THE PARASITIC ACTIVITY OF MELOIDOGYNE INCOGNITA AS AFFECTED BY THE DYNAMICS OF ACQUISITION

Abstract

Eggs of Meloidogyne incognita were exposed to two concentrations of blends of Pasteuria penetrans isolates, 3.10[sup4] (Pp-low) and 10[sup5] spores/g soil (Pp-high), for 2, 6, 9 and 17 days. Spore burdens of juveniles increased with the time of exposure and in proportion to spore concentrations. Data of the number of galls produced by period of exposure suggested that most root invasion occurred between 7 and 15 days with the lower spore density and 15-30 days with the higher following transplanting. Root damage was suppressed by 61% with the former and 80% with the latter spore concentration (P 0.01). The number of egg masses produced was also significantly suppressed, 83% and 94% respectively, with the lower and higher spore concentrations (P 0.01).