaluate stakeholder understanding through pre- and post-presentation surveys at professional meetings and conferences.
3. Publish a newsletter in Potato Growers magazine or Potato Country magazine to thoroughly explain in layman’s terms findings and progress of nematicide development to give stakeholders sustainable options for G. pallida eradication.