First report of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) infecting Tuberose (Polianthes tuberose L.) in Gujarat
A.D.Patel
Retd. Professor
Department of Nematology, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand-388 110
Corresponding author
A.Prajapati
Assistant Professor
Department of Nematology, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand-388 110
T.Singh
Assistant Professor
Department of Nematology, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand-388 110
B.A.Patel
Retd. Professor
Department of Nematology, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand-388 110
Abstract
Plant parasitic nematodes are important biotic restrictions in the horticultural systems. Root-knot nematodes are a major economic pest in various crops. Tuberose (Polianthes tuberose L.) is an important ornamental flowring crop in India and it has great economic value as a cut flower and in the perfume industry. It is grown in the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh. Recently, during daily routine field visit it was observed that growth of some tuberose plants was reduced, having yellowing of leaves with reduced length of spikes. When such plants were pulled out along with root system, galls were noticed. Such galls were dissected, active juveniles and different stages of female of root-knot nematode were observed. The specific identity of the nematode was determined by cutting perineal patterns of the females. On the basis of perineal pattern and other characters such as stylet length, head shape and larval length (Eisenback, 1985), the nematode was identified as Meloidogyne incognita. This is a first report of Meloidogyne incognita infecting P. tuberose in Gujarat.