Published 2014 | Version v1
Journal article

Varietal and technical innovations for the sustainable and integrated management of root-knot nematodes

Description

The current restrictions on the use of chemical nematicides have contributed to increased root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) problems in horticultural crops. In this context, plant resistance (R) appears as the most effective method of control, but the restricted number of cultivated vegetable species with root-knot nematode R-genes available (tomato, pepper), and the possible occurrence of virulent nematodes able to reproduce on R-plants may constitute a severe threat to this control strategy. To increase the sustainability of the protection, a scientific challenge exists in building cropping strategies based on the combination of genetic resistance with cultivation practices. Our projects aimed at assessing such innovative strategies in a multi-site device in research stations and commercial farms. First, we looked at three components of crop protection, i.e., R-efficiency, R-durability, and sustainability of rotating cultivation. Overall, a constant hierarchy of management strategies was observed, with Pyramyding > Alternating > Mixture of R-genes > Sequential use of a single R-gene introgressed in a susceptible background. We are currently analysing (1) the impact of agronomic practices on the parasite pressure in the soil and on ecological diversity including other nematode species, (2) the linkage between reduction of Meloidogyne populations in the soil and increase of R-genes durability, and (3) the sustainability assessment of such varietal and technical innovations. Multidisciplinary approaches were combined to foster synergistic and long-term goals. The diversity of partners and associated forces brought all the complementary expertise needed for answering specific short-term questions as well as generic mid- to long-term expectations.

Abstract

International audience

Additional details

Identifiers

URL
https://hal.inrae.fr/hal-02629917
URN
urn:oai:HAL:hal-02629917v1

Origin repository

Origin repository
UNICA