Plant parasitic nematodes in turf grass
Plant parasitic nematodes in turf grass: Are they a problem?
As nematicides continue to be withdrawn finding novel solutions to control a range of PPNs is of high importance. This webinar will present data from an on-going current experiment that highlights the dynamic nature of nematode activity.
While most nematodes do not inflict harm on plants, some have evolved specialised features that permit parasitic relationships. Throughout the amenities industry plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are abundant; however awareness of the challenges they create for greenkeepers in the British Isles and central Europe still needs to be improved. Some of the most challenging problems in PPN control arise from an incorrect initial diagnosis, critically high population levels and co-infection with mixtures of different nematode species. PPNs can disrupt the quality of turf surfaces and in some cases they can cause significant recurring turf loss.
Presented by Dr Deborah Cox, Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory Manager, Agri Food & Biosciences Institute
Dr Deborah Cox manages the plant health molecular diagnostics laboratory at the Agri Food & Biosciences Institute in Belfast. She began her scientific career in molecular biology 16 years ago quite differently, in forensic science. She studied first at Abertay University in Dundee and then at LGC Forensics in Teddington.
Deborah changed fields in 2011 completing a PhD at Queen’s University Belfast, studying abiotic stress responses during germination using the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana. Her post-doctorate research includes understanding the mechanisms behind flowering time, and plant parasitic nematode behaviour. Her research interests include how biodiversity and the microbiome impact plant health, biostimulant mode(s) of action, and nematode population dynamics in turf grass.
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