Pathogenicity of the Reniform Nematode on Various Hosts

Abstract

The reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus, Linford and Oliveira, 1940, is one of the most common parasitic nematodes in Puerto Rico. Its host list includes most of the agricultural crops of economic importance. To study the effect on different host plants of an isolate of a new species of Rotylenchulus, an experiment was conducted in the greenhouse. Six species of plants, e.g. sugarcane, coffee, tobacco, tomatoes, pigeonpeas, and two varieties of pineapple, were inoculated with 10,000 juveniles, preparasitic females, and males obtained from pigeonpeas. After 4 months the plants were dug and observations made. The degrees of pathogenicity and susceptibility of the different hosts were observed and are discussed. Marked differences were observed. Five of the plant species and varieties—pigeonpea, pineapple, tomato, and tobacco, were found to be good hosts, coffee was incompletely resistant, and sugarcane was completely resistant. The attack of bacterial nodules on pigeonpea roots by this nematode is discussed also.