Temperature Effects on Reproduction and Pathogenicity of Pratylenchus coffeae and P. brachyurus and Survival of P. coffeae in Roots of Citrus jambhiri

Optimum temperature for reproduction of Pratylenchus coffeae on Rough lemon, Citrus jambhiri Lush. was 29.5 C. Pratylenchus coffeae populations reached 7653 per g of root 2 months after initial inoculation with 140 nematodes. Maximum plant weight reduction was 38%; root weights were reduced by as much as 47%. Pratylenchus brachyurus significantly reduced plant and root weights but population sizes never approached those of P. coffeae. Pratylenchus coffeae survived in stored excised roots and were still infective after 4 months at temperatures ranging from 4.5 to 32 C.