Work Package Lead: Eric Anderson (Scottish Agronomy)

Aim 

To develop new integrated pest management (IPM) tools, namely trap crops and chitin compost as non-chemical control options for PCN.

Background

Trap crops stimulate egg hatching but do not allow the nematodes to develop or multiply as they cannot feed on the roots. This can reduce PCN populations over time. Promising Solanaceous trap crop species include Solanum sisymbrifolium (sticky nightshade), Solanum scabrum (Kenyan broadleaved nightshade) and Solanum chenopidoides (Chinese variant). Their efficacy in Scottish conditions requires investigation.

Chitin compost is comprised of the shells from shellfish and wood chips. Applications of chitin- based compost can increase the presence of organisms in the soil that break down chitin which, in theory, may also target the chitinous component of PCN eggshells. Chitin compost is currently under evaluation and is not yet commercially available.

Action

This WP will perform field trials in Scotland with chitin compost and different trap crops to determine the effect these treatments have on PCN levels in the soil over time. Factors such as decline rates, egg counts, and viability will be monitored and examined throughout the duration of the project.

The development of new IPM tools would provide sustainable management techniques for PCN and reduce reliance on chemical controls.