Root-Lesion Nematodes Affecting Dryland Cereals in the Semiarid Pacific Northwest U.S.A.

Root-lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) are parasites that invade and deteriorate roots, thereby reducing the efficiency of water and nutrient uptake. Pratylenchus neglectus and P. thornei are the two species that are most prevalent and cause reduced yields of rainfed wheat and barley in semiarid regions of the Pacific Northwest. They are particularly damaging where wheat and barley are produced without irrigation in areas receiving less than 450 mm (18 in.) of precipitation annually. This review is focused on the biology and management of P. neglectus and P. thornei in semiarid rainfed agriculture. Characteristics of climates, soils, and crop production systems are described as a preface to constraints placed upon management options. Discussions include the economic importance, host ranges, and protocols for sampling and species identification. Discussion of disease management options include crop rotation, genetic resistance and tolerance, planting date, trap and biofumigant crops, crop nutrition, chemical and biological nematicides, and tillage. Predictions for rainfed agriculture in a period of changing climate are presented, as are suggestions for important areas of research including crop genetics, nematode testing, and communication of results, Pratylenchus biology, mechanisms of resistance, the phytobiome, and closing the “yield gap” between actual and attainable yields.