GIS-based regional classification for overwintering of southern root-knot nematode in Shaanxi Province

Southern root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, is an important pathogen of vegetables, and was first observed in South China. With the development of indoor agricultural facilities, it was found for the first time in Shaanxi in 2000, and now is widely distributed through different ecological vegetable growing zones in Northern and Southern Shaanxi, and the Guanzhong area. M. incognita has become a devastating soil borne disease, causing great economic losses in vegetable production. Using GIS and geostatistics methods, we have analyzed the northern boundaries of M. incognita overwintering sites and provided regional classification for open fields, mulched fields, plastic tunnel houses, and greenhouses. Our work makes clear the response of the nematode to low temperature stress, so that rapid and effective monitoring as well as theoretical and technical support for prevention and control can be developed in Shaanxi Province.