Population Dynamics of Belonolaimus Longicaudatus in Central North Carolina.

The turfgrass industry in North Carolina is valued at an estimated $4 billion dollars, and amenity turfgrasses found on golf courses are under constant disease pressure, especially putting green surfaces. Sting nematode (Belonolaimus longicaudatus) is one of many damaging turf pathogens, and is problematic due to their high damage potential at very low numbers. Very little is known about B. longicaudatus in North Carolina, nor how they handle the cold of the winter season. A better understanding of nematode population dynamics at cool climates will lead to more effective control. The objectives are to identify nematode population numbers over the year, and to understand the vertical distribution of the nematodes within a putting green soil column. Four golf courses in Central North Carolina were sampled monthly at three different depths. B. longicaudatus populations were consistent among the golf course as numbers ranged from 0-40 nematodes per 500cc soil during the winter and reached as high as 225 in the summer. Vertical distribution of sting nematode varied by golf course, with three out of four showing a majority of nematodes residing in the 0-10 cm depth. However, one golf course that uses unique cultural practices kept most of the nematode population between 10-20 cm, which is the extent of turfgrass rooting. This result suggests that cultural control can have a large impact on nematode location, and the potential for damage resulting from feeding.