Success StoryCorn nematode survey



Corn nematode survey

Author: Kiersten Wise

Planning Unit: Plant Pathology

Major Program: Integrated Plant Pest Management

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Corn nematodes have the potential to be yield-limiting pests of Kentucky corn. However, there have been no previous comprehensive surveys to understand corn nematode distribution in Kentucky. In 2019, 20 Kentucky counties were surveyed by County Agents, with at least three samples collected per county, for a total of 78 samples examined for species and level of plant parasitic nematodes in corn. At least one species of nematode was detected in each corn field, with spiral, lesion, and lance nematodes detected most frequently (in over 50% of samples). Damaging species such as needle, stunt, stubby root, or root-knot nematodes were not detected in any samples.  Most samples had “low” levels of nematodes; 24% of samples had moderate or high levels of spiral nematode, and 14% of samples had moderate or high levels of lesion nematode. Nematode levels and species varied widely across the sampled counties, and within a county. The survey will be repeated in 2020.






Stories by Kiersten Wise


Improving Postharvest Corn Disease Management

about 6 years ago by Kiersten Wise

Postharvest ear rots of corn are caused by fungi that produce toxic compounds, known as mycotoxins. ... Read More


National corn fungicide efficacy resources coordinated through University of Kentucky

about 6 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


Improving Postharvest Corn Disease Management

about 6 years ago by Kiersten Wise

Postharvest ear rots of corn are caused by fungi that produce toxic compounds, known as mycotoxins. ... Read More


National corn fungicide efficacy resources coordinated through University of Kentucky

about 6 years ago by Kiersten Wise

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