Fluopyram as a rescue nematicide for managing sting nematode (Belonolaimus longicaudatus) on commercial strawberry in Florida

Abstract The sting nematode (Belonolaimus longicaudatus) is one of the most economically damaging pests of strawberry in Florida. In this study we evaluated in-season application of fluopyram for management of B. longicaudatus populations at nine commercial strawberry farms. In-crop application of fluopyram reduced B. longicaudatus population densities in soil by the end of the growing season in four out of six of the commercial strawberry farms where B. longicaudatus was detected during the growing season. At the four sites, relative suppression of B. longicaudatus by fluopyram ranged from 54 to 96%. Despite significant suppression of B. longicaudatus population densities in soil, in-crop application of fluopyram did not result in greater strawberry plant vigour by the end of the growing season. Overall, in-crop application of fluopyram shows considerable potential to reduce B. longicaudatus populations on strawberry in Florida.