Plant-parasitic Nematode Communities and Their Associations with Soil Factors in Organically Farmed Fields in Minnesota

A survey was conducted to determine the assemblage and abundance of plant-parasitic nematodes and their associations with soil factors in organically farmed fields in Minnesota. A total of 31 soil samples were collected from southeast (SE), 26 samples from southwest (SW), 28 from west-central (WC), and 23 from northwest (NW) Minnesota. The assemblage and abundance of plant-parasitic nematodes varied among the four regions. The soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines, the most destructive pathogen of soybean, was detected in 45.2, 88.5, 10.7, and 0% of organically farmed fields with relative prominence (RP) values of 10.3, 26.5, 0.6, and 0 in the SE, SW, WC, and NW regions, respectively. Across the four regions, other common genera of plant-parasitic nematodes were Helicotylenchus (42.6, RP value, same below), Pratylenchus (26.9), Tylenchorhynchus and related genera (9.4), Xiphinema (5.6), and Paratylenchus (5.3). Aphelenchoides, Meloidogyne, Hoplolaimus, Mesocriconema, and Trichodorus were also detected at low frequencies and/or low population densities. The similarity index of plant-parasitic nematodes between two regions ranged from 0.44 to 0.71 and the similarity increased with decreasing distance between regions. The densities of most plant-parasitic nematodes did not correlate with measured soil factors (organic matter, pH, texture). However, the densities of Pratylenchus correlated negatively with % sand, and Xiphinema was correlated negatively with soil pH.     

Plant-Parasitic Nematodes of South Viet Nam

Between 1974 and 1978, 2,842 identifications of plant-parasitic nematodes were made from more than 1,700 soil and plant samples collected in eight provinces of South Viet Nam. Species in nine genera—Helicotylenchus, Criconemoides, Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Tylenchorhynchus, Hoplolaimus, Hirschmanniella, Xiphinema, and Rotylenchulus—comprised 96.1% of the identifications; the remaining 3.9% were species of 11 genera. Fourteen genera were associated with rice which was grown on about 2,500,000 ha in 1970. Of these, Ditylenchus, Hirschmanniella, and Meloidogyne were most important. Ditylenchus angustus caused severe damage to about 50,000 ha of flooded rice in the Mekong Delta in 1976. Hirschmanniella spp. were found in all samples examined from flooded rice fields. Meloidogyne spp. were common in rice seedbeds, upland rice, and rice not kept flooded continuously. Meloidogyne and Pratylenchus spp. were found in roots of 22 of the 32 crop plants sampled. Little or no attempt was made in South Viet Nam to control nematodes.     

Occurrence and correlations of nematodes,Fusarium oxysporum and edaphic factors on banana plantations

Problems caused by nematodes and Fusarium wilt (Panama disease) on banana plantations are responsible for yield losses and are limiting to its cultivation. In the state of Goias, there is little information about the nematode occurence on this crop, and its relation with the incidence of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense (Foc). This research had the purpose to identify the occurrence of plant‐parasitic nematodes on banana plantations and to verify its correlation with the Fusarium wilt and with the soil attributes (pH, texture, nutrients). Twelve banana orchards in the state of Goias were sampled in the municipalities of Anapolis, Caiaponia, Goiatuba, Itaguaru, Itumbiara (two areas), Jatai, Morrinhos, Ouro Verde, Palestina, Taquaral and Uruana. All sampled areas, except Morrinhos, revealed contamination with Foc, and all areas had different genera of nematodes either in the soil or in the roots samples. Meloidogyne sp., Helicotylenchus sp. and Rotylenchus sp. were the main genera of plant‐parasitic nematodes found in the samples, with Meloidogyne sp. and Rotylenchus sp. being the most dominant and abundant genera. The presence of Pratylenchus sp. increases the population levels of F. oxysporum. Helicotylenchus sp. is highly correlated with high concentrations of Mn. High population density of Meloidogyne sp. was found in irrigated areas with low concentrations of P, Ca, Mg and soil pH.     

