Shifts in soil microflora induced by velvetbean (Mucuna deeringiana) in cropping systems to control rootknot nematodes

Abstract

This project is part of work underway in our labora-tories to test the hypothesis that the induction of soil suppressiveness to plant parasitic nematodes that oc-curs following planting of velvetbean (Mucuna deerin-giana (Bort) Merr.) is associated with the development of an antagonistic microflora in soils and rhizospheres. The specific objective of this investigation was to examine long-term microbial shifts associated with the use of velvetbean in rotations to control nema-todes. A crop rotation study was conducted in micro-plots, consisting of three crop cycles. Cycle 1 involved planting of either velvetbean or cowpea (Vigna un-guiculata L.) in the first spring. Cycle 2 during the next fall and winter was fallow or cover-cropped with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) or crimson clover (Trifoliu