| Abstract: | A crop rotation field study was conducted in 1981–1989 to assess the effect of six crop rotation sequences on a soil population of potato cyst nematode (PCN), Globodera rostochiensis, and on potato yield. In the plots with potato monoculture, the tuber yield decreased from 35 to 4.6 t ha?1. All other cropping systems maintained the yield at the original or an even higher level. In monoculture, the population density of the nematode was raised during the first 3 years from 0.1 to 265 larvae g?1 soil, and the density fluctuated afterwards between 30 and 136 larvae g?1 soil. Three of the cropping systems, (1) susceptible potato once in 5 years, (2) susceptible potato once in 4 years, and (3) potato once in 3 years using resistant (H1) and susceptible cultivars alternately, decreased the nematode density under the economic threshold or even under the level of detection. The nematicide treatments (oxamyl) did not control nematode multiplication but prevented yield losses. No nematicide is currently registered nor needed for the control of PCN in Finland. The nematode can be controlled effectively with crop rotation, resistant cultivars and early harvesting. |
