Optimum Initial Inoculum Levels for Evaluation of Resistance in Tomato to Meloidogyne spp. at Two Different Soil Temperatures

The effects of Meloidogyne incognita or M. javanica at five initial inoculum levels of 20, 100, 200, 1,000, and 2,000 eggs and infective juveniles per seedling on ''Floradade,'' ''Nemarex,'' ''Patriot,'' and ''PI 129149-2(sib)-5'' tomatoes maintained at 25 or 32.5 C were studied. The number of egg masses on roots of the susceptible cultivar Floradade was similar for both species of root-knot nematodes at either 2.5 or 32.5 C soil temperatures. At 25 C, very low numbers of egg masses were produced by both species of root-knot nematodes on Nematex, Patriot, and Lycopersicon peruvianum PI 129149-2(sib)-5. At 32.5 C, the best inoculum level for assessing resistance in these tomato genotypes was 200 eggs and infective juveniles per seedling. With 28 days of incubation, this temperature and inoculum level produced quantitative differences in resistance for both species of Meloidogyne.     

Effect of Meloidogyne incognita on Selected Forest Tree Species

Four or five growth stages of 14 forest tree species were tested for susceptibility to Meloidogyne incognita at five inoculum levels. Responses ranged from the highly susceptible ''China fir'' to immune ''Taiwania''. Even highly susceptible species became increasingly tolerant at later growth stages, thus root-knot appears to be a greater problem in nurseries than in established forests. Heavily suberized cells which restricted nematode development was the predominant host response in Norway spruce, and in the jack, scotch, and Virginia pines. Adult females in jack and scotch pine, which elicited a minimum of suberized tissue, were found adjacent to infection sites showing maximum suberization which indicates that resistance can be highly localized and variable within an individual host. A few gravid females, but no giant cells, were observed in these two species.     

Monitoring viable airborne inoculum of Botrytis cinerea in the South-East of France over 3 years: relation with climatic parameters and the origin of air masses

Airborne inoculum of Botrytis cinerea was monitored bimonthly during 3 years (September 2007–December 2010) on a site in the South-East of France located approximately 5 km away from susceptible crops. Viable inoculum was collected for 96 % of the sampling days, including during cold winter periods and hot and dry summer conditions. The concentration of airborne inoculum was significantly higher during daytime than at night. Peaks of concentration were recorded at different periods each year (September–October in 2008, May in 2010). The abundance of viable inoculum was positively correlated with average daily relative humidity and negatively correlated with air temperature and solar radiation. The analysis of backward trajectories suggested that air masses originating from the North or the South brought more viable inoculum than those from the West. This study showed that susceptible crops may be at danger from viable inoculum of B. cinerea during all seasons of the year, but that risk prediction models could be developed on the basis of climatic conditions and the origin of air masses.     

The Effects of Temperature on Pratylenchus scribneri and P. alleni Populations on Soybeans and Tomatoes

In soil temperature tests, rates of Pratylenchus scribneri and P. alleni reproduction were measured at various lemperatures on ''Clark 63'' and ''Cutler 71'' soybeans and ''Rutgers'' tomatoes. Recovered P. scribneri equaled or exceeded initial inoculum levels at temperatures of 27.5 C or higher on soybeans, and at 20 C or higher on tomatoes. Population increases were greatest at 3.5 C on both hosts. Populations increased on soybeans, but not on tomatoes, when soil temperature was raised from 25 to 35 C for either 3 or 9 days. Recovered P. alleni were less than the initial inoculum at 27.5 C but higher at 32 and 37.5 C and at 27.5 C on tomatoes, the lowest temperature tested for this nematode. In the field, soil temperatures 10 cm deep in eastern Kansas soybean growing areas reach 27.5 C only occasionally and for relatively short periods, which probably explains the relatively low and variable populations of P. scribneri and P. alleni on soybeans there.     

