Prevalence and ecological factors affecting the distribution of plant-parasitic nematodes in Prunus groves in Spain

A wide survey was conducted to study plant-parasitic nematodes(PPNs)associated with Prunus groves in Spain.This research aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of PPNs in Prunus groves,as well as the influence of explanatory variables describing soil,climate and agricultural management in structuring the variation of PPNs community composition.A total of 218 sampling sites were surveyed and 84 PPN species belonging to 32 genera were identified based of an integrative taxonomic approach.PPN species considered as potential limiting factors in Prunus production,such as Meloidogyne arenaria,M.incognita,M.javanica,Pratylenchus penetrans and P.vulnus,were identified in this survey.Seven soil physico-chemical(C,Mg,N,Na,OM,P,pH and clay,loamy sand and sandy loam texture classes),four climate(Bio04,Bio05,Bio13 and Bio14)and four agricultural management variables(grove-use history less than 10 years,irrigation,apricot seedling rootstock,and Montclar rootstock)were identified as the most influential variables driving spatial patterns of PPNs communities.In particular,younger plantations showed higher values for species richness and diversity indices than groves cultivated for more than 20 years with Prunus spp.Our study increases the knowledge of the distribution and prevalence of PPNs associated with Prunus rhizosphere,as well as on the influence of explanatory variables driving the spatial structure PPNs communities,which has important implications for the successful design of sustainable management strategies in the future in this agricultural system.

Deep learning models for automatic identification of plant-parasitic nematode

Plant-parasitic nematodes cause various diseases that can be fatal to the infected plants.It causes losses to the agricultural industry,such as crop failure and poor crop quality.Developing an accurate nematode classification system is vital for pest identification and control.Deep learning classification techniques can help speed up Nematode identification as it can perform tasks directly from images.In the present study,four state-of-the-art deep learning models(ResNet101v2,CoAtNet-0,Effi-cientNetV2B0,and EfficientNetV2M)were evaluated in plantparasitic nematode classification from microscopic image.The models were trained using a combination of three different optimizers(Adam,SGD,dan RMSProp)and several data augmentation with image transformations,such as image flip,blurring,noise addition,brightness,and contrast adjustment.The performance of the trained models was varied.Regarding test accuracy,EfficientNetV2B0 and EfficientNetV2M using RMSProp and brightness augmentation give the best result of 97.94%However,the overall performance of EfficientNetV2M was superior,with 98.66%mean class accuracy,97.99%F1 score,98.26%average precision,and 97.94%average recall.

Hatching and development of maize cyst nematode Heterodera zeae infecting different plant hosts

The occurrence, distribution, and rapid molecular detection technology of Heterodera zeae Koshy et al. 1971, have been reported in China. We explored the biological characteristics of H. zeae sampled in Henan Province, China to understand its interaction with plants. Cysts and second-stage juveniles(J2s) were identified under an optical and scanning electron microscope, internal transcribed spacer(ITS) phylogenetic tree, and sequence characterized amplified region(SCAR)-PCR analyses. The optimum hatching temperatures of H. zeae were 30°C and 28°C, with cumulative hatching rates of 16.5 and 16.1%, respectively, at 30 days post-hatching(dph). The hatching rate of H. zeae eggs was improved by 20-and 50-time maize soil leachate and root juice, and 10-time root exudates. The hatching rate in 10-time root exudates was the highest(25.9%). The 10-time root exudates of maize and millet produced the highest hatching rate at 30 dph(25.9 and 22.9%, respectively), followed by wheat(19.9%), barley(18.3%), and rice(17.6%). Heterodera zeae developed faster in maize than in other crops. Fourth-stage juveniles(J4s) were detected in maize roots 8 days post-inoculation(dpi) at 28°C but not in other crops. Combined with hatching tests, the Huang–Huai–Hai summer maize region and the south and central-southwest mountainous maize areas are highly suitable for H. zeae in China. This is the first systematically study of the hatching and infection characteristics on different plant hosts of corn cyst nematode H. zeae in temperate regions. This study laid a theoretical foundation for the rapid spread and high environmental adaptability of corn cyst nematode.

