Survey of plant-parasitic nematodes in Arkansas and Mid-South Golf course putting greens

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) pose a significant risk to turfgrass health, especially golf course putting greens. Several PPN taxa are responsible for causing damage, each varying in their geographic distribution, host preference, and damage potential. Limited information is available on PPN species and distribution within putting greens throughout Arkansas and the surrounding states. In 2023 and 2024, a survey was conducted on 352 greens from 39 golf courses in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas. Greens consisted of either creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) or hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon x. C. transvaalensis). For each soil sample, nematodes were identified to the genus level, and soil characteristics (organic matter, pH, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, sodium, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, and boron) were measured. A total of 13 PPN taxa were identified across all samples, with spiral (Helicotylenchus spp.) and ring (Criconemoides spp.) nematodes being the most common. The sting nematode (Belonolaimus spp.), a highly destructive PPN, was identified for the first time in Arkansas and Mississippi. PerMANOVA analysis revealed a significant effect of soil parameters and turfgrass species on PPN community composition (p < 0.001). Lance (Hoplolaimus spp.) and stunt (Tylenchorhynchus spp.) nematodes were most common in creeping bentgrass greens, while sting and ring nematodes were most common in hybrid bermudagrass greens. Total PPN density was negatively correlated with pH (r = −0.214), potassium (r = −0.163), and magnesium (r = −0.159). Limited relationships were observed between population densities of specific PPN taxa and the soil characteristics measured. This study provides a better understanding of PPN distribution and prevalence in Arkansas and Mid-South golf course putting greens.