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Article

Effect of Winter Oilseed Rape Cropping on the Development of the Sugar Beet Cyst Nematode, Heterodera schachtii, and Control of Volunteer Plants as a Trap Crop Method

by
Matthias Daub
Julius Kühn-Institute, Institute of Plant Protection in Field Crops and Grassland, Dürener Str. 71, D-50189 Elsdorf, Germany
Agronomy 2020, 10(3), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10030355
Submission received: 6 February 2020 / Revised: 26 February 2020 / Accepted: 28 February 2020 / Published: 4 March 2020
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Defense Responses in Crops Against Soil-Borne Pathogens)
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Abstract

:
The integration of oilseed rape (OSR) into sugar beet rotation systems is restricted due to the very good host status of OSR for the beet cyst nematode (BCN) Heterodera schachtii. In contrast to sugar beet, the cultivation of winter OSR covers a longer period, but at a lower soil temperature regime. Thus, presumably one or two generations of BCN may develop during the cultivation of winter OSR, resulting in moderate multiplication rates of 1–2 in the present study. This multiplication rate was year-dependent, but not affected by different sowing times. For the first time, the present study identified volunteer OSR emerging in high densities post-harvest as a major risk for a high multiplication of BCN at optimum temperatures. The emergence of BCN females with offspring was observed very early, resulting in a significant population increase before 350-degree days (>8 °C) in inoculation experiments and in field investigations. Conducting treatment trials with glyphosate to control volunteer OSR in micro-plots and field experiments confirmed effective suppression of BCN reproduction when growth of volunteer OSR was interrupted at 250–350-degree days. Thus, data gained from BCN reproduction studies under controlled and field conditions provided a unique basis for the development of a trap crop method. The degree day model has been successfully implemented as part of an open access management tool.

1. Introduction

The beet cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii Schmidt, 1871) is a major pest of sugar beet, with severe economic damage potential [1], which occurs worldwide throughout different geographic and climatic regions [2]. Oilseed rape (OSR) is considered tolerant against Heterodera schachtii, but is a very good host with high reproduction potential for the nematode [3].
Ever since Julius Kühn [4] identified oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) as a host of the beet cyst nematode (BCN), it has been widely accepted that the integration of OSR into crop rotation systems with sugar beet should be avoided [5,6] to minimize the potential risks of an uncontrolled population increase of BCN [7]. Resistance against BCN was transferred successfully from Raphanus sativus L. to Brassica napus L., resulting in a new BCN-resistant plant Raparadish (×Brassicoraphanus, 2n = 38) with low agricultural value [8]. More recently, resistance genes BvcZR3 and BvHs1pro-1 from clones of resistant sugar beet translocation lines were transferred into oilseed rape, which resulted in highly resistant transgenic OSR lines [9]. Nevertheless, BCN-resistant OSR cultivars are not yet available to growers in Europe.
The cultivation of winter OSR, which is common in central Europe, covers a vegetation period of about 10 months, from August/September to July. Within this period, the development of one generation of BCN under field conditions was confirmed in earlier studies [10,11], if sowing was as early as August. A crucial factor for the onset and completion of a second generation in winter OSR is considered to be the soil temperature during early spring [12]. An average temperature increase and the more frequent occurrence of warm winters are predicted in future climate scenarios for central Europe [13,14], which might enhance the potential risk of OSR for the multiplication of BCN. In contrast to OSR line varieties that were commonly sown in mid-August, current OSR hybrids enable late sowing times, until September, where soil temperature decreases and the activity of BCN starts to slow down. Thus, a delay of sowing times could be used to reduce the risk of BCN reproduction. The impact of different sowing times of OSR on the reproduction of BCN has not yet been investigated.
During the ripening of OSR, as pods already open and seeds come out, especially at harvest, there is a yield loss of 4000–7000 seed/m2 [15]. A part of these seeds germinate post-harvest as volunteer oilseed rape (vOSR) in the same field and have to be treated as a weed [16]. Volunteer oilseed rape has not been considered as a risk for the reproduction of BCN, even though it provides the most favourable conditions for BCN reproduction. These include a high density of a good host and an optimum soil temperature of about 25 °C [17]. About 17% of the initial seed bank was found to persist in the following crop, and 1.6% was retained until four years after the first occurrence [18]. If vOSR remains uncontrolled in the field, it may provide a “green bridge” for BCN in crop rotations with sugar beet. Deviating from a classical weed management, where repeated tillage should foster high germination rates over time, the development of vOSR needs to be interrupted at a certain stage to prevent completion of the BCN lifecycle and avoid the production of viable eggs and juveniles. In the search for a control strategy against BCN, Julius Kühn [19] developed a trap crop method that was primarily based on this effect. Kühn recommended using OSR and other cruciferous host plants for the cultivation of trap crops during summer and the destruction of the plants 25 days after seedling emergence. As a checkup, the occurrence of BCN males in the rhizosphere set the right time for the control of plants and nematodes.
In Germany, the current knowledge on the effect of winter-OSR cropping on the development of BCN is primarily based upon ancient studies, and the role of vOSR has not yet been considered. Growing conditions have changed and enable a variation in sowing times today. Temperature-based degree day models enable growers to meet crucial time windows for the control of volunteer plants which host certain BCN development stages. Therefore, a correlation between temperature and population dynamics must be found. Aiming to deliver the scientific data basis for this approach, the objectives of this study were (1) to detect the time window for the emergence of females with offspring and the time of significant nematode population increase under winter oilseed rape, (2) to investigate the impact of different sowing times of cultivated winter OSR on the reproduction of nematodes under field conditions, (3) to quantify nematode reproduction caused by volunteer OSR in the field and (4) to identify the time window for the effective control of volunteer OSR to achieve maximum suppression of nematodes.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. General Methods