Effect of land use on soil nematode community composition and co-occurrence network relationship

Land use influences soil biota community composition and diversity,and then belowground ecosystem processes and functions.To characterize the effect of land use on soil biota,soil nematode communities in crop land,forest land and fallow land were investigated in six regions of northern China.Generic richness,diversity,abundance and biomass of soil nematodes was the lowest in crop land.The richness and diversity of soil nematodes were 28.8and 15.1%higher in fallow land than in crop land,respectively.No significant differences in soil nematode indices were found between forest land and fallow land,but their network keystone genera composition was different.Among the keystone genera,50%of forest land genera were omnivores-predators and 36%of fallow land genera were bacterivores.The proportion of fungivores in forest land was 20.8%lower than in fallow land.The network complexity and the stability were lower in crop land than forest land and fallow land.Soil pH,NH_(4)^(+)-N and NO_(3)^(–)-N were the major factors influencing the soil nematode community in crop land while soil organic carbon and moisture were the major factors in forest land.Soil nematode communities in crop land influenced by artificial management practices were more dependent on the soil environment than communities in forest land and fallow land.Land use induced soil environment variation and altered network relationships by influencing trophic group proportions among keystone nematode genera.

Chemical signals coordinate the dispersal of a plant-parasitic nematode with the metamorphosis of its vector beetle

With the support by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Chinese Academy of Sciences,Prof.Sun Jianghua(孙江华),Zou Zhen and Zhao Lilin et al.at the State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents,Institute of Zoology,Chinese Academy of Sciences,uncovered that ascarosides coordinate the dispersal of a plant-parasitic nematode with the metamorphosis

Resistance analysis of the rice variety Huaidao 5 against root-knot nematode Meloidogyne graminicola

Meloidogyne graminicola has emerged as one of the most destructive plant-parasitic nematodes affecting rice(Oryza sativa)production worldwide.Resistance to M.graminicola in rice could be the most effective option for its management.However,sources of germplasm with resistance to M.graminicola in rice remain limited.Here,we describe the root attraction,gall formation and genetic analysis of the resistance to M.graminicola in the rice variety Huidao 5.A nematode attraction assay showed that second-stage juveniles(J2s)of M.graminicola were attracted at the root tip of Huaidao 5 within 8 h without a significant reduction in attraction compared to the susceptible rice variety Nanjing 9108.Microscopic observation of the infection revealed that the J2s invaded root tissues 12 h after inoculation,but their subsequent movement to the root tip was hindered in Huaidao 5,resulting in decreased nematode number compared to Nanjing 9108.Additionally,we used the soil and hydroponic culture systems to simulate upland and flooding conditions in the paddy fields respectively,and found that gall number was significantly reduced,and nematode development was clearly suppressed in Huaidao 5.To investigate the genetic basis of this resistance,cross breeding was performed between the Huaidao 5 and Nanjing 9108 varieties.There was no reduction in the resistance of the F_(1) offspring to M.graminicola in the greenhouse or field trials,suggesting that a dominant gene could control resistance in Huaidao 5.In summary,this study provides a detailed characterization of a novel source of resistance to M.graminicola in rice,which is of great potential for use in crop breeding.

Evaluation of Soybean Genotypes (Glycine max L. Merr.) Susceptibility to Parasitic Nematodes in Western Part of Burkina Faso

Parasitic nematodes have been reported as one of the major constraints to soybean production worldwide. The majority of nematodes are so-called “free-living” and feed mainly on bacteria, fungi, protozoa and other nematodes. In Burkina Faso, the presence of parasitic nematodes has been reported in crops such as rice and sorghum. The objective of this study was to identify the genera and species of nematodes associated with soybean production in Burkina Faso. Investigations were carried out on 24 genotypes of a medium-maturity group of soybean at the Farako-Ba research station. Soil samples were taken from the trial soil before its installation. At harvest, soil samples with roots were taken from each genotype in the elementary plots. The composite sample is represented by 4 lots of soil samples with roots. Extractions and counts of nematodes were performed on the different lots. In total, 7 genera of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with soybean were identified. Among these genera, Pratylenchus (100% of infected genotypes), Helicotylenchus (97.28%) and Scutellonema (94.44%) were the most prevalent in terms of frequency and abundance. Some soybean genotypes were less susceptible to the genus Pratylenchus is known to be highly pathogenic in soybean. These were mainly the genotypes TGX2025-10E, TGX2023-3E and TGX2025-14E.

Did Species and Functional Diversities of Sandy Intertidal Marine Nematodes Reveal Similar Response to Environmental Changes?

