Development of crop management strategies for ‘free-living’ plant parasitic nematodes infecting sugar beet (Beta vulgaris). This is a fully-funded PhD programme of 36 months

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) is a valuable crop for East Anglia and the East Midlands areas of England, occupying in the region of 105,000 hectares; 1.15 M t of sugar were produced from the 2018/19 harvest. Beet production is threatened by a myriad of pests and pathogens, including plant parasitic nematodes (PPN). Globally, PPN cause an average loss of 14% of food crops. In sugar beet, stubby root and needle nematodes are found in light, sandy soils and can cause symptoms such as uneven establishment, fanging and yield loss. With only one nematicide available (oxamyl), growers have limited crop protection options to reduce these nematode pests. Additionally, some species are polyphagous, and feed on a wide variety of crop and weed hosts, meaning that crop rotation is challenging.

This PhD project aims to evaluate the use of cover crops for the suppression of stubby root and needle nematodes. In particular, the student will investigate intercrop species that have biofumigant properties, are allelopathic (exuding or producing nematode suppressive compounds) or are unable to facilitate nematode development (i.e. poor hosts or trap crops). Previous research from Harper Adams University and elsewhere will be used to formulate a list of candidate cover crops. Selected cover crop species will be assessed under field and glasshouse conditions. We have established contacts within BBRO (British Beet Research Organisation), who will assist with the identification and management of field sites in Norfolk. Based on preliminary findings, promising cover crop species will be investigated further to explore the mechanism of nematode suppression. Finally, the student will investigate agronomic strategies for improving the suppression exerted by the candidate cover crop species.

Objectives

1. Conduct a comprehensive literature review: October 2020 – July 2021
2. Identify a list of candidate cover crop species and blends based on commercially available cover crops and the literature: October - December 2020
3. Evaluate methods for culturing selected species of free living PPN: October 2020 – September 2021
4. Conduct glasshouse/controlled environment studies to identify promising biofumigants, poor hosts/trap crops or allelopathic plant species: January 2021 – June 2022
5. Based on findings from the glasshouse, conduct field experiments to assess the performance of cover crop species on nematode suppression and sugar beet yield and quality: July 2021-December 2022
6. Undertake underpinning laboratory experiments to explore mechanisms behind nematode suppression: September 2021-June 2023
7. Conduct glasshouse experiments to explore methods for enhancing nematode suppression associated with cover crops species: January 2022- June 2023
8. Through this project the student will receive training in nematology, agronomy, field and laboratory-based experiments and statistical analyses as well as experience of the technical challenges of commercial crop production.