The commercial OSR cultivar NK Fair was pre-tested as highly susceptible for BCN following the bioassay for resistance testing of trap crops [20]. The commercial OSR cultivar NK Fair was used in all experiments from the period 2008 to 2010. Chemical control of vOSR was applied with glyphosate (350 g/L, 3.5 L/ha) in all experiments using a pressure-regulated backpack sprayer (Bierchmeier, Stetten, Switzerland) in field experiments, or a hand sprayer (Mesto, Freiberg, Germany) in micro-plot trials. Glyphosate application was applied according to a degree day (DD) model, which cumulated average daily soil temperatures above 8 °C, starting at the time of vOSR emergence. Treatments of vOSR at certain degree days varied between 12 and 24 DD, or approximately 1–2 days, due to the requirement on weather conditions for spray applications. Soil temperature was recorded continuously on site at 10–15 cm soil depth by temperature probes linked to a field data logger (EM 50, Decagon, Hopkins Ct. Pullman, WA, USA). In field experiments, 12 soil samples per plot were taken manually with a split-core auger (inner diameter 5 cm) from the topsoil (30 cm depth). In micro-plot (MP) trials, 10 soil samples were taken by hand using a core auger (inner diameter 1.5 cm), also from the upper 30 cm. Samples of each plot or micro-plot were merged to a mixed sample of 4–5 Kg (field plot) and 1 Kg (micro-plot). Samples were kept in a cold store at 4–5 °C until analysis. The population density of BCN was determined in a homogenized subsample of 300 g by a modified density centrifugation technique [21], using an MgSO4 solution (1.26 g/mL).

2.2. Pot Experiments on Interaction between BCN and OSR as Host Plant

Two greenhouse trials were conducted during May and June in 2008 and 2009, covering a period of 6–7 weeks. Temperature was controlled at 20 ± 5 °C. Pots (450 mL) were filled with loess originating from the Rhineland area in Germany as a standard substrate, as described by Müller and Rumpenhorst [20] and 12 seeds were sown per pot. After germination, plant density was singled to a standard density of 10 plants per pot. BCN was inoculated as cysts mixed into the soil prior to sowing. Initial population density (Pi) could be adjusted to 860 e&j2/100 mL in 2008 and 280 e&j2/100 mL in 2009. A BCN standard population (Schach 0) was used for inoculation derived from a stock population, which was continuously reared with OSR as a susceptible host. Applying a serial of increasing degree days, six sampling dates after the emergence of OSR were defined, which were realized differently in both years. In 2008, sampling was conducted on the following degree days (>8 °C)/days after sowing (DAS): DD 135/DAS 16 (date 1), 225/29 (2), 324/39 (3), 396/45 (4), 441/51 (5), 522/58 (6). In 2009, sampling covered the following degree days (>8 °C)/ days after sowing: 123/16 (1), 199/24 (2), 318/36 (3), 405/45 (4), 456/50 (5), 550/58 (6). To calculate degree days, temperature in pots were detected by four temperature probes inserted into the substrate of pots at distant positions and recorded by a data logger (EM 50, Decagon, Hopkins Ct. Pullman, WA, USA). At each sampling date, BCN were extracted from 10 pots each. Roots were separated from soil, washed and milled using a standard lab blender. An acid fuchsin solution was added to the root suspension of 10 plants and cooked for four minutes at 800 W in a microwave to dye all nematodes stages. All nematode stages (J2, J3, J4, pre-adult males and females) were counted seperately five times from 1 mL of diluted (30–50 mL) root suspension. Cyst and females were extracted from 350 g of soil per pot in accordance with the modified density centrifugation technique used for field samples.