Free living marine nematodes were sampled from two sandy beaches in Dalian City,in December of 2015,and April,July,and October of 2016.The spatial and seasonal variations of marine nematode species diversity(based on species abundance dataset)and functional diversity(based on functional traits dataset:feeding types and life history strategies)were investigated to understand the environmental drivers and how they respond to specific environmental variations.Sediment granularity was revealed to be the main environmental factor causing spatial differences in nematode diversity indices between the two beaches.Species diversity indices,namely species number,Margalef index,Shannon-Wiener diversity index(H’),were higher in fine-grained sediments,while the functional diversity indices,including functional evenness,functional dispersion,and Rao’s quadratic entropy index(RaoQ),were higher in coarse-grained sediments.Nematode species diversity indices also fluctuated with seasonal variations of temperature,dissolved oxygen,pH,salinity,and sediment chlorophyll-a within the study beaches.However,functional diversity indices did not show significant seasonal variations and exhibited weak correlation with the studied environmental variables.Overall,the functional diversity indices were negatively correlated with the species diversity indices,suggesting an inconsistent response to environmental changes.A decrease in nematode species diversity in coarse sands,accompanied by an increase in functional diversity,can be regarded as an early warning signal of environment disturbance.If more biological traits are involved in calculating functional diversity indices,it will be helpful for the future study of the internal connections of species diversity and functional diversity.

Relationships among Soil Properties, Nematode Densities, and Soybean Yield in a Long-Term, Double-Crop System in Eastern Arkansas

The economic damage to soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production in the United States attributed to nematodes has increased in recent years. Understanding how soil properties affect nematodes will help to properly manage agroecosystems to minimize potential nematode damage to soybean crop and the associated economic impact. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationships between near-surface soil properties and soybean yield and nematode densities across two years (2017 and 2018) in a long-term, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-soybean, double-crop production system on a silt-loam soil (Fragiudalfs) in eastern Arkansas. Soybean cyst nematode (SCN;Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) eggs and stage-2 juveniles (J2), lance (Hoplolaimus spp.), lesion (Pratylenchus spp.), spiral (Helicotylenchus spp.), stunt (Tylenchorhynchus spp.), total nematode numbers, and the total genera counts from early in the growing season (July), mid-season (August), and end of the season (October) were generally unrelated with soybean yield. Soybean cyst eggs population density in August was negatively correlated with soil pH (r = -0.92;P ≤ 0.05). Total nematode numbers in July was negatively correlated with silt content (r = -0.23;P ≤ 0.05), soil pH (r = -0.27;P r = -0.24;P ≤ 0.05). Results suggested that soil properties influenced nematode population densities, indicating that nematodes can be at least partially managed and minimized through greater understanding of the variation of select near-surface soil properties in a wheat-soybean, double-crop production system on a silt-loam soil.

Biocontrol potential of entomopathogenic nematode,Heterorhabditis indica against pink bollworm,Pectinophora gossypiella(Saunders)(Lepidoptera:Gelechiidae)

Background The emergence of pink bollworm(PBW),Pectinophora gossypiella(Saunders)(Lepidoptera:Gelechiidae),in cotton due to Bt resistance and concealed feeding habit has created a need for alternative,eco-friendly,and cost-effective control methods.This study aimed to evaluate the bio-efficacy and reproductive potential of two native strains of entomopathogenic nematodes(EPNs),Heterorhabditis indica,namely CICR-HI-CL and CICR-HI-MN,against PBW larvae and pupae under in-vitro conditions.Results The larval assay revealed that strain CICR-HI-CL exhibited higher potency than strain CICR-HI-MN against 2nd,3rd,and 4thinstar larvae,with median lethal dose(LD50)values of 5.45,4.45,and 4.60 infective juveniles(IJs)per larva,respectively.In case of pupal bioassay,both EPN strains demonstrated greater virulence when applied directly(LD50values:29.65 and 73.88 IJs per pupa for strains CICR-HI-CL and CICR-HI-MN,respectively)compared to soil application(147.84 and 272.38 IJs per pupa).Both EPN strains successfully penetrated and reproduced on 4thinstar larvae,resulting in maximum production of 19.28 and 20.85 lakh IJs per larva in the next generation when inoculated at 30 IJs per larva.Conclusion The present study has generated useful information on the virulence and reproductive potential of two strains of EPN H.indica(CICR-HI-CL and CICR-HI-MN)against PBW,a dreaded pest of cotton.Higher virulence and reproductive potential of EPN strains demonstrated their ability to multiply,sustain and perpetuate on larval and pupal stages of PBW.The knowledge generated will help formulate effective management strategies for PBW with the inclusion of EPN as a potential biological control candidate.The soil-dwelling life stages viz.,last instar hibernating larvae and pupae of PBW can be the ideal weak links to make a successful use of H.indica for sustainable management of PBW in the cotton ecosystem.However,before taking these EPN strains to field for managing PBW,detailed studies investigating their biocontrol potential against PBW under field conditions are needed.

