The plant parasitic nematodes that are found in large-scale upland farming in Hokkaido consist of few specific species. However, once these nematodes occur, there is a tendency for them to everlastingly protract the crop damage caused by them. Also Management of them is very difficult due to limited control methods. Our main research subjects focus on soybean cyst nematode that causes decrease in the yield of legumes (soybean, adzuki bean, kidney beans), root-lesion nematodes that cause deterioration of quality of root vegetables and the potential yield loss of field crops, and potato cyst nematodes which cause severe damage to potato farming. We are carrying out studies such as elucidation of biology, ecology and epidemiology of these nematodes, developing high-precision detection technology, developing practical and effective control methods, and establishing a system that leads to eradication of the newly-risen nematodes, especially pale potato cyst nematode. The main research topics are as follows.
Elucidation of biology, ecology and epidemiology of nematodes
Mapping the distribution of nematodes in the field, elucidation of influence of high and low temperature on the growth rate of nematodes, elucidation of varietal differences of host plants in growth of nematodes.
Development of simple and high-precision detection technology for nematodes
Development of efficient nematode sampling method from large-scale field (4 ha or more), development of simple nematode detection and density estimation technology that farmers can implement themselves, development of the method to detect multiple species at once, development of simplified identification technology of nematode races or pathotypes.
Development of environmentally friendly effective control technology for nematodes
Development of nematode density reduction technology by effective selection and planting of resistant cultivars, by utilizing antagonistic plants, trap crops, and physiologically active substances such as hatching promoting substances, by effective use of minimal chemical pesticides.
Group Leader
Group Members
Itaru SAKATA
