Evaluation of Nematicide and Cotton Cultivar Combinations for Southern Root-Knot Nematode Management in Safford, Arizona, 2024

Southern root-knot nematode disease, caused by Meloidogyne incognita, is a significant threat to sustainable cotton production worldwide. Common symptoms included root galling, stunted growth, and lower plant vigor and yield. This study evaluated the efficacy of nematicides (Velum in-furrow treatment and Copeo seed treatment) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) cultivars (standard, nematode-resistant, or with Thryvon technology) in managing root-knot nematode disease. The trial was conducted at a cooperating grower’s field naturally infested with root-knot nematode in Safford, AZ, in 2024. Findings highlight the potential of selecting resistant cotton cultivars and applying nematicide treatments to improve nematode management and yield under high nematode pressure.