Molecular diagnosis and direct quantification of cereal cyst nematode(Heterodera filipjevi) from field soil using TaqMan real-time PCR

Heterodera filipjevi continues to be a major threat to wheat production worldwide.Rapid detection and quantification of cyst nematodes are essential for more effective control against this nematode disease.In the present study,a TaqManminor groove binder(TaqMan-MGB)probe-based fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR)was successfully developed and used for quantifying H.filipjevi from DNA extracts of soil.The primers and probe designed from the obtained RAPD-SCAR marker fragments of H.filipjevi showed high specificity to H.filipjevi using DNA from isolatesconfirmed species of 23 Heterodera spp.,1 Globodera spp.and 3 Pratylenchus spp.The qPCR assay is highly sensitive and provides improved H.filipjevi detection sensitivity of as low as 4^(-3) single second-stage juvenile(J2)DNAs,10^(-3) female DNAs,and 0.01μgμL^(-1) genomic DNAs.A standard curve relating to the threshold cycle and log values of nematode numbers was generated and validated from artificially infested soils and was used to quantify H.filipjevi in naturally infested field soils.There was a high correlation between the H.filipjevi numbers estimated from 32 naturally infested field soils by both conventional methods and the numbers quantified using the qPCR assay.qPCR potentially provides a useful platform for the efficient detection and quantification of H.filipjevi directly from field soils and to quantify this species directly from DNA extracts of field soils.

A new species and a new record of free-living marine nematode of genus Diplolaimelloides(Monhysteridae)from Futian mangrove reservation in Shenzhen,China

A new species and a new record of free-living marine nematode of genus Diplolaimelloides’(Monhysteridae)inhabiting the sediment of mangrove reservation in Shenzhen,China are described and illustrated.Diplolaimelloides contortus sp.nov.is characterized by the combination of the following characters:ocelli present;four pairs of post-cloacal papillae arranged in(2+2)pattern,two midway on bursa and two near posterior extremities;spicules complicated in shape,twisted and curved at middle portion;gubernaculum wedge-shaped,with distal dorsal ridge well cuticularized,proximal dorsal ridge obscure sleeve-like,proximal end wrap the spicule;vulva located at 52.1%-53.6%of body length;male tail slender,10.0-11.4 times of anal body diameter,and female tail long filiform,13.1-13.6 times of anal body diameter.Diplolaimelloides delyi Andras sy,1958 is first recorded from China and redescribed in detail,it differs from the original description by Andrassy in 1958 for having larger body size of male,shorter tail,and posterior situation of vulva.However,it is much conform to the redescription to specimens from East Pakistan by Timm in 1966,except for shorter tail in female and absent pre-anal seta.Specimens are deposited in the Institute of Oceanology,Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Analysis of Influencing Factors of Pine Wood Nematode Disease in Lu an City Based on GIS

[Objectives]The paper was to figure out the distribution of Monochamus alternatus in the stumps of pine wood nematode infected wood in Lu'an City and to provide a theoretical and practical basis for differentiated prevention and control of pine wood nematode disease in the future.[Methods]The factors influencing the number of epidemic small classes and infected plants in all counties and districts of Lu'an City were analyzed by GIS method,and the number of worms and wormholes of M.alternatus inside and outside the stumps of pine wood nematode infected wood in Lu'an City were investigated on the spot.[Results]There were 98,40,54,781,193,268 and 34 epidemic small classes of pine wood nematode disease,and 7241,6099,9532,39161,11079,49876 and 4853 infected plants in Yu'an District,Jin'an District,Yeji District,Shucheng County,Huoshan County,Jinzhai County and Huoqiu County,respectively.Pine wood nematode disease in Lu'an City mostly occurred in Huoshan County,Shucheng County and Jinzhai County,with relatively high altitude,paddy soil,the annual precipitation higher than 2062 mm,and the annual average temperature lower than 16.2℃.The number of diseased plants of pine wood nematode disease was positively correlated with altitude and annual precipitation,and was negatively correlated with annual average temperature.The number of worms and wormholes in pine wood nematode infected wood was very small at different altitudes,stump heights and stump diameters.[Conclusions]The pine wood nematode infected wood can be differentially processed after stump treatment,and stumps can be peeled.The results will provide a theoretical and practical basis for differentiated prevention and control of pine wood nematode disease in the future.

