Author: M. KAMRAN, S.A. ANWAR, M. JAVED, S.A. KHAN AND G.H. SAHI

Publishing Date: 2010

E-ISSN: 0255-7576

Volume: 28 Issue: 2

ABSTRACT:

Root- knot nematodes (RKN), Meloidogyne spp., are among the main pathogens of tomato in Pakistan. A systematic survey was conducted to obtain a reliable estimate of nematodes and their level of infestation with tomato plants at grower’s field located at major vegetable production areas of Sargodha. 163 soil and root samples were collected from 25 different localities and data on host, locality, soil type was recorded. Nematode population in 20g of roots and 100cm