Nematodes associated with date palm and their control measures

Date palm, Phoenix dactylifera L., is dioecious and can be artificially pollinated by man, and one-third of all the dates of the world are grown in Iraq. In Egypt, there are about 12?million date palm trees grown in 99,867?feddans (fed.?=?4200?m²). Productivity is 1352,954?million?tons with yield 111.7?kg/tree. Plant parasitic nematodes associated with date palm are Criconemoides spp., Helicotylenchus spp., Hemicriconemoides spp., Hemicycliophora spp., Hoplolaimus spp., Meloidogyne incognita, Meloidogyne arenaria, Meloidogyne javanica, Pratylenchus brachyurus, Pratylenchus jordanensis, Pratylenchus coffeae, Pratylenchus neglectus, Pratylenchus thornei, Trichodorus spp., Tylenchorhynchus goffarti, Tylenchorhynchus latus and Xiphinema spp.; Meloidogyne incognita-infected roots of susceptible cultivar favoured giant cell and galls formation. Date palm roots infected with Pratylenchus penetrans showed puncture of epidermal cells and disarrangement of cortical cells with large empty abnormal cavities. As control measures, it is advised to; 1 – plant immune or resistant cultivars against pathogenic nematodes, 2 – use oil cakes or poultry manure as organic amendments and a nematicide, carbofuran.These were tested and found effective in the control of Helicotylenchus multicinctus and P. penetrans, 3 – treat nematode-infested date palm seedlings with hot water at a suitable temperature for a given period before transplanting to open field, 4 – plant nematode -free date palm seedlings, 5 – soil solarisation and tillage before planting, 6 – weed control, 7 – intercrop with nematode-resistant horticultural crops and 8 – induce resistance in susceptible date palm cultivars against root knot nematode.     

Effect of tillage,subsidiary crops and fertilisation on plant‐parasitic nematodes in a range of agro‐environmental conditions within Europe

The overall goal in nematode management is to develop sustainable systems where nematode populations are kept under the economic damage threshold. Conservation tillage and subsidiary crops, applied as cover crops and living mulches, generally improve soil health by increasing soil organic matter content and stimulating soil microbial activity. However, more permanent crop and weed cover associated with subsidiary crops and noninversion tillage, respectively, may benefit plant‐parasitic nematodes with broad host spectra such as Meloidogyne and Pratylenchus. These genera are major constraints to many field crops throughout Europe and there is a need to identify effective and reliable management options that can be applied to avoid excessive infestations. The dynamics of the indigenous fauna of plant‐parasitic nematodes were studied in eight coordinated multi‐environment field experiments (MEEs) under four agro‐environmental conditions in Europe (Continental, Nemoral, Atlantic North and Mediterranean North). The MEEs consisted of a 2‐year sequence of wheat combined with a living mulch or subsequent cover crops and second main crops maize, potatoes or tomatoes depending on site. Additionally, the effects of inversion tillage using the plough were compared with various forms of conservation tillage (no‐tillage, shallow and deep noninversion tillage). Overall, Helicotylenchus, Paratylenchus, Pratylenchus and Tylenchorhynchus were the most frequent genera across sites while Meloidogyne occurred only in Germany at very low densities. During the wheat–maize sequences in Switzerland, the populations of Pratylenchus increased from 63 to 146 nematodes per 100 mL soil and Helicotylenchus from 233 to 632 nematodes per 100 mL soil. The effects of tillage on plant‐parasitic nematodes were generally minor, although no tillage in Italy supported higher densities of Pratylenchus (184 nematodes per 100 mL soil) than inversion tillage (59 nematodes per 100 mL soil). Furthermore, Pratylenchus densities were 160 nematodes per 100 mL soil when leguminous subsidiary crops were grown, 122 nematodes per 100 mL soil in the green fallow and 84 nematodes per 100 mL soil after growing black oat (Avena strigosa) or oilseed radish (Raphanus sativus). The differences were greatest in Italy, in a sandy soil with low organic matter. Application of compost or nitrogen fertiliser had no consistent effects on plant‐parasitic nematodes. We conclude that crop rotations including specific subsidiary crops are prominent factors affecting the indigenous nematode community, while tillage and fertiliser are of lower importance.     