Biofumigation: An alternative strategy for the control of plant parasitic nematodes

Plant-parasitic nematodes wreak havoc on the yield and quality of crops worldwide.Damage from these pests is estimated to exceed US$100 bllion annually but is likely higher due to misdiagnosis.Nematode damage may be catastrophic,but historically the solution has been damaging as well.Use of the synthetic nematicide methyl bromide(MBr)poses risks to the environment and to human health.Biofumigation,the use of plant material and naturally produced compounds to control pests,is an increasingly feasible method of pest management.The process acts through the growth or incorporation of plant material into the soil,that,over the course of its degradation,releases glucosinolates that break down into nematotoxic isothiocyanates.These secondary plant metabolites exist naturally in commonly grown plants,most of which belong to the Brassicaceae family.Research endeavors have increasingly explored the potential of biofumigation.The reaction of target pests,the selection of biofumigant,and ideal environments for efficacy continue to be evaluated.This review seeks to provide a cost and benefit assessment of the status of biofumigation for the control of plant-parasitic nematodes as an alternative to conventional methyl bromide usage.

Molecular and morphological characterization of stunt nematodes of wheat, maize, and rice in the savannahs of northern Nigeria

Stunt nematodes(Tylenchorhynchus spp.)are obligate migratory root ecto-parasitic nematodes found in the fields of many cultivated crops.These nematodes,with phyto-sanitary potential,are frequently ignored or misdiagnosed as pests,and this may pose a threat to food security.The accuracy of its identification based on a morphological approach has been challenged recently,due to the overlapping of the morphological and morphometric characters of the species.Consequently,the objective of this study is to identify and characterize stunt nematodes present in 54 fields cultivated with cereal crops(wheat,maize and rice)in the savannahs of northern Nigeria,using integrative taxonomy and molecular approaches.The molecular and morphological studies identified and confirmed the presence of T.annulatus as the occurring specie in the savannahs of northern Nigeria.The phylogenetic analysis was carried out using the internal transcribed spacer(ITS)and 28S genes of ribosomal DNA further confirmed the presence of T.annulatus.The first molecular characterization and sequences of the ITS and 28S rDNA gene for T.annulatus from Nigeria were provided by this research.Also,according to our literature search,this is the first report on T.annulatus in wheat,maize and rice in the savannahs of northern Nigeria.Further study to test the pathogenicity of the parasitic nematode species found in this survey is recommended for the prioritization and development of efficient management strategies.

Influence of biochar on growth performances,yield of root and tuber crops and controlling plant-parasitic nematodes

Root and tuber crops are important sources of food and provide income for millions of people worldwide besides an observed high demand for organically produced harvests.Hence,recent attention has been given to utilizing biochar,a carbon-rich material produced from the pyrolysis of organic materials,which improves soil structure,water-holding capacity,and nutrient availability,as an amendment to produce organic root and tuber crops.These effects are caused by the formation of organic coatings on the surface of biochar,which decreases hydrophobicity and increases the ability to retain nutrients,acting as a slow-release mechanism delivering nutrients dependent on plant physiological requirements.However,comprehensive studies on the impact of biochar application on root and tuber crop growth,productivity,and effectiveness in eliminating soil parasites have not been extensively studied.Thus,the purpose of this review is to explore the use of biochar and biochar-based soil amendments and their potential applications for improving the growth,yield,and efficacy of controlling parasitic nematodes in a wide range of root crops.Most of the studies have investigated the effects of biochar on cassava,sweet potatoes,and minor root crops such as ginger and turmeric.It has been observed that biochar application rates(5-20 t ha^(−1))increase the vine length and the number of leaves,tubers,and tuber weight.The addition of biochar demonstrates the ability to control plant-parasitic nematodes in a rate-dependent manner.While biochar has shown promising results in improving crop growth and yield of limited root and tuber crops based on a few biochar types,ample opportunities are around to evaluate the influence of biochar produced in different temperatures,feedstock,modifications and controlling parasitic nematodes.

