Success StorySurveying Plant-Parasitic Nematodes in Kentucky Corn Fields



Surveying Plant-Parasitic Nematodes in Kentucky Corn Fields

Author: Kiersten Wise

Planning Unit: Plant Pathology

Major Program: Plant Disease ID

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Corn nematodes have the potential to be yield-limiting pests of Kentucky corn. However, there comprehensive surveys to understand corn nematode distribution in Kentucky have been limited. Surveys began in 2019 and were repeated in 2020 and 2023. This year, County Agents sampled over 40 fields across 13 Kentucky counties. At least one species of nematode was detected in every sample submitted, with spiral, lesion, and lance nematodes detected most frequently. Root-knot nematodes were detected in one county, which is a new confirmation for Kentucky. Needle and stubby root nematodes were not detected in any samples; these are exceptionally damaging species on corn. Nematode levels and species varied widely across the sampled counties, and within a county. These results are being analyzed with previous year survey results and will be distributed to Agents to help with questions about corn nematodes in their counties.






Stories by Kiersten Wise


New corn disease confirmed in Kentucky

about 5 years ago by Kiersten Wise

The disease Curvularia leaf spot, caused by the fungus Curvularia lunata, was first discovered in th... Read More


Economics of on-farm foliar fungicide applications in corn

about 5 years ago by Kiersten Wise

Foliar fungicide applications have now become common in corn production, often applied in the absenc... Read More


Stories by Plant Pathology


Plant Sample Preparation and Submission Webinar Training for County Extension Staff

about 5 years ago by Kimberly Leonberger

Whenlandscape or garden plants begin to show symptoms of a problem, or commercial crops start to dec... Read More


Educating agents and the ag industry on the importance of soybean cyst nematode in reducing soybean yields

about 5 years ago by Carl Bradley

The soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is the most destructive soybean pathogen in the United States. In 2... Read More