Plant-Parasitic Nematode Genera Associated with Turfgrass in Maryland Golf Courses and Athletic Fields

Abstract

Field surveys were conducted to assess the occurrence and diversity of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) in golf courses and athletic fields across Maryland, USA, during 2022 and 2023. A total of 28 golf courses and ten athletic fields were surveyed, revealing the prevalence and abundance of 13 PPNs taxa in the region. Criconemoides was identified as the most prevalent (94.9%) and Tylenchorhynchus as the most abundant (2.3) across all samples. Central golf courses (west side of the Chesapeake Bay) exhibited a high prevalence of Criconemoides and Tylenchorhynchus, while Eastern Shore golf courses and athletic fields displayed a higher prevalence of Helicotylenchus and Criconemoides. Further, Belonolaimus longicaudatus was reported for the first time from turfgrass in Maryland, raising concerns due to its potential to cause severe damage on both cool- and warm-season turfgrass. Biodiversity analysis indicated that richness (R2) was higher in athletic fields, while diversity (H′) and evenness (J′) were significantly greater in golf courses. This study provides baseline information for monitoring PPNs distribution in Maryland and also for the development of effective nematode management approaches in turfgrass ecosystems.