IPMP3.0, Oregon State University, Copyright 2000

POPULATION DYNAMICS

CONTENTS

Nematode Species

Mint Nematode

Northern Root-knot Nematode

Pin Nematode

Ring Nematode

Root-Lesion Nematode

Stubby-Root Nematode

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 This section contains information on root growth and population dynamics of nematodes of nematodes that parasitize mint. Select a nematode species from the contents menu for more information on life cycles, feeding behavior, population dynamics, and symptoms and effects on plant growth.

One of the most important factors to consider in nematode biology and management, particularly in regard to sampling, is that nematode population densities increase and decrease naturally through the year, depending on the nematode species, life cycle strategy, soil temperature, and root growth. Furthermore, these population cycles often occur at different times for different nematode species.

Root weights are low coming out of the winter, but increase in late winter to early spring. Root weight declines again during the spring as plant resources are allocated to building shoots. By late spring, there is substantial above ground vegetation, and plant resources are again allocated to root growth. Root weight continues to increase until mid-summer and then declines rapidly.  This is probably in response to harvest and the diversion of root resources to shoot growth.  There may be some additional root growth in the fall, or root biomass may remain constant until the next spring.
Seasonal root growth dynamics in peppermint from the Willamette Valley and Central Oregon.

This information was modified from Russell Ingham and Kathy Merrifield. 1996. A Guide to Nematode Biology and Management in Mint. Integrated Plant Protection Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis. Pub. No. 996. 38 p.