Pre-plant chemical control of the burrowing nematode (Radopholus similis) in anthuriums

Pre-plant treatment to control the burrowing nematode, Radopholus similis, in anthuirum was investigated. Twelve 1 m super(2) plots were delineated on an anthurium bed. The initial nematode numbers in cinders were measured and Vapam (metham sodium), Dragon Fire (product from sesame oil), Avid (product derived from Streptomyces avermitilis) or water were applied to the plots. One month later, 20 anthuirums were planted into each plot. Anthuirums were allowed to grow for 12 months. The nematode dynamics in ciders and anthuirum growth in each treatment were determined trimonthly. Vapam suppressed nematode population and improved anthurium growth. Vapam maintained nearly zero nematode population in cinders throughout the 12 months of the experiment. In water-, Avid- or Dragon Fire-treated plots, the nematode population continued to increase over time. For plant growth, at 3 months anthuriums in the plots treated with Vapam had a 15% higher growth than those in the plots treated with water, Avid, or Dragon Fire. At 6 and 9 months after planting, the growth of anthuiriums treated with Vapam was two to three times as much as those treated with water, Avid, or Dragon Fire. Pre-plant application of Vapam is necessary to ensure a better yield of anthuriums.