Up until only recently, tobacco growers in Ontario have had to deal primarily with the root-lesion nematode (Pratylenchus penetrans) in their fields. This past growing season another species of nematode, tobacco cyst nematode (Globodera tabacum = TCN), was found on two tobacco farms. One farm in the vicinity of Delhi and the other in the Langton area. This is not the first report of TCN in Canada. In 1998, it was reported in Quebec. TCN is also present in several other tobacco producing countries in the world.
Host plants of TCN include tobacco along with several other solanaceous crops and weeds, such as tomato, peppers, eggplant, jimsonweed and nightshades. TCN causes damage to tobacco roots that can result in significant economic losses if not managed properly. TCN is difficult to control because of its ability to persist in the soil without a host for several years and its almost impermeable cyst. Detailed information about TCN and its control can be found in the plant protection area of this website.
Female tobacco cyst nematode feeding on a tobacco root.
This upcoming growing season, CTRF plans to conduct a survey of the tobacco growing areas in Ontario to determine the extent of TCN. Also, trials are planned to be started to look at the effectiveness of rotational crops, such as pearl millet, for control of TCN. Pearl millet is already known to be an effective control of root-lesion nematode in Ontario tobacco fields.
Post prepared and sent by Canadian Tobacco Research Foundation
Mailing Address: CTRF, P.O. Box 322, Tillsonburg, ON N4G 4H5
Telephone: 519-842-8997
Web Address: http://ctrf1.com