Bermudagrass Cultivar Responses to Sting Nematodes

Sting nematodes (Belonolaimus longicaudatus Rau) are the most damaging nematode species on bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) in Florida. The recent cancellation of the nematicide fenamiphos has resulted in the need for alternative nematode management tactics. Utilization of resistant or tolerant cultivars could be one of the most environmentally friendly and least costly practices for nematode management on turf. However, information about the responses of newer bermudagrass cultivars to sting nematodes is not available. Eight dwarf and nine non-dwarf bermudagrass cultivars were tested in two sequential experimental trials under greenhouse conditions for their responses to sting nematodes. 'Tifdwarf' and 'Emerald Dwarf' were damaged the least among dwarf cultivars, as were 'TifSport' and 'Riviera' among the non-dwarf cultivars. 'Princess 77' and 'Celebration' produced greater amounts of roots than 'Tifway' under the stress of sting nematode root defoliation despite being good hosts for this nematode.