Growth of wheat after damage by, and effects of ethylene dibromide on, a field population of Heterodera avenae

Abstract

Growth of two wheat cultivars (Cook and Egret) after damage by H. avenae, and the effects of EDB on growth and on the nematode were assessed in a field trial. Most early growth variables of both cultivars were delayed by the nematode and EDB largely removed the effects of the nematode. EDB reduced the population of hatched nematodes and delayed hatching of encysted eggs for about 6 weeks, after which hatching resumed. It did not reduce per cent hatch or infectivity. Cook, a later-maturing cultivar than Egret, had more damage on nodal roots when nematode hatching was delayed following treatment with EDB. Both cultivars were equally susceptible to the nematode, but EDB reduced the multiplication of the nematode.