Plant-parasitic nematodes associated with organic and conventional vegetable farms in Laguna Province,Philippines

A survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with vegetable crops grown in organic and conventional farms in Laguna province, Philippines. Seven nematode genera (Aphelenchoides, Aphelenchus, Helicotylenchus, Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Rotylenchulus and Tylenchus) from organic farms and five (all those found in organic except Aphelenchoides and Pratylenchus) from conventional farms were isolated using modified Baermann tray method. Among these taxa, Meloidogyne and Rotylenchulus were the most prevalent and abundant in both organic and conventional farms. Pratylenchus was also prevalent in organic farms and Helicotylenchus in conventional farms. Rotylenchulus was found associated with every vegetable in both organic and conventional farms and Meloidogyne was also observed with all vegetables in conventional farms. Organic vegetable farms were more diverse in terms of genera of plant-parasitic nematodes than conventional farms.     

Plant-parasitic nematodes associated with semi-temperate vegetables in the highlands of Benguet Province,Philippines

Thirteen genera (Aphelenchoides, Criconemella, Ditylenchus, Globodera, Helicotylenchus, Hoplolaimus, Meloidogyne, Longidorus, Paratrichodorus, Pratylenchus, Trichodorus, Tylenchus and Xiphinema) of plant-parasitic nematodes were found associated with 15 semi-temperate vegetable crops in Benguet Province, Philippines. Among these taxa, Helicotylenchus, Meloidogyne and Pratylenchus were the most predominant. Four taxa that can vector plant viruses were also found: Trichodorus, Paratrichodorus, Longidorus and Xiphinema. The taxa Paratrichodorus, Longidorus and Xiphinema have not been reported previously on semi-temperate vegetable crops in the Philippines. The most predominant nematode species were H. dihystera, P. penetrans and Meloidogyne spp. These nematodes were found abundantly in five out of the nine municipalities surveyed: Atok, Bakun, Buguias, Kibungan and Mankayan. The incidence of Criconemella sp., G. rostochiensis, Hoplolaimus sp., Longidorus sp., Trichodorus sp. and Tylenchus sp. was also recorded in at least one municipality. The predominant nematode species were also found on every vegetable crop examined. More particularly, H. dihystera was highly abundant on cucumber, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, sweet pepper, snap bean and onion; P. penetrans was highly abundant on carrot, celery, garden pea, broccoli, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, Chinese mustard, onion, potato, radish and lettuce; Meloidogyne spp. were highly abundant on celery, cucumber, Chinese mustard, carrot, sweet pepper and potato. According to the formula by Fortuner and Merny (1973 Fortuner, R and Merny, G. 1973. Les nématodes parasites des racines associés au riz en Basse Casamance (Senegal) et en Gambie, Cahiers de l'Orstom. Série Biologique, 21: 3–20.  [Google Scholar]) for identifying the potential plant pathogens, these predominant nematode species were classified as potential pathogens with the ability to cause economic loss which shows that they are probably important active pathogens of these semi-temperate vegetables. The incidence of other nematode species in the rhizosphere included G. rostochiensis on sweet pepper, garden pea and potato; D. dipsaci on onion; Tylenchus sp. on lettuce, onion and broccoli; A. fragariae on carrot, lettuce, broccoli and onion; Criconemella sp. on cucumber and cauliflower; Longidorus sp. on carrot, celery, cucumber, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese mustard, snap beans, onion, potato and radish; X. americanum on lettuce, broccoli and onion; Paratrichodorus sp. on carrot, lettuce, onion and potato; and Trichodorus sp. on snap bean, potato and radish.     

