Rotation of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) Cultivars and Fallow on Yield and Rotylenchulus reniformis

A three-year rotation of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) cultivars either resistant (R) or susceptible (S) to Rotylenchulus reniformis and fallow (F) was examined for effect on cotton yield and nematode density. In year 1, 2, and 3, the resistant cultivar (DP 2143NR B3XF) yielded 78, 77, and 113% higher than the susceptible cultivar (DP 2044 B3XF). Fallow in year 1 followed by S in year 2 (F1S2) improved yield in year 2 by 24% compared with S1S2, but not as much as R1S2 (41% yield increase over S1S2). One year of fallow followed by R (F1R2) had lower yield in year 2 (11% reduction) than R1R2. The highest yield after three years of these rotations occurred with R1R2R3, followed by R1S2R3 (17% less yield) and F1F2S3 (35% less yield). Rotylenchulus reniformis density in soil averaged 57, 65, and 70% lower (year 1, 2, 3, respectively) in R1R2R3 compared with S1S2S3. In years 1 and 2, LOG₁₀ transformed nematode density (LREN) was lower in F1, and F1F2, than for all other combinations. In year 3, the lowest LREN were associated with R1R2R3, F1S2F3, and F1F2S3. The highest LREN were associated with F1R2S3, F1S2S3, S1S2S3, R1R2S3, and R1S2S3. The combination of higher yield and lower nematode density will be a strong incentive for producers to use the R. reniformis resistant cultivars continuously.