Low-volume irrigation systems influence Pratylenchus penetrans populations, root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and replant establishment of sweet cherry

• Published in: Scientia horticulturae Vol. 239; pp. 50 - 56
• Main Authors: Watson, Tristan T., Nelson, Louise M., Neilsen, Denise, Neilsen, Gerry H., Forge, Tom A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.09.2018
• Subjects: antagonists; Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; Drip irrigation; fine roots; fruit yield; growing season; integrated pest management; microirrigation; Microsprinkler irrigation; mycorrhizal fungi; orchards; plant growth; plant nutrition; Pratylenchus penetrans; Prunus avium; Replant disease; rhizosphere; soil water; soil water content; Sweet cherry; trees; water content; water holding capacity; Pratylenchus penetrans; Sweet cherry; Microsprinkler irrigation; Drip irrigation; Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; Replant disease
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2018.05.013
• ISSN: 0304-4238

•Drip emitters increased trunk diameter and fruit yield relative to microsprinklers.•Populations of P. penetrans were smaller under drip emitters than microsprinklers.•Drip irrigated trees had higher per cent root colonization by mycorrhizal fungi.•Drip emitters increased soil volumetric water content in the root zone. A four-year study was conducted to establish the effects of drip and microsprinkler irrigation systems on populations of Pratylenchus penetrans, early plant growth, and fruit yield of sweet cherry trees planted into soil previously used for apple production. The effects of irrigation type on root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, the abundance of soil microbial antagonists, soil biological suppressiveness, plant nutrition, and soil water content were also evaluated. Trees that received drip irrigation had larger trunk diameters than trees irrigated with microsprinklers throughout the first four years of orchard establishment, with greater total fruit yield also observed with drip irrigation in the fourth growing season. Populations of P. penetrans in soil and roots were smaller under drip irrigation than microsprinkler. Trees irrigated using drip emitters had higher per cent root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi than those irrigated by microsprinklers, and had a greater density of fine roots in soil. Drip irrigation also increased soil volumetric water content in the root zone, with soil moisture content often approaching or exceeding field water-holding capacity relative to that of microsprinklers. Overall, drip irrigation shows potential as a component of an integrated pest management strategy for reducing the effect of P. penetrans on newly planted sweet cherry.