Project Overview
Optimizing survey and identification methods for Anguina species in Oregon grasses grown for seed
Commodities
Target Pests
Practices
Proposal abstract:
Anguina nematodes are critically important agricultural pests that can lead to significant export rejections for the Oregon grass seed industry. In 2019 and 2020, over 490,000 kilograms of seed were rejected at Asian ports due to the presence of these nematodes. Survey and testing methods at proper timing throughout the growing season need to be determined to protect growers from costly rejections and the reputation of the Oregon grass seed industry on the international stage. Aside from causing seed lot rejections and yield loss, Anguina nematodes can vector Rathayibacter species that cause animal toxicity when grazed. Unchecked spread of the nematodes could lead to greater risk of Rathayibacter outbreaks and livestock death. Considering these challenges, the purpose of this project is to better understand the Anguina spp. lifecycle to improve survey and identification methods for the nematode vectors in this disease system. This will help us to determine the current nematode vector prevalence, quickly respond to future outbreaks, and reduce the risk of introducing the A. funesta – R. toxicus disease complex to the grass seed industry of the United States. To meet this goal, we will utilize the following objectives: 1) Evaluate survey timing (spring or fall) and collection (soil, seed, tillers) for the most accurate detection of A. funesta and other Anguina spp. associated with annual ryegrass, bentgrass, and orchardgrass grown for seed in Oregon. 2) Develop a video-based nematode identification tutorial to build capacity among other diagnosticians/laboratories and extend training on survey methods to grower stakeholders at meetings and field days. This project aligns with the National IPM Roadmap and Western IPM Center priorities to clarify times in the pest lifecycle to target control measures and manage a soilborne pathogen system. In addition, this work will be extended beyond Oregon, to other western states like Washington and Idaho with grass production, through the virtual nematode identification workshop. This project will be the basis for more targeted management of seed gall nematodes in grasses grown for seed and greater disease identification capacity in Oregon grass seed stakeholders.
Project objectives from proposal:
The purpose of this project is to better understand the Anguina funesta/Anguina spp. lifecycle to improve survey and identification methods for the nematode vectors in this disease system. This will help us to determine the current nematode vector prevalence, quickly respond to future outbreaks, and reduce the risk of introducing the A. funesta – R. toxicus disease complex to the grass seed industry of the United States. To meet this goal, we will utilize the following objectives:
1) Evaluate survey timing (spring or fall) and collection (soil, seed, tillers) for the most accurate detection of A. funesta and other Anguina spp. associated with annual ryegrass, bentgrass, and orchardgrass grown for seed in Oregon.
2) Develop a video-based nematode identification tutorial to build capacity among other diagnosticians/laboratories and extend training on survey methods to grower stakeholders at meetings and field days.
