Impact of cover cropping on root lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) and nematode communities in Narcissus fields

Chekanai, V., Neilson, R., Roberts, D., Edwards, S.G. and Back, M.A. (2026) Impact of cover cropping on root lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) and nematode communities in Narcissus fields. Applied Soil Ecology, 219. ISSN 09291393

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Abstract

Cover crops offer numerous benefits to the soil, including pest, pathogen suppression and enhanced fertility. Focussing on fields used for Narcissus production as a model, the potential of different cover crop treatments to suppress plant-parasitic nematodes while safeguarding beneficial nematode communities was evaluated. The root lesion nematode species, Pratylenchus penetrans, is known to significantly reduce Narcissus yields, a challenge further exacerbated by limited chemical control options and restricted land availability to deploy effective crop rotation. French marigold, oilseed radish, Phacelia, Japanese oats, alfalfa, and forage chicory were evaluated in two experiments under greenhouse conditions to assess their suitability as hosts for P. penetrans based on the nematode reproduction factor (Rf). Phacelia and Japanese oat were rated as maintenance hosts (1 < Rf < 2) while the remaining cover crops were identified as poor hosts (0.15 < Rf < 1). Thereafter, three field experiments assessed the effects of the same cover crop treatments, plus Indian mustard, on the abundance of Pratylenchus, Aphelenchus, Aphelenchoides spp., and bacterivore nematodes. Sampling occurred before sowing of the cover crop, three months after sowing and six weeks post-incorporation of the mature cover crop. Four of the tested cover crops (French marigold, oilseed radish, forage chicory and alfalfa) significantly reduced the abundance of Pratylenchus spp., by 53–75 % across all three experiments. Phacelia and Japanese oats had no effect, while Indian mustard increased the abundance of Pratylenchus spp., by 113–319 % across all experiments. Oilseed radish and Indian mustard increased the abundance of bacterivore nematodes, with oilseed radish showing the greatest increase of 335 %. Using 18S rRNA amplicon sequencing, cover crops showed no adverse effects on alpha and beta nematode diversity, while cover crop incorporation resulted in higher enrichment and lower structure indices. These findings strongly suggest that French marigold, oilseed radish, forage chicory, and alfalfa are potential options for managing Pratylenchus spp. without adverse effects on non-target beneficial soil nematode communities. Understanding cover crop–nematode interactions can expand their use beyond current production systems. This study offers a first step towards selecting cover crops that maintain/promote beneficial nematodes, support soil health restoration, and suppress Pratylenchus spp. in crops that form a typical UK arable rotation.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Next generation sequencing, Oilseed radish, Regenerative agriculture, Soil function, Soil health, Suppressive soils
Divisions:	Agriculture and Environment (from 1.08.20)
Depositing User:	Miss Anna Cope
Date Deposited:	21 Jan 2026 14:04
Last Modified:	21 Jan 2026 14:04
URI:	https://hau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/18306

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