Effects of a Nematode on Biomass and Density of Silverleaf Nightshade

Abstract

Infective fourth stage larvae of the silverleaf nightshade (Nothanguina phyllobia Thorne) were broadcast on rangeland populations of silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav.) as a biological control for the weed. Plots were inoculated with nematode-infested dried leaves in April and August of 1977 at two southern High Plains shortgrass prairie locations. One site had been denuded of vegetation 2 years previously. While the August inoculation failed, the April inoculation was successful at both locations: 41% of the plants at the denuded site and 20% of the plants at the shortgrass site became infected with nematodes. At the disturbed site, a difference from the control of 23% in the foiiar biomass and a 42% in the plant density of silverleaf nightshade were attributable to nematode injury. Nematode infection was not observed on any other plant species.