Author: K.A. KHANZADA AND A. KHAN

Publishing Date: 2008

E-ISSN: 0255-7576

Volume 26 Issue 2

ABSTRACT:

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), are considered to be the most serious nematode pests of crop plants. More than 100 host plants have been encountered in Pakistan (Maqbool & Shahina, 2001; Khanzada et al., 2007; Musarrat et al., 2007). Alternanthera sp. Forssk grown in a Defence Housing Society Garden, Karachi, Pakistan, showed severe yellowing symptoms. The plants were uprooted and roots with severe root-knot infection were observed (Fig. 1). Mature females of root-knot nematodes obtained from the infected roots (Fig. 2) were identified as Meloidogyne javanica (Treub, 1885) Chitwood, 1949 on the basis of their perineal pattern (Taylor & Sasser, 1978). Alternanthera sp. Forssk appears to be a new host of Meloidogyne javanica in Pakistan.