“By providing growers a realistic means of focusing nematicide applications only where nematode control is needed within individual fields, farmers stand to significantly grow their profits and reap environmental benefits,” Khalilian said.
The study aims to enhance crop yield while reducing nematicide usage by more than 75 percent compared to uniform-rate applications, Khalilian said.
Other key Clemson personnel who will work on the study include: John Mueller, professor of nematology and plant pathology and director of the Edisto research center, who will be responsible for coordinating all nematode-related work. Young Han, professor in the biosystems engineering department, who will assist in adaptation, modification and development of equipment and software.
Will Henderson, statewide Extension precision agriculture specialist at the Edisto research center, who will lead training programs for county agents, consultants, technology providers and dealers.
Richard Hallman, biosystems engineering research technician at the Edisto research center, who will be involved in all aspects of this project.
Three nematode species — the reniform, southern root-knot and Columbia lance — represent the single most costly threat to cotton production in the mid-South and southeastern United States.
The reniform nematode, in particular, has increased dramatically throughout the South in the last 20 years, Khalilian said. Historically, it was confined to the extreme southern coastal plain.
“The rather rapid spread of this nematode pest through southern states has prompted considerable concern among cotton producers,” he said.
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