Soil-borne viruses occurring in nursery soils and infecting some ornamental species of Rosaceae

Soil from twelve of twenty-six sites on ten nurseries growing ornamental trees and shrubs contained viruliferous nematodes, transmitting arabis mosaic virus (AMV) at eight sites, tomato black ring virus at three and tobacco rattle virus at one site. Tobacco necrosis virus was detected at two sites. Xiphinema spp. were found at nine sites, Longidorus spp. at sixteen and Trichodorus spp. at thirteen sites. Thirty-one ornamental species of Rosaceae were tested for virus infections and AMV was found in Spiraea bumalda, Spiraea japonica alba and Kerria japonica.     

Abundance, distribution and feeding relations of root/fungal feeding nematodes in a Scots pine forest

In a 15–20 yr old forest of Pinus sylvestris, Tylenchus spp., Paratylemchus spp? and Malenchus tantulus were the most abundant stylet-bearing nematodes. Soil layers and ground cover affected the abundance. Mycophagy was observed for Tylenchus sp., M. tantulus, Aphelenchoides sp. and Tylencholaimus stecki. Feeding on roots of the forest grass, Deschampsia flexuosa was recorded for W. tantulus, Paratylenchus spp? and Rotylenchus sp. The latter fed also on pine roots. Connections occurred between feeding habits and field distribution. The facultative feeding habit of M. tantulus probably allowed this species to reach higher numbers under D. flexuosa. The importance, in the field, of the grass Calamagrostis arundinacea for Paratylenchus spp? was confirmed by laboratory experiments. As pine was a non-host, these nematodes were probably grass feeders. Paratylenchus spp? dominated the obligate root feeders with forest grass being a key-factor for the group abundance. Suspected high densities of Paratylenchus spp? on clearings should not affect the growth of pine seedlings and although Rotylenchus sp. to some extent reduced seedling growth its pathogenic status on P. sylvestris was doubtful.     

Evaluation of five sugar beet varieties for root-knot nematode and root-rot fungal infection

Survey results during 2010–2011 season revealed that the Meloidogyne spp., Helico–tylenchus spp. and Tylenchorhynchus spp. were the common plant parasitic nematodes in the rhizospheres of sugar beet in El-Behera, El-Fayoum and Beni Sueif Governorates. Aspergillus spp., Aspergillus niger, Fusarium spp., Penicillium spp., Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium citrinum, Rhizoctonia spp., Rhizopus nigricans, Trichoderma spp. and others were also the common fungi in the same rhizospheres. The rhizosphere of El-Behera Governorate was highly infected with Meloidogyne spp., Fusarium spp. and Rhizoctonia spp., compared to the rhizospheres of El-Fayoum and Beni Sueif, respectively. Evaluation of five of sugar beet cultivars, viz. Chems, Dema-Poly, DS 9001, Manila and Ras-Poly to infection, with Meloidogyne incognita (root-knot nematode), Fusarium solani and Rhizoctonia solani (root rot disease) was carried out under naturally field infection condition in the Nubariya region, Behera Governorate during 2011–2012 season. Host susceptibility rating revealed that the varieties of Ras-Poly, DS 9001 and Manila can be considered as susceptible, while the varieties of Dema-Poly and Chems can be considered as highly susceptible. Pathological results showed that the varieties of Dema-Poly and Ras-Poly were highly infected with F. solani, while not infected with R. solani. The varieties of DS 9001, Manila and Chems were moderately infected with the two pathogens.     

The Effect of Endophytic Fungi on Nematode Populations in Summer-dormant and Summer-active Tall Fescue

Summer-active (continental) and summer-dormant (Mediterranean) tall fescue morphotypes are each adapted to different environmental conditions. Endophyte presence provides plant parasitic nematode resistance, but not with all endophyte strains and cultivar combinations. This study sought to compare effects of four nematode genera on continental and Mediterranean cultivars infected with common toxic or novel endophyte strains. A 6-mon greenhouse study was conducted with continental cultivars, Kentucky 31 (common toxic) and Texoma MaxQ II (novel endophyte) and the Mediterranean cultivar Flecha MaxQ (novel endophyte). Endophyte-free plants of each cultivar were controls. Each cultivar × endophyte combination was randomly assigned to a control, low or high inoculation rate of a mixed nematode culture containing stunt nematodes (Tylenchorhynchus spp.), ring nematodes (Criconemella spp.), spiral nematodes (Helicotylenchus spp.), and lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.). Endophyte infection had no effect on nematode population densities. The cultivar × endophyte interaction was significant. Population densities of stunt nematode, spiral nematode, and ring nematodes were higher for Flecha MaxQ than other cultivar × endophyte combinations. Novel endophyte infection enhances suitability of Flecha MaxQ as a nematode host.     