“Cyst nematode”中文译名应该为“孢囊线虫”

农作物孢囊线虫病害(crop cyst nematode diseases)近年来已经成为威胁我国农业生产安全的重要植物病原线虫病害,鉴于国内部分有关学术论著与文献中,对"cyst nematode"的中译名写法有歧义,作者通过文献的阐述与论证,认为"cyst nematode"的中译名称应该为"孢囊线虫",而不用"胞囊线虫",以免引起混乱。

Effect of heavy metals on soil nematode communities in the vicinity of a metallurgical factory

The influence of Cu and Zn on soil nematode communities was examined along a pollution gradient with increasing distance from a metallurgical factory. Total and available heavy metal contents were used to study the effects of heavy metals on nematode abundance, trophic groups and ecological indices. The results demonstrated significant correlations between the number of total nematodes, bacterivores, plant-parasites and the total and available heavy metals. Bacterivores and plant-parasites were the dominant trophic groups. Significant differences in different sampling sites were found only in the number of bacterivores（P〈0.01）. The Shannon-Weaver diversity index（W）, trophic diversity index（TD）, evenness index（J＇） and dominance index（λ） were found to be sensitive to soil pH and C/N ratios. Significant correlations were found between the total nematodes （TNEM）, some genera （A crobeloides, Aphelenchoides, Cephalobus, Ditylenchus, Mesorhabditis, Tetylenchus and Tylenchus） and distance from the factory.

Current Status of Soil-transmitted Nematode Infection in China

Objective To carry out national surveys for ascertaining the current status and trends of soil-transmitted nematode infections in China, providing scientific basis for further developing control strategies. Methods In 1988-1992 （hereinafter abbreriated as ＂survey in 1990＂）, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used in the survey. In 2001-2004 （hereinafter abbreriated as ＂survey in 2003＂）, in order to compare with the survey in 1990, two-characteristic stratified cluster random sampling method was used and 687 investigation spots were sampled from the 2848 spots selected in the survey in 1990. Kato-Katz thick smear method was used to examine the eggs of soil-transmitted nematodes in fecal samples. Results The prevalence rates were 53.6% and 19.6% for soil-transmitted nematodes, 14.6% and 6.120% for hookworms, 44.6% and 12.7% for Ascaris lumbricoides, 17.4% and 4.630% for Trichuris trichiura in survey 1990 and survey 2003, respectively. The prevalence rates of soil-transmitted nematodes were higher in 13 provinces than the average level in China in the survey in 1990, and higher in 8 provinces than the average level in the survey in 2003. The prevalence of hookworms, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and the overall prevalence of soil-transmitted nematodes were higher in females than in males. It is estimated from the results of survey in 2003 that the number of persons with soil-transmitted nematode infections in the country is about 129 million, less than that in the survey in 1990. Conclusion The prevalence of soil-transmitted nematodes has declined considerably but is still relatively high in some provinces and autonomous regions. Control activities and socioeconomic development may have contributed to the decreased prevalence.

The synergistic advantage of combining chloropicrin or dazomet with fosthiazate nematicide to control root-knot nematode in cucumber production

The highly-damaging root-knot nematode(Meloidogyne spp.,RKN)cannot be reliably controlled using only a nematicide such as fosthiazate because of increasing pest resistance.In laboratory and greenhouse trials,we showed that chloropicrin(CP)or dazomet(DZ)synergized the efficacy of fosthiazate against RKN.The combination significantly extended the degradation half-life of fosthiazate by an average of about 1.25 times.CP or DZ with fosthiazate reduced the time for fosthiazate to penetrate the RKN cuticle compared to fosthiazate alone.CP or DZ combined with low or medium rate of fosthiazate increased the total cucumber yield,compared to the use of each product alone.A low-dose fosthiazate with DZ improved total yield more than a low dose fosthiazate with CP.Extending the half-life of fosthiazate and reducing the time for fosthiazate or fumigant to penetrate the RKN cuticle were the two features that gave the fumigant-fosthiazate combination its synergistic advantage over these products used singularly.This synergy provides the opportunity for farmers to use a low dose of fosthiazate which lowers the risk of RKN resistance.Farmers could combine DZ at 30 g m^-2 with fosthiazate at a low rate of 0.375 g m^-2 to control RKN and adequately control two major soil-borne diseases in cucumber greenhouses.