Studies of the cereal cyst‐nematode, Heterodera avenae under continuous cereals, 1975–1978. II. Fungal parasitism of nematode females and eggs

SUMMARY The development and fungal parasitism of Heterodera avenae females and eggs on susceptible cereals was studied from 1975 to 1978 in a sandy loam soil. Despite the production of many females on the roots nematode numbers declined in two years (1975 and 1978), and it is female survival and fecundity and not female numbers which often limit H. avenae multiplication. Fungal parasites may totally destroy females on roots or result in the formation of small cysts which are often empty. Fecundity is reduced and many eggs may became infected. Parasitism of females and eggs was decreased and nematode multiplication was increased in soil treated with formalin (38% formaldehyde) at 3000 litres/ha, but because it is nematicidal and fungicidal interpretation of the effects of the sterilant are difficult. Formalin has a greater effect on H. avenae multiplication in wet summers when fungal parasites, particularly Nematophthora gynophila are more active. Parasitised females which may be destroyed in about 7 days are fragile and difficult to extract from soil. Rates of parasitism tend to be underestimated. Approximately 60% of the females which failed to form cysts containing eggs can be accounted for by N. gynophila and Verticillium chlamydosporium. Fungal parasitism is therefore the major factor in limiting the multiplication of H. avenae.