The effects of soil fumigation and nitrogen fertilizers on nematodes and sugar beet in sandy soils

In fifteen experiments on light land infested with plant-parasitic nematodes, fumigating the soil during the previous winter with D-D increased the average yield of sugar-beet roots from 25 to 36 t/ha; this was more than that obtained with various forms of nitrogenous fertilizers used in amounts up to 250 kg N/ha. Application of 85 kg N/ha increased yields on fumigated plots by 7 t/ha, and there was little benefit from giving more. Fumigation killed 65 % of the Pratylenchus spp., 80% of the Trichodorus spp. and 90% of the Tylenchorhynchus spp. in the top 5 cm of the soil and, at 15–20 cm deep, 90, 93 and 95% of these three genera. The increased yield from fumigant at different sites was not correlated with the initial populations of nematodes. The average increase in yield from fumigation was only poorly correlated with rainfall during May. The increases in nematode populations between April and August depended on rainfall, and were 0positively correlated both with the accumulated rainfall for the 10 weeks before sampling the soil in August and with the rainfall during the week previous to sampling. Fumigation not only improved the health of roots, and so enabled them to use nitrogen more efficiently, but also increased the amount of available nitrogen in the soil and decreased the amount lost by leaching. Injected anhydrous ammonia did not affect the populations of nematodes.     

Host Suitability of the Olive Cultivars Arbequina and Picual for Plant-Parasitic Nematodes

Host suitability of olive cultivars Arbequina and Picual to several plant-parasitic nematodes was studied under controlled conditions. Arbequina and Picual were not suitable hosts for the root-lesion nematodes Pratylenchus fallax, P. thornei, and Zygotylenchus guevarai. However, the ring nematode Mesocriconema xenoplax and the spiral nematodes Helicotylenchus digonicus and H. pseudorobustus reproduced on both olive cultivars. The potential of Meloidogyne arenaria race 2, M. incognita race 1, and M. javanica, as well as P. vulnus and P. penetrans to damage olive cultivars, was also assessed. Picual planting stocks infected by root-knot nematodes showed a distinct yellowing affecting the uppermost leaves, followed by a partial defoliation. Symptoms were more severe on M. arenaria and M. javanica-infected plants than on M. incognita-infected plants. Inoculation of plants with 15,000 eggs + second-stage juveniles/pot of these Meloidogyne spp. suppressed the main height of shoot and number of nodes of Arbequina, but not Picual. Infection by each of the two lesion nematodes (5,000 nematodes/pot) or by each of the three Meloidogyne spp. suppressed (P < 0.05) the main stem diameter of both cultivars. On Arbequina, the reproduction rate of Meloidogyne spp. was higher (P < 0.05) than that of Pratylenchus spp.; on Picual, Pratylenchus spp. reproduction was higher (P < 0.05) than that of Meloidogyne spp.     

