Managing Southern Root-knot Nematode in Kentucky High Tunnels Using Grafted Tomato

Infection by root-knot nematode ( Meloidogyne spp.; RKN) leads to root galling and reduces the host plant’s ability take up water nutrients. Protected cropping systems, such as high tunnels, create conducive environments for RKN through increased soil temperatures more intensive crop production. In Kentucky, tunnel production has in past 10 years, with tomato being most cultivated crop. This contributed a lack of rotation pressure from RKN. Tomato grafting RKN-resistant rootstock is nonchemical management strategy that shown promise other regions United States. The primary objective this 2-year, two-site study (Knox Boyle Counties) was determine whether using grafted resistant could be viable tunnels naturally infested incognita . rootstocks included ‘Arnold’, ‘Maxifort’, ‘Shin Cheong Gang’, ‘Estamino’. ‘Primo Red’ ‘Cherokee Purple’ were scions nongrafted controls Knox Counties, respectively. 2020 2021 County, three four treatments produced at least 38% higher yield than control. Grafted had 44% fewer eggs/g dry compared control both years. 2022 five times greater all 2021, dried treatments. years locations, ‘Arnold’ ‘Estamino’ lower population densities roots controls. Utilization will help Kentucky growers maintain productivity soils RKN, but should combined methods long-term resiliency system.