Research & Extension

Nematode Research at GCREC

Our lab focuses on studying distribution, biology, damage potential, nematode interaction, and integrated management of plant-parasitic nematodes in horticultural and ornamental crops in Florida. A list of ongoing research projects and readily available resources pertaining to the understanding and management of nematodes in Florida are listed below grouped largely by plant category.

Ornamentals – Caladium

Evaluating caladium cultivars for root-knot nematode resistance

Nematode management in caladium

Nematode Interactions

Infection of citrus roots by Tylenchulus semipenetrans reduces root infection by Phytophthora nicotianae

F. E. El-Borai, L. W. Duncan, and J. H. Graham ~ Citrus is one of the most economically important crops in many areas with Mediterranean and subtropical climates. [read more]

Entomopathogenic nematodes and soil food web

Bionomics of a phoretic association between Paenibacillus sp. and the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema diaprepesi

F. E. El-Borai, L. W. Duncan, and J. F. Preston ~ Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) are used widely in Florida citrus groves to help manage the citrus root… [read more]

Small Fruits- Strawberry

Foliar or Bud Nematodes in Florida Strawberries J Desaeger and JW Noling ~ Foliar or bud nematodes (Aphelenchoides spp.) were until recently largely unknown to strawberry growers in Florida, and very little is… [read more]

Vegetables – Tomato

Nematode Management in Tomatoes J W Noling ~ Plant parasitic nematodes are small microscopic roundworms that live in the soil and attack the roots of plants. Crop production… [read more]

CRSPR: A Technical Breakthrough for Tomato Research TG Lee ~ You probably have heard of CRISPR (pronounced “crisper”). This contemporary biological technology is one of the latest and most… [read more]

Vegetables – Cucurbit

Nematode Management in Cucurbits J W Noling ~ Plant-parasitic nematodes are small microscopic roundworms that live in the soil and attack the roots of plants. Crop production… [read more]

Vegetables – Other

Nematode Management in Peppers J W Noling ~ Plant parasitic nematodes are small microscopic roundworms that live in the soil and attack the roots of plants. Crop production… [read more]

Hops

USDA Hops Handbook Several species of nematodes (a.k.a.“eelworms”) feed on hop roots but are generally considered of minor importance to hop production. The perennial nature of hop… [read more]

Nematode Management

Cover Crops for Managing Root-Knot Nematodes HK Gill and R McSorley ~ Nematodes are unsegmented roundworms belonging to the to the Phylum Nematoda. Nematodes are found in almost all habitats, but… [read more]

Soil Health Research

Identification and characterization of nematode suppressive soils in Florida ~ to be posted

Cover Crops for Managing Root-Knot Nematodes HK Gill and R McSorley ~ Nematodes are unsegmented roundworms belonging to the to the Phylum Nematoda. Nematodes are found in almost all habitats, but… [read more]

In The News

• Feb 7, 2018 ~ “Foliar Nematodes in Florida Strawberries” by Jaci Schreckengost of Vegetable and Specialty Crop News
• Nov 6, 2017 ~ “Hops affected by small pest” by Ashley Mirtyl of The Independent Florida Aligator