2.3. Field Experiments on Winter OSR Effects

Two field experiments on the effect of winter OSR cultivation on the multiplication of BCN, applying different sowing times, were conducted in the period 2007–2008 and 2009–2010 in the Rhineland region in Western Germany. The trial in 2007–2008 was conducted on an experimental field in Elsdorf and the trial in 2009–2010 was carried out on a farmed field in Titz. Both fields were maintained as part of a sugar beet rotation system where winter wheat was cropped prior to winter OSR. Both fields showed a natural BCN infestation at a comparable mean Pi density (Elsdorf: 1255 e&j2/100 mL; Titz: 1403 e&j2/100 mL). Soil preparation, application of fertilizer, plant protection measurements and harvest were carried out according to the local practice and with practical farm machinery. The applied sowing times for OSR considered the practical range of early, moderate and late times between calendar weeks 35 and 37. In 2007, OSR was sown out on 27th August (early), 4th September (moderate) and 14th September (late), and in 2009 sowing was conducted on 27th August, 1st September and 8th September. Each variation was sown in strips covering 10 plots for the determination of BCN population densities. Each sampling plot was sized 22.5 m2. Soil sampling was restricted to the inner part of 14 m2, considering a 1 m corridor between the edge and inner part. Initial population density (Pi1) was detected in samples taken 1–2 days prior to sowing and final population density (Pf1) was detected in samples taken 1 week after harvest and before the appearance of vOSR. In 2008, the sampling date for Pf1 was 29th July, and in 2010 Pf1 samples were taken on 25th July.

2.4. Field Experiments on Effects of vOSR Treatment

Following OSR cultivation, one field trial on the effect of the chemical control of vOSR on BCN reproduction was carried out in 2008, in Elsdorf, and 2010 in Titz. Fields showed a natural distribution of vOSR after OSR harvest ranging, from 100 to 500 Plants /m2 at 400 DD. vOSR was treated with glyphosate after 250 DD and 350 DD. Treatments were compared to an untreated control and one control variation, where the occurrence of vOSR was suppressed completely by glyphosate application. Sampling plots of 14 m2 were arranged randomly in a split block design with seven replications of each treatment. Pi2 samples were taken before the occurrence of vOSR and Pf2 samples were taken at the end of the vegetation period in October, in accordance to the technique described previously.
To detect the population dynamics of BCN during the unimpeded development of vOSR, one area was sampled in Titz in 2010 and in Linnich in 2016. The area was divided into two neighbouring strips, each consisting of 10 sampling plots of 14 m2. In one strip, the occurrence of vOSR was suppressed by glyphosate application, and in the neighbouring strips, vOSR was not treated. Pi2 sampled were taken before occurrence of vOSR and successively Pf2 samples were taken at 50 DD, 180 DD, 350 DD, 410 DD and 460 DD in 2011 and at 6 DD, 118 DD, 200 DD, 304 DD, and 410 DD in 2017

2.5. Micro-Plot Experiments on Effects of Simulated Volunteer Oilseed Rape Treatments

To measure the effect of glyphosate treatment of simulated volunteer oilseed rape (svOSR) on BCN reproduction two trials were conducted in micro-plots (MP) in 2008 and 2009. All MPs carried a sufficient initial BCN population density (2008: 1895 ± 1216 e&j2/100 mL; 2009: 2090 ± 1383 e&j2/100 mL). Aiming at a high plant density of above 500 plants/m2, vOSR was sown out with 3 g/m2 in each MP. Each MP measured 1 m2 and received 5 g nitrogen/MP. Seeds were sown out at the time of natural vOSR germination on 5th August (2008) and 27th July (2009). Plots were watered by a sprinkler irrigation if necessary. vOSR was treated with glyphosate according to the prescribed DD-Model at an early treatment time (250 DD), a moderate treatment time (300 DD) and a late treatment time (350 DD). Glyphosate treatments were compared with a non-treated control. All treatments and the control were distributed randomly in MP with six replications. Pi samples were taken before sowing and Pf samples at the end of the vegetation period in October.