Interrelationship of Meloidogyne hapla and Ditylenchus dipsaci on Resistant and Susceptible Alfalfa

Simultaneous inoculations of alfalfa with Meloidogyne hapla larvae and Ditylenchus dipsaci at 16, 20, 24, and 28 C did not depress penetration of either nematode in ''Nev Syn XX'' -a selection resistant to M. hapla and D. dipsaci, ''Vernal 298'' -a selection resistant to M. hapla and susceptible to D. dipsaci, ''Lahontan'' -a cultivar resistant to D. dipsaci and susceptible to M. hapla, and ''Ranger'' -a cultivar susceptible to both M. hapla and D, dipsaci. Infection with D. dipsaci depressed growth of susceptible ''Vernal 298'' and ''Ranger'' at all soil temperatures, except for ''Vernal 298'' at 16 C. Infection with M. hapla alone did not depress growth of any of the alfalfas. A combination of M. hapla and D. dipsaci resulted in a synergistic weight depression on ''Ranger'' at all soil temperatures. Inoculation of the four alfalfas with D. dipsaci 2, 4, 6, and 8 wk before inoculation with M. hapla at 16, 20, 24, and 28 C did not influence the resistance or susceptibility of ''Nev Syn XX,'' ''Lahontan,'' or ''Ranger.'' However, galling of ''Vernal 298'' by M. hapla was affected by soil temperature, plant age, and inoculation with D. dipsaci.     

Attraction of Ditylenchus dipsaci and Meloidogyne hapla by Resistant and Susceptible Alfalfa Seedlings

Ditylenchus dipsaci Kühn were equally attracted to and equally invaded resistant (''Lahontan'') and susceptible (''Ranger'') germinating alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) seedlings exposed singly in moist sand except at a distance of 12.5 mm at 20 C when the susceptibles proved more attractive than the resistants. Larvae hatching from egg-masses of Meloidogyne hapla Chitwood were also attracted equally to germinating seedlings of resistant (''M-9'') and susceptible (''Lahontan'') alfalfa offered singly. When hatched midway between resistant and susceptible, however, more larvae were attracted to the susceptibles. M. hapla larvae were attracted equally to the root and stem apices, region of elongation, and upper hypocotyl of resistant and susceptible plants.     

Influence of Meloidogyne chitwoodi and M. hapla on Wheat Growth

Meloidogyne chitwoodi reduced the growth of winter wheat ''Nugaines'' directly in relation to nematode density in the greenhouse, The relationship between top dry weight and initial nematode density suggests a tolerance limit of Nugaines wheat to M. chitwoodi of between 0.03 and 0.18 eggs/cm³ of soil; the value for relative minimum plant top weight was 0.45 g and 0.75 g, respectively. Growth of wheat in field microplots containing four population densities (0.003, 0.05, 0.75 and 9 eggs/cm³ soil) was not affected significantly at any inoculum level compared to controls during September to July, However, suppression of head weights of ''Fielder'' spring wheat grown May-July occurred in microplots initially infested with 0.75 and 9 eggs/cm³ soil. Reproduction (Pf/Pi) was poorer at these two inoculum levels as compared to the lower densities. In another greenhouse experiment, roots of wheat cultivars Fielder, ''Fieldwin,'' ''Gaines,'' ''Hyslop,'' and Nugaines became infected by M. chitwoodi, but not by M. hapla. Reproduction of M. chitwoodi was less on Gaines and Nugaines than on Fielder, Fieldwin, or Hyslop.     

Interactions between Meloidogyne incognita,M. hapla,and Pratylenchus brachyurus in Tobacco

In a greenhouse pot experiment on the pathogenicity and interactions of Meloidogyne incognita, M. hapla and Pratylenchus brachyurus on four cultivars o f tobacco the cultivars ''Hicks'' and ''NC 2326'' were susceptible to each nematode and "NC 95'' and ''NC 2512'' resistant only to M. incognita.Mean heights of susceptible plants were depressed but fresh weight of tops did not differ significantly. Meloidogyne spp. increased fresh weight of susceptible (but not the resistant) roots.Reproduction of M. incognita was decreased in the presence of P. brachyurus in one case. M. hapla reproduction was less with either of the other nematodes in five out of eight cases. In 12 combinations involving P. brachyurus, reproduction of this species was depressed in seven, not affected in four and increased in one.Mechanisms involved in associative interactions were not identified but appeared to be indirect and to involve individual host-nematode responses.     