Morphological Comparison and Taxonomic Utility of Copulatory Structures of Selected Nematode Species

Spicules of 9 Meloidogyne, 2 Heterodera, 3 Globodera, and 12 other plant-parasitic, insect-parasitic, and free-living nematodes were excised and examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Gubernacula of some of the species were also excised, and their structure was determined. The two spicules of all species examined were symmetrically identical in morphology. The spicule typically consisted of three parts: head, shaft, and blade with dorsal and ventral vela. The spicular nerve entered through the cytoplasmic core opening on the lateral outer surface of the spicule head and generally communicated with the exterior through one or two pores at the spicule tip. Spicules of Xiphinema sp. and Aporcelaimellus sp. were not composed of three typical parts, were less sclerotized, and lacked a cytoplasmic core opening and distal pores. Spicules of Aphelenchoides spp. had heads expanded into apex and rostrum and had very arcuate blades with thick dorsal and ventral edges (limbs). Gubernaculum shapes were stable within a species, but differed among species examined. The accessory structures of Hoplolaimus galeatus consisted of a tongue-shaped gubernaculum with two titillae at its distal end and a plate-like capitulum terminating distally in two flat, wing-like structures. A comparison of spicules of several species of Meloidogyne by SEM and light microscopy revealed no striking morphological differences.     

Effects of Pseudomonas fluorescens strain UTPF5 on the mobility,mortality and hatching of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica

The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne spp. includes important plant pathogens worldwide. This study has considered nematode Meloidogyne javanica second stage larvae activity in the extracts of Pseudomonas fluorescens strains UTPF5 and cytotoxic effect of the strain on the nematode. The movement of second stage larvae of nematodes in water agar medium at four concentrations of bacterial extracts and second stage larvae mortality rate of hatching nematode and bacterial strains in vitro were affected. Different concentrates of the strain UTPF5 effect nematode larvae movement and disposal of the same. Bacterial extraction kills almost 100% of the larvae hatching after 24?h and a complete ban on egg hatch of biocontrol nematodes and nematode indicated that root-knot nematode larvae movement on the right attract the bacteria P. fluorescens to extract in the first place.     

Managing Nematode Population Densities on Tomato Transplants Using Crop Rotation and a Nematicide

Millet, milo, soybean, crotalaria, and Norman pigeon pea were used in conjunction with clean fallow and a nematicide (fensulfothion) for managing nematode populations in the production of tomato transplants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). Glean fallow was the most effective treatment in suppressing nematode numbers. After 2 years in tomato, root-knot nematodes increased in numbers to damaging levels, and fallow was no longer effective for complete control even in conjunction with fensulfothion. After 4 years in tomato, none of the crops used as summer cover crops alone or in conjunction with fensulfothion reduced numbers of root-knot nematodes in harvested tomato transplants sufficiently to meet Georgia certification regulations. Milo supported large numbers of Macroposthonia ornata and Pratylenchus spp. and crotalaria supported large numbers of Pratylenchus spp. Millet, milo, soybean, crotalaria, and pigeon pea are poor choices for summer cover crops in sites used to produce tomato transplants, because they support large populations of root-knot and other potentially destructive nematodes.     

Suppression Effects on Pineapple Soil-Borne Pathogens by <i>Crotalaria juncea</i>, Dolomitic Lime and Plastic Mulch Cover on MD-2 Hybrid Cultivar

The development and implementation of sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices are indispensable as alternatives to pesticide use and to keep populations of soil-borne plant pathogens at levels that do not affect crop productivity. The present research evaluates the incidence of soil-borne phytopathogens on the pineapple variety MD-2, which was subjected to different treatments: Incorporation of Crotalaria juncea into the soil (organic amendment), application of dolomitic lime to soil (inorganic amendment), and the use of plastic mulch covering the soil. During the crop cycle (15 months), the following variables were evaluated: plant height (cm), fruit weight (kg·plant⁻¹ ), crop yield (ton·ha⁻¹ ), the bud root disease incidence caused by Phytophthora nicotianae, number of soil phytoparasitic nematodes and colony-forming-units (CFUs) of soil fungi and oomycetes. The results indicate that Crotalaria juncea treatment reduced the pathogen population (nematode and oomycetes) at levels that did not affect crop development, so that yield increased (18–20%). The incorporation of C. juncea into the soil as an organic amendment favors the populations of fungi disease suppressors (Trichoderma-Aspergillus). The phytoparasitic nematodes (Meloidogyne sp., Pratylenchus sp., and Mesocriconema sp.) and oomycetes (Phytophthora spp., and Pythium spp.) showed a reduction of their population levels by effects of organic amendment (C. juncea). The plastic mulch was also effective, probably due to the maintenance of optimal condition to crop growth and weed control. However, the dolomitic lime application had the poorest effect under the conditions of the study area on the variables analyzed. The described observations are characteristics of a system-based approach for the potential management of soil-borne pathogens of pineapple MD-2 in Veracruz, México.     