2.6. Statistical Analyses

Multiplication rates were calculated from population densities (Pf/Pi) and log (x + 1) transformed. Data on population dynamics of BCN in the vOSR strips and in pot experiments were not transformed. Data were tested on normal distribution by Shapiro–Wilks Test. Differences between multiplication rates of treatments or sowing times were analyzed by ANOVA post hoc test (Fisher LSD). Likewise, the population dynamics of J2 in roots, log (x + 1) transformed data from cysts and female counts in pot experiments were analyzed by ANOVA post hoc test (Fisher LSD). Data on population dynamics in the vOSR strips were tested by t-test for differences between the treatments only within the same sampling time. Residuals were tested for homogeneity of variance (Lévene test) and normal distribution. Exceptionally, the population dynamics of eggs and juveniles extracted from cysts or females in pot experiments were tested with the non-parametric Kruskal Wallis ANOVA. Year effects vs. treatment effects were tested using main factorial ANOVA in the GLM procedure. All statistical analyses were processed by STATISTICA 10.0 (StatSoft, Inc. 2011, Tulsa, OK, USA).

3. Results

3.1. Pot Experiments on Interaction between BCN and OSR as Host Plant

Juvenile stage J2 was the most dominant development stage detected in OSR roots at the first sampling date (45%–60% of all individuals) and from sampling date 4 (>80%) onwards. Accordingly, the population dynamics of J2 in both years reached a significant maximum of 850 J2/g fresh roots in 2008 and 1482 J2/g fresh root in 2009 (Figure 1). A second invasion of J2 in both years could be detected during the last two sampling dates when 440 DD were exceeded (50–51 DAS), though at significantly lower population densities comparing to the first peak. Despite the increased root weight of OSR plants from 0.78 ± 0.17 g (mean 2008/2009 ± SD) at the first sampling date to 8.1 ± 1.9 g at the final sampling date, no correlation (r2 = 0.23, p < 0.01) was found between root weight and J2 density per g root weight. The abundance of females extracted from soil significantly increased at the second sampling date, when 199 DD were exceeded in both years (Table 1). At the last sampling date, the abundance of females further increased significantly, and likewise reached about 200 females /100 mL in both years. The abundance of cysts also significantly increased at the final sampling date, but at a lower level than that of females. When comparing population densities of eggs and juveniles derived from either cysts or females (Figure 2) a similar trend was observed in both years. First, eggs and juveniles from females already appeared at the second sampling date (24–29 DAS) at fairly low densities. A significant increase in this population was observed at the third sampling date (5704 ± 3876 e&j2/100 mL), which presumably started between degree day 199 and 324.

3.2. Field Experiments on Winter OSR Effects

Sowing times ranging from 27th August to 14th September did not affect multiplication rates (Pf/Pi) of BCN in field trials in both years (Table 2). This was evident despite significant variation in initial population densities (Pi) between plots, with different sowing times in each year. Mean multiplication rates of BCN under winter OSR in 2008 reached values between 1.6 and 2.3, and thus were significantly higher than rates observed in 2010, which effectively showed no change in population density or even a reduction in the BCN population of 10%–20%.
During the period where Winter OSR was cropped (August to July), average soil temperature in 10 cm depth reached 10.3 °C in 2008, while it was 9.4 °C in 2010 (Figure 3). As a result, in 2010, temperature sums above 8 °C were 168 to 189 DD lower than in 2008 (Table 3). On the other hand, the difference in temperature sum between early and late drilling was approximately 120 to 140 DD. In both years, early sowing times achieved over 1100 DD.

