Research Areas:

The main theme in my research and extension program is on the development and evaluation of sustainable management practices for nematode control. This includes research on the use of cover crops, soil solarization, biofumigation, bio-rational nematicides, and nematode resistant rootstocks. Where information is not available, we also try to establish damage thresholds and determine the host status of specific crops for selected nematode species.

A more basic aspect of my research program deals with the apparent increase in tolerance of plants to nematodes as the plants get older. For example, we have clearly demonstrated that a short delay in the exposure of plants to nematodes, results in much improved plant growth compared to plants attacked by nematodes immediately after seed germination. At the same time, delaying nematode access to the plants resulted in much higher nematode levels at harvest. The underlying mechanism and the practical implications of this phenomenon are being studied.

As an extension nematologist, I try to answer nematode related questions from growers, farm advisors and the general public, and to keep my clientele updated on the latest developments in plant nematology through publications in newsletters and magazines and in talks. For demonstration and educational purposes we are continually adding to a slide collection on nematode symptoms and are developing short videos on plant nematodes.