Penetration and Development of Meloidogyne hapla in Resistant and Susceptible Alfalfa Under Differing Temperatures

Studies were conducted to examine under differing temperatures (12, 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32 C) the penetration anti development of Meloidogyne hapla in resistant lines ''298'' and ''Nev. Syn XX'', and susceptible ''Lahontan'' and ''Ranger'' hardy-type alfalfas. The results indicated that resistance to M. hapla was similar to that previously described for M. incognita in nonhardy alfalfa. Although initial penetration in resistant seedlings was similar to that of susceptible seedlings, nematode larvae failed to establish and develop in root tissues and nematode numbers subsequently declined. In susceptible seedlings, nematode development proceeded rapidly, and egg production began after 5 weeks. Temperature had little influence on the nematode development except to slow the response at the lower temperatures. Other studies were conducted to verify a previously reported immune (no penetration) reaction to M. hapla by the ''Vernal'' selection ''M-4''. When compared to the resistant (penetration without nematode development) Vernal selection ''M-9'' under differing temperatures (20, 24, 28, and 32 C), each selection was equally penetrated by M. hapla but at a lower level than in susceptible Ranger cuttings. Generally, no root galling was observed in either M-4 or M-9; however, very slight galling was found 35 days after inoculation on about 50% of these cuttings when grown at 32 C.     

Pathogenicity of Meloidogyne hapla to Lettuce as Affected by Inoculum Level, Plant Age at Inoculation and Temperature

Pathogenicity of Meloidogyne hapla to lettuce was influenced by inoculum level, age of plant at inoculation and temperature. Top weight of ''Minetto'' lettuce was reduced 32% when 2-week-old lettuce plants were each inoculated with five egg masses. Higher inoculum levels did not further decrease top weight significantly. Inoculation at seeding reduced top growth more than inoculation of 1-, 2- or 3-week-old seedlings. M. hapla reduced growth more at the intermediate (21.1 C night and 26.7 C day), than at the low (15.5 C night and 21.1 C day) or high (26.7 C night and 32.2 C day), temperature regimes.     

Pathogenicity of Four Species of Meloidogyne on Three Varieties of Olive Trees

''Ascolano'' and ''Sevillano'' olive trees, Olea europaea L., were highly susceptible to Meloidogyne javanica (Trueb) Chitwood, and growth of their tops was decreased greatly in tests in a glasshouse. Roots of ''Manzanillo'' olive trees were galled moderately by M. javanica, and their tops weighed 6% less than those of noninoculated trees. ''Manzanillo'' olive is considered highly tolerant to M. javanica. ''Ascolano'' and ''Manzanillo'' olive trees were highly susceptible to M. incognita (Kofoid &White) Chitwood. Their roots were galled moderately to severely, and growth of their tops were decreased between 13% and 44%. ''Ascolano'' and ''Manzanillo'' olive trees were considered to be highly resistant to M. arenaria (Neal) Chitwood and M. hapla Chitwood since no galls or mature females were found on their roots three and one-half months after inoculation.     