3.3. Field Experiments on Effects of vOSR Treatment

In succession of the winter OSR harvest 2008, volunteer oilseed rape (vOSR) emerged on 14th July, which was approximately 3 weeks earlier than in 2010, due to favourable weather conditions. Plants treated with glyphosate at 350 g/L and 3.5 L/ha died off within 6 days after application. In general, the volunteer plants emerged asynchronously, resulting in different plant development stages (one to five leaves unfolded) being present post-harvest in the same field. For this reason, glyphosate had to be applied several times to control upcoming plants in control plots. In 2008, the plant density of vOSR slightly varied between plots according to the natural growth pattern, whereas in 2010, high plant densities homogenously occurred throughout the whole trial area. The time elapsed between emergence and control of vOSR at 350 DD was 29 days in 2008 and 36 days in 2010. Trials were terminated at the end of season (first week of October) by taking Pf samples. Within the period between the emergence of vOSR and Pf sampling, approximately 780 DD were achieved in 2008, with an average soil temperature of 17.8 °C, while in 2010 it was approximately 500 DD with a lower average soil temperature of 15.9 °C.
The highest multiplication rates (Pf2/Pi2) of BCN were detected when growth of vOSR was not controlled (Figure 4). Pf2/Pi2 values in these plots was 2.35 (Log(x + 1) = 0.51) in 2008 and 1.65 (Log(x + 1) = 0.4) in 2010. Likewise, final population (Pf2) reached densities of 3810 eggs and juveniles/100 mL in 2008, and 843 eggs and juveniles/100 mL in 2010. In comparison to uncontrolled vOSR, control of vOSR at 250 DD and 350 DD achieved significantly lower multiplication rates in both years, ranging between 0.4 and 0.9 (Log(x + 1): 0.14 to 0.27). No difference in multiplication rates between 250 DD, 350 DD or no plants could be observed, although the lowest multiplication rates were measured in plots where vOSR was controlled at 250 DD in 2010. Merging results from both years, a significant effect on multiplication rates could be observed by treatments and year (Table 4). Initial population density (Pi2) was not different between treatments but significantly different between years. In 2008, Pi2 density was 1729 eggs and juveniles/100 mL, and in 2010 Pi2 density was 524 eggs and juveniles/100 mL.
The population dynamics of BCN in plots with uncontrolled growth of vOSR showed distinctive differences from plots with a permanent growth suppression of plants (Figure 5). From 200 DD (23 days after emergence of vOSR in 2017) and 280 DD (26 days after emergence of vOSR in 2011) onwards, population density increased significantly in plots with vOSR (p < 0.036, ANOVA), whereas population density in plots without plants did not change distinctively. Consequently, from 200 and 280 DD onwards, population densities in untreated plots showed significantly higher population densities then plots with complete growth suppression.

3.4. Micro-Plot Experiments on Effects of svOSR Treatments

Sowing at high density to simulate volunteer oilseed rape (svOSR) resulted in a homogeneously distributed plant coverage in all micro-plots and in both years. The lowest multiplication rates of BCN were detected in plots where svOSR was controlled with glyphosate at 250 DD (Figure 6), whereas, in 2009, glyphosate treatments at later stages up to 350 DD showed significantly lower nematode reproduction than in the non-treated control plots. This effect could not be achieved in 2008. There was no effect on nematode reproduction between treatments at different degree days in both years. Combining all data from both years only the treatment effects on multiplication rates were found, but no effects by year. Initial population density remained independent between treatments and years (Table 4). A tendency for a higher multiplication rate of BCN in the non-treated control plots in 2009 in comparison to 2008 is associated with a similar higher temperature sum in 2009. At the time of Pf sampling, the temperature sum reached at 784 DD on the 26th of October 2009 and achieved only 577 DD at the 15th of October 2008.

