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


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