Biocontrol of Meloidogyne incognita inciting disease in tomato by using a mixed compost inoculated with Paenibacillus ehimensis RS820

Meloidogyne spp. causes root-knot disease in tomato plants. Biological control of the disease may present economically feasible, agronomically durable and environmentally safe alternative of nematicides. A chitinolytic bacterial strain, Paenibacillus ehimensis RS820, previously isolated from the soil in Korea, produced lytic enzymes in higher amounts and inhibited the growth of phytopathogenic root-knot nematodes. Moreover, the juveniles and eggs of root-knot nematodes induced secretion of lytic enzymes by RS820 including chitinases, gelatinases and collagenases. Furthermore, mixed compost containing increased amounts of chitin and inoculated with RS820 was prepared in the present study. Use of the mixed compost not only reduced the disease caused by root-knot nematodes but also improved the plant growth. The extent of inoculation of the mixed compost with RS820 significantly influenced its ability to control the root-knot disease in tomato. The mixed compost also significantly altered the activity and density of the rhizosphere bacteria. Chitinase and gelatinase producing soil bacteria, as well as their enzyme activities, were significantly influenced by the mixed compost. The mixed compost proposed in the present study may represent a viable alternative to nematicides against the root-knot nematodes in tomato.     

Review of Nematode Interactions with Hemp (Cannabis Sativa)

The many decades during which the cultivation of Cannabis sativa (hemp) was strongly restricted by law resulted in little research on potential pathogenic nematodes of this increasingly important crop. The primary literature was searched for hemp-nematode papers, resulting in citations from 1890 through 2021. Reports were grouped into two categories: (i) nematodes as phytoparasites of hemp, and (ii) hemp and hemp products and extracts for managing nematode pests. Those genera with the most citations as phytoparasites were Meloidogyne (root-knot nematodes, 20 papers), Pratylenchus (lesion nematodes, 7) and Ditylenchus (stem nematodes, 7). Several Meloidogyne spp. were shown to reproduce on hemp and some field damage has been reported. Experiments with Heterodera humuli (hop cyst nematode) were contradictory. Twenty-three papers have been published on the effects of hemp and hemp products on plant-parasitic, animal-parasitic and microbivorous species. The effects of hemp tissue soil incorporation were studied in five papers; laboratory or glasshouse experiments with aqueous or ethanol extracts of hemp leaves accounted for most of the remainder. Many of these treatments had promising results but no evidence was found of large-scale implementation. The primary literature was also searched for chemistry of C. sativa roots. The most abundant chemicals were classified as phytosterols and triterpenoids. Cannabinoid concentration was frequently reported due to the interest in medicinal C. sativa. Literature on the impact of root-associated chemicals on plant parasitic nematodes was also searched; in cases where there were no reports, impacts on free-living or animal parasitic nematodes were discussed.     

The rDNA Internal Transcribed Spacer Region as a Taxonomic Marker for Nematodes

The ITS region from a wide taxonomic range of nematodes, including secernentean and adenophorean taxa, and free-living, entomopathogenic, and plant-parasitic species, was evaluated as a taxonomic marker. Size of the amplified product aided in the initial determination of group membership, and also suggested groups that may require taxonomic reevaluation. Congeneric species often displayed identically sized ITS regions, but genera such as Pratylenchus and Tylenchorhynchus had species with large differences in size. ITS heterogeneity in individuals and populations was identified in several nematode taxa. PCR-RFLP of ITS1 is advocated as a method of taxonomic analysis in genera such as Helicotylenchus that contain numerous species with few diagnostic morphological characteristics.