4. Discussion

Results from pot experiments confirmed that oilseed rape (OSR) is a very good host of the BCN population used in this study. Accordingly, this has already been shown for other BCN populations for winter and spring OSR [3]. The development of the first successive BCN generation in OSR was shown 58 days after inoculation at 20 °C. In accordance with [12], the second invasion of J2 into roots at the end of the pot experiment can be interpreted as the end of the first generation. The relatively high population density of J2 in roots at the first sampling date does not conform to those reported by [12], which possibly might be explained by overestimation due to very low root weights at this time. High initial root penetration rates after exposition of BCN to OSR roots or its root exudates for one week were also observed by other researchers [6,22]. Due to the fact that cysts were used as inoculum in the present study, old cysts, in principal, also could have been a source for J2 at the second peek. This situation most likely also occurs under field conditions. The first emergence of females in both years was detected between 199 and 225 DD (>8 °C). The population density which originated from these females started to increase significantly in the period 200 to 350 DD. The eggs which develop inside these females are most likely virulent, taking into consideration that fertilization by males already starts before the onset of egg production [23]. Only 16 days, or approximately 200 DD later, population density of eggs and juveniles from the cyst fraction increased significantly, thus this period corresponds to the maturation period within which a majority of first-stage juveniles develop inside cysts [24,25]. However, reproduction already started at 200 DD and reached very high rates towards the end of the experiment, corresponding with the multiplication rates reported in [26].
Despite the very good host suitability of winter OSR, the multiplication rates of BCN under field conditions remained below those which are known for other host crops, like sugar beet [27], even though OSR shows higher susceptibility for BCN than sugar beet, due to a higher root surface which provides more sites for penetration [3]. A possible explanation for this could be lower maximum degree days over the vegetation period in comparison to sugar beet crop. In Germany, two to three generations could be verified in an outdoor experiment with a sugar beet crop [28]. Information on the essential degree days for the development of one BCN generation given in the literature and standardized to a basis of 8 °C varies between 425 and 550 DD depending on the biological or physical reference parameters used [25,29,30]. The average maximum degree day achieved in the period 2000–2016, taking reference data (temperature in 10 cm soil depth) from the weather station Elsdorf in the reference vegetation time between 25th April and 8th October for sugar beet in Germany [31], was 1690 DD. The maximum degree days achieved during winter OSR cultivation until harvest remained below 1300 DD. This most likely explains the comparably low multiplication rate of 0.8 to 2.3 detected in winter OSR over the vegetation period, which is in accordance with other results [12,32]. Due to the relatively low distance of degree days of 120 to 140 DD between early and late sowing times, only non-significant tendencies in multiplication rates were observed, which can be explained by the Pi dependence of multiplication in nematodes [33]. Independent of drilling times, differences in multiplication rates between years were related to respective maximum degree days. In this respect, higher degree days in 2008 mainly resulted from increased temperatures in January and April to May. Specifically, the temperature regime in between January to May might play a key role in the second penetration of J2 into the roots of winter OSR and the formation of a second generation [12]. In this context, it is yet not clear if BCN can complete its life cycle in winter OSR until the temperature restricts further development and if non-completed stages continue development in the successive spring.
Results from field and micro-plot experiments showed that naturally germinated and svOSR produced distinctively higher multiplication rates post-harvest than the cultivation of OSR as a crop. A higher reproduction of BCN under volunteer oilseed rape (vOSR) can be explained by two major factors, which are the emergence of volunteer oilseed rape at periods of high soil temperatures and the very high plant densities of volunteers [15]. In accordance with results from the pot experiment, BCN population density significantly increased after 350 DD in untreated plots, with gunimpeded growth of vOSR post-harvest. Consequently, control of vOSR before 350 DD in micro-plots, and likewise in field plots, prevented a multiplication of BCN. This effect was even greater when vOSR already was controlled at 250 DD, which was confirmed to be the period, where the first females start to occur. During the summer season, a daily increase in degree days might reach 12 DD (>8 °C), and thus the period within which 100 DD elapses could be as short as one week. As a result, there is only a very small time-window at which BCN reproduction under volunteer oilseed rape can be avoided. As the accumulation of degree days starts at the onset of emerging volunteers, the correct timing of this starting point is crucial for an effective control, especially when vOSR already starts to develop before harvest.
In the present study, vOSR was controlled chemically by the application of glyphosate. Mechanical control is an environmentally sound alternative to chemical controls. Though this method was not studied here, it is common practice in German agriculture. Mechanical control is often repeated post-harvest to achieve a maximum germination rate, and thus to reduce seed potential in the soil [34]. It is not clear if mechanical control is a convenient method to control BCN effectively, as plants might not die instantly and sometimes regain vitality depending on weather conditions. A combination of flat tillage (e.g., disc harrow) soon after harvest to increase germination of vOSR and a chemical control before 250 DD (>8 °C) could probably deliver a solution to effectively control both vOSR growth and BCN reproduction.
Following a combination of greenhouse trials, micro-plot-experiments and field trials to investigate the importance of winter oilseed rape as a host crop for beet cyst nematode, volunteer oilseed rape could be identified as the major problem for integration in sugar beet rotation systems. Solutions were given to prevent the population increase of nematodes by controlling the unimpeded growth of volunteers. The results of this study were incorporated into the development of a simple degree day model to determine the effective time-window for the control of vOSR on the basis of data from local weather stations. This management tool [35] is available free of charge and is frequently used by growers and consultants.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Acknowledgments

The present study was supported by public budget via internal funding of the Julius Kühn-Institute. The author greatly acknowledges the technical support by Hénocque-Piel, Schmitz, Hendelkes, Dinslaken, Kremer and Landwirtschaftlicher Informationsdienst Zuckerrübe (LIZ).

Conflicts of Interest

The author declare that he has no conflict of interest.

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Figure 1. Population dynamics of beet cyst nematode (BCN) juveniles (J2) in oilseed rape OSR roots at six sampling dates after sowing, referring to degree days (>8 °C) in the year 2008: 135 DD (date 1), 225 (2), 324 (3), 396 (4), 441 (5), 522 (6) and in the year 2009: 123 (1), 199 (2), 318 (3), 405 (4), 456 (5), 550 (6); means only within years were tested by Fischer LSD Test (p < 0.05), different letters indicate significant differences.
Figure 1. Population dynamics of beet cyst nematode (BCN) juveniles (J2) in oilseed rape OSR roots at six sampling dates after sowing, referring to degree days (>8 °C) in the year 2008: 135 DD (date 1), 225 (2), 324 (3), 396 (4), 441 (5), 522 (6) and in the year 2009: 123 (1), 199 (2), 318 (3), 405 (4), 456 (5), 550 (6); means only within years were tested by Fischer LSD Test (p < 0.05), different letters indicate significant differences.
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Figure 2. Population dynamics of beet cyst nematode (BCN) eggs and juveniles per 100 g of soil extracted from mature cyst and females separately from pots with oilseed rape (OSR) plants at six sampling dates after sowing referring to degree days (>8 °C) in the year 2008: 135 DD, (date 1), 225, (2), 324, (3), 396, (4), 441, (5), 522, (6) and in the year 2009: 123, (1), 199, (2), 318, (3), 405, (4), 456, (5), 550, (6); * significant increase in population in comparison to minimum population density, Kruskal Wallis ANOVA (p < 0.05).
Figure 2. Population dynamics of beet cyst nematode (BCN) eggs and juveniles per 100 g of soil extracted from mature cyst and females separately from pots with oilseed rape (OSR) plants at six sampling dates after sowing referring to degree days (>8 °C) in the year 2008: 135 DD, (date 1), 225, (2), 324, (3), 396, (4), 441, (5), 522, (6) and in the year 2009: 123, (1), 199, (2), 318, (3), 405, (4), 456, (5), 550, (6); * significant increase in population in comparison to minimum population density, Kruskal Wallis ANOVA (p < 0.05).
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Figure 3. Soil temperatures at 10 cm depth during the cultivation of winter oilseed rape from August to July in Elsdorf (2008) and Titz (2010).
Figure 3. Soil temperatures at 10 cm depth during the cultivation of winter oilseed rape from August to July in Elsdorf (2008) and Titz (2010).
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Figure 4. Multiplication rates Pf2/Pi2 (log (x + 1) transformed left axis; untransformed right axis) of beet cyst nematode (BCN) under volunteer oilseed rape without control (vOSR) and after glyphosate treatment at 250 (vOSR 250 DD) or 350 (vOSR 350 DD) degree days (>8 °C) or permanent control (no plants); means only within years were tested by Fischer LSD Test (p < 0.05), different letters indicate significant differences.
Figure 4. Multiplication rates Pf2/Pi2 (log (x + 1) transformed left axis; untransformed right axis) of beet cyst nematode (BCN) under volunteer oilseed rape without control (vOSR) and after glyphosate treatment at 250 (vOSR 250 DD) or 350 (vOSR 350 DD) degree days (>8 °C) or permanent control (no plants); means only within years were tested by Fischer LSD Test (p < 0.05), different letters indicate significant differences.
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Figure 5. Population dynamics of beet cyst nematodes (BCN) during 460 (in 2016, below) and 441 (in 2011, above) degree days (>8 °C) post winter oilseed rape cultivation under uncontrolled growth of volunteer oilseed rape (vOSR) and without plant coverage; * Differences between treatments within degree days are significant if indicated using t-Test (p < 0.05).
Figure 5. Population dynamics of beet cyst nematodes (BCN) during 460 (in 2016, below) and 441 (in 2011, above) degree days (>8 °C) post winter oilseed rape cultivation under uncontrolled growth of volunteer oilseed rape (vOSR) and without plant coverage; * Differences between treatments within degree days are significant if indicated using t-Test (p < 0.05).
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Figure 6. Multiplication rates Pf/Pi (log (x + 1) transformed left axis; untransformed right axis) of beet cyst nematodes (BCN) under simulated volunteer oilseed rape without control (svOSR) and after glyphosate treatment at 250 DD (svOSR 250 DD), at 300 DD (svOSR 300 DD) and 350 DD (svOSR 350 DD) in micro-plots; means only within years were tested by Fischer LSD Test (p < 0.05), different letters indicate significant differences.
Figure 6. Multiplication rates Pf/Pi (log (x + 1) transformed left axis; untransformed right axis) of beet cyst nematodes (BCN) under simulated volunteer oilseed rape without control (svOSR) and after glyphosate treatment at 250 DD (svOSR 250 DD), at 300 DD (svOSR 300 DD) and 350 DD (svOSR 350 DD) in micro-plots; means only within years were tested by Fischer LSD Test (p < 0.05), different letters indicate significant differences.
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Table
Table 1. Abundance of beet cyst nematode (BCN) females and cysts in soil from pots with oilseed rape (OSR) plants at different sampling dates after sowing; means between sampling dates only within years were tested by Fischer LSD Test (p < 0.05) using Log(x + 1) transformed data, different letters (a–c) indicate significant differences of cyst and female numbers respectively between sampling dates.
Table 1. Abundance of beet cyst nematode (BCN) females and cysts in soil from pots with oilseed rape (OSR) plants at different sampling dates after sowing; means between sampling dates only within years were tested by Fischer LSD Test (p < 0.05) using Log(x + 1) transformed data, different letters (a–c) indicate significant differences of cyst and female numbers respectively between sampling dates.
2008 2009
Sampling DateDD (>8 °C)Cysts/100 mL Females/100 mL DD (>8 °C)Cysts/100 mL Females/100 mL
Initial13512.0 ± 0.9a0.0 ± 0.0a1238.4 ± 0.4a0.0 ± 0.0a
2nd22510.8 ± 1.3a23.0 ± 6.3b1998.2 ± 0.7a85.1 ± 16.0b
final52225.2 ± 5.4b199.6 ± 54.0c55071.9 ± 54.0b216.5 ± 25.0c
Table
Table 2. Mean multiplication rates (Pf1/Pi1) and initial population densities Pi1 of beet cyst nematode (BCN) under winter oil seed rape (OSR) at different sowing times.
Table 2. Mean multiplication rates (Pf1/Pi1) and initial population densities Pi1 of beet cyst nematode (BCN) under winter oil seed rape (OSR) at different sowing times.
20082010
Drilling TimePf1/Pi1Pi1 Pf1/Pi1Pi1
early1.6 ± 0.3 a1547 ± 166 a1.0 ± 0.2 b531 ± 59 a
moderate2.1 ± 0.4 a829 ± 75 b0.9 ± 0.1 b721 ± 59 b
late2.3 ± 0.4 a874 ± 91 b0.8 ± 0.1 b608 ± 45 a
P drilling time A0.66
P year B<0.01
PA*B0.19
Mean ± standard error; Differences in Pf1/Pi1 and Pi separately between drilling times were tested with log(x + 1) transformed data using Fischer LSD Test (p < 0.05); different letters (a–b) indicate significant differences of Pf1/Pi1 and Pi1 respectively between sowing times; Factors of drilling time (A), year (B) and cross effects (A*B) on multiplication rates Pf/Pi ANOVA.
Table
Table 3. Final degree days (>8 °C) calculated from average soil temperature in 10 cm soil depth from sowing to harvest under winter oil seed rape at different sowing times.
Table 3. Final degree days (>8 °C) calculated from average soil temperature in 10 cm soil depth from sowing to harvest under winter oil seed rape at different sowing times.
Degree Days (>8 °C)
Sowing Time20082010
early12941107
moderate12291045
late1156988
Table
Table 4. Differences in multiplication rates Pf/Pi and initial population densities (Pi) of beet cyst nematode (BCN) as affected by treatments (B) or year (A) and cross- effects (A*B) in a field trial with natural growth of volunteer oilseed rape (vOSR) and a micro-plot-trial with simulated volunteer oilseed rape (svOSR); ANOVA (p < 0.05) using Log(x + 1) transformed data for each trial separately.
Table 4. Differences in multiplication rates Pf/Pi and initial population densities (Pi) of beet cyst nematode (BCN) as affected by treatments (B) or year (A) and cross- effects (A*B) in a field trial with natural growth of volunteer oilseed rape (vOSR) and a micro-plot-trial with simulated volunteer oilseed rape (svOSR); ANOVA (p < 0.05) using Log(x + 1) transformed data for each trial separately.
vOSR Field TrialsvOSR Micro-Plot Trial
Pf2/Pi2Pi2Pf/PiPi
P treatment A<0.010.08<0.010.49
P year B<0.01<0.010.590.71
PA*B0.620.110.120.07

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MDPI and ACS Style

Daub, M. Effect of Winter Oilseed Rape Cropping on the Development of the Sugar Beet Cyst Nematode, Heterodera schachtii, and Control of Volunteer Plants as a Trap Crop Method. Agronomy 2020, 10, 355. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10030355

AMA Style

Daub M. Effect of Winter Oilseed Rape Cropping on the Development of the Sugar Beet Cyst Nematode, Heterodera schachtii, and Control of Volunteer Plants as a Trap Crop Method. Agronomy. 2020; 10(3):355. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10030355

Chicago/Turabian Style

Daub, Matthias. 2020. "Effect of Winter Oilseed Rape Cropping on the Development of the Sugar Beet Cyst Nematode, Heterodera schachtii, and Control of Volunteer Plants as a Trap Crop Method" Agronomy 10, no. 3: 355. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10030355

APA Style

Daub, M. (2020). Effect of Winter Oilseed Rape Cropping on the Development of the Sugar Beet Cyst Nematode, Heterodera schachtii, and Control of Volunteer Plants as a Trap Crop Method. Agronomy, 10(3), 355. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10030355

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