Retention of Resistance to Meloidogyne incognita in Lycopersicon Genotypes at High Soil Temperature

Lycopersicon glandulosum and L. peruvianum clones and L. esculentum cultivars ''VFN8'' (resistant) and ''Rutgers'' (susceptible) were tested for their resistance to Meloidogyne incognita (race l) at soil temperatures of 25 and 32 C. L. esculentum cv. VFN8 and L. peruvianum Acc. No. 128657, both of which possess the Mi gene, were resistant at 25 C but were susceptible at 32 C. L. glandulosum Acc. No. 126443 and L. peruvianum Acc. No. 270435, with combined resistance to M. hapla and M. incognita, and L. peruvianum Acc. Nos. 129152 and LA2157, with resistance to M. incognita, were highly resistant at both temperatures. In a second experiment three of these accessions under heat stress simulated by 32 C ambient and soil temperature retained a high level of resistance. Two clones of L. glandulosum Acc. No. 126440, with resistance to M. hapla, were moderately susceptible to M. incognita at 25 and highly susceptible at 32 C. M. incognita produced significantly (P = 0.01) more eggs on L. esculentum cv. Rutgers at 32 than at 25 C. This study supports the existence of genes other than the Mi gene that confer resistance to M. incognita and are functional at high soil temperatures.     

Resistance and Resistant Reaction of Gossypium arboreum to the Reniform, Nematode,Rotylenchulus reniformis

Gossypium arboreum ''Nanking CB 1402'' possessed a high level of resistance to Rotylenchulus reniformis. Within 16 h, the nematode penetrated roots of resistant and susceptible cottons equally. After 36 h, significantly fewer nematodes were found in resistant roots. Larvae fed in either an endodermal or pericyclic cell and had no specificity for root tissue of a particular age. In roots of resistant G. arboreum ''1402,'' wall breakdown of pericyclic cells was evident after 3 d, endodermal and cortical cells collapsed, and the hypertrophied pericyclic cells disintegrated within 12 d. Cell walls immediately adjacent to the nematode''s head were thickened and more safranin positive in resistant than in susceptible cotton cultivars. Several other cultivars of G. arboreum were also resistant to R. reniformis, based on nematode fecundity and percent egg reduction.     

Influence of Aphelenchus avenae on Vesicular-arbuscular Endomycorrhizal Growth Response in Cotton

The influence of Aphelenchus avenae on the relationship between cotton (Gossypium hirsutum ''Stoneville 213'') and Gigaspora margarita or Glomus etunicatus was assessed by its effect on the mycorrhizal stimulation of plant growth and microorganism reproduction. The mycophagous nematode usually did not suppress stimulation of shoot growth resulting from mycorrhizae (G. margarita) at inoculum levels of 3,000 or 6,000 nematodes per pot, but retarded root growth at 6,000 per pot. When the nematode inoculum was increased to 10, 40, or 80 thousand, G. margarita stimulation of shoot or root growth was retarded at the two higher rates. Shoot growth enhancement by G. etunicatus was suppressed by 10 thousand A. avenae but not by 40 or 80 thousand. A. avenae reproduced better when the nematode was added 3 wk after G. margarita than with simultaneous inoculations. Sporulation of both fungi was affected little by the mycophagous nematode. The high numbers of A. avenae required for an antagonistic effect probably precludes the occurrence of any significant interaction between these two organisms under field conditions.     

Reproductive Variability of Field Populations of Meloidogyne spp. on Grape Rootstocks

Variability in penetration, development, and reproduction of two resistance-breaking field pathotypes (pt.) of Meloidogyne arenaria, M. incognita, and a population of mixed Meloidogyne spp. virulent to grape hosts were compared on two resistant Vitis rootstocks ''Freedom'' and ''Harmony'' in separate tests. ''Cabernet Sauvignon'' was included as a susceptible host to all four nematode populations. Secondstage juveniles (J2) of the mixed population failed to penetrate Freedom roots. By contrast, 6% of J2 in the M. incognita population penetrated Freedom roots but did not develop beyond the swollen J2 stage. The two resistance-breaking populations of M. arenaria differed in their virulence except on susceptible roots of Cabernet Sauvignon. More J2 of M. arenaria pt. Freedom penetrated Freedom roots and reached adult stage than did M. arenaria pt. Harmony. Later life stages of M. arenaria pt. Freedom occurred earlier and in greater numbers in Harmony roots than did M. arenaria pt. Harmony. Reproduction of M. arenaria pt. Freedom was greater in Freedom and Harmony roots than M. arenaria pt. Harmony. Thus, one population of M. arenaria is highly virulent and the other is moderately virulent.     

Potential of Tissue Culture for Breeding Root-Knot Nematode Resistance into Vegetables

Plant protoplast technology is being investigated as a means of transferring root-knot nematode resistance factors from Solanum sisymbriifolium into the susceptible S. melongena. Solanum sisymbriifolium plants regenerated from callus lost resistance to Meloidogyne javanica but retained resistance to M. incognita. Tomato plants cloned from leaf discs of the root-knot nematode resistant ''Patriot'' were completely susceptible to M. incognita, while sections of stems and leaves rooted in sand in the absence of growth hormones retained resistance. Changes in resistance persisted for three generations. It is postulated that the exogenous hormonal constituents of the culture medium are modifying the expression of genetic resistance.     

Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of enzyme pretreated Lantana camara using S. cerevisiae

Lantana camara, an abundantly available non-edible lignocellulosic biomass has been found to be a potential feedstock for ethanol production. The substrate was first pretreated with laccase followed by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation using cellulase and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, respectively. Laccase was produced from Pleurotus sp. and carbohydratases (cellulase and xylanase) were produced from Trichoderma reesei Rut C30. Using pretreated substrate simultaneous saccharification and fermentation was optimized through central composite design-based response surface methodology. Maximum bioethanol concentration of 5.14 % (v/v) was obtained at optimum process conditions of substrate concentration 17 % (w/v), inoculum volume 9 % (v/v), inoculum age 60 and 144 h of incubation time. To enhance ethanol yield, S. cerevisiae was treated with ethyl methane sulfonate, a chemical mutagenic agent which induced mutagenesis. A maximum bioethanol concentration of 6.01 % (v/v) was obtained using the mutated strain of S. cerevisiae (CM5).     

Effects of DCPA,EPTC, and Chlorpropham on Pathogenicity of Meloidogyne hapla to Alfalfa

Treatments wilh the herbicides chlorpropham (isopropyl m-chlorocarbinilate), DCPA (dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate), and El''TC (S-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate), alone or in combination with Meloidogyne hapla Chilwood, significantly reduced the growth of both nemalode-resistant ''Nev Syn XX'' atttt susceptible ''Ranger" alfalfa (Medicago saliva L.) seedlings. M. hapla infection of both alfalfas was reduced by all herbicides because of fewer available infective courts in the treated plants. EPTC, however, reduced resistance to M. hapla, as indicated by increased galling of ''Nev Syn XX'' plants.     

Varietal Response of Tomato to the Interaction of Salinity and Meloidogyne incognita Infection

Response of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) cultivars to a range of conductivity levels was tested in the presence and absence of Meloidogyne incognita. The conductivity levels were produced by appropriate adjustment of a 1:1 solution of sodium chloride and calcium chloride. The growth of M. incognita resistant (''Beefmaster'' and ''Atkinson'') and susceptible (''Hunts 2580'' and ''Ronita'') tomato plants was inversely related to soil salinity between EC_e 0 and 5 mmhos/cm. Nematode inoculation of salt-stressed plants significantly reduced plant height, fresh and dry weight, number of flowers, and fruit weight in most cultivars. In Hunts 2580, flower number and fruit weight increased; apparently flower production shifted from determinate to indeterminate, with negative implications for mechanical harvesting. Nematode reproduction on susceptible varieties also decreased with increase in salinity.     

The Ring Nematode,Criconemoides ornatus,on Peach and Centipede Grass

Criconemoides ornatus at 500, 1,000, and 10,000 specimens per 15-cm pot containing 1,500 cc of soil was not pathogenic or parasitic on "Loveli'' peach. The number of nematodes recovered was always less than the inoculum. Inocula of 1,000 and 10,000 specimens were pathogenic to centipede grass, but the 500 inoculum level was not. The number of nematodes recovered from parasitized centipede grass was considerably higher than the inoculum.