Evaluation of host plant suitability of Festuca arundinacea and Festuca rubra for plant parasitic nematodes

Crop rotation is an important measure for the control of soil-borne diseases and pests. In the Netherlands, when growing maize on sandy soils, a nitrogen-catch (N-catch) crop is required. To establish a “smart” crop rotation, knowledge about the host plant status of crops is necessary. A pot and a field trial were conducted to investigate the host plant status of different grasses for, respectively the root lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans (Pp) and the root knot nematode Meloidogyne chitwoodi (Mc). The results of the pot experiment indicate that Festuca arundinacea (Fa) and Festuca rubra (Fr) are poor hosts for Pp. The distinct responses between Fa turf and forage suggest genetic variation. Results of the Mc field experiment showed that Fa varieties co-sown with maize have no significantly effect on the Mc population compared to monoculture of maize. Fa-1 monoculture decreased the Mc population significantly which indicates poor host status of Fa for Mc. Resistant Fa or Fr varieties will contribute to the control of Pp and Mc as part of a smart-crop rotation to control these harmful nematode species.