The Effect of Arthrobotrys conoides on Meloidogyne incognita Population Densities in Corn as Influenced by Temperature, Fungus Inoculum Density, and Time of Fungus Introduction in the Soil

Authors

  • A. S. Al-Hazmi
  • D. P. Schmitt
  • J. N. Sasser

Abstract

In greenhouse experiments, the effect of Arthrobotrys conoides on Meloidogyne incognita population densities as affected by soil temperature, inoculum density, and green alfalfa was determined. The effect on M. incognita population densities was greater at a soil temperature of 25 C than at 18 or 32 C. Nematode control by A. conoides was most effective when the fungus was introduced into the soil 2 wk prior to nematode inoculation and planting of corn. Inoculum density of A. conoides was positively correlated with plant shoot weight (r = 0.81) and negatively correlated with numbers of Meloidogyne juveniles (r = -0.96), eggs (-0.89) and galls per gram of root (-0.91). A. conoides was not isolated from green alfalfa, but was isolated from alfalfa-amended soil to which no fungus had been added. Key words: biological control, root-knot nematode, predaceous fungus, nematophagus fungi.

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Published

1982-04-15

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Articles