Low-volume irrigation systems influence Pratylenchus penetrans populations, root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and replant establishment of sweet cherry

A four-year study was conducted to establish the effects of drip and microsprinkler irrigation systems on populations of Pratylenchus penetrans, early plant growth, and fruit yield of sweet cherry trees planted into soil previously used for apple production. The effects of irrigation type on root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, the abundance of soil microbial antagonists, soil biological suppressiveness, plant nutrition, and soil water content were also evaluated. Trees that received drip irrigation had larger trunk diameters than trees irrigated with microsprinklers throughout the first four years of orchard establishment, with greater total fruit yield also observed with drip irrigation in the fourth growing season. Populations of P. penetrans in soil and roots were smaller under drip irrigation than microsprinkler. Trees irrigated using drip emitters had higher per cent root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi than those irrigated by microsprinklers, and had a greater density of fine roots in soil. Drip irrigation also increased soil volumetric water content in the root zone, with soil moisture content often approaching or exceeding field water-holding capacity relative to that of microsprinklers. Overall, drip irrigation shows potential as a component of an integrated pest management strategy for reducing the effect of P. penetrans on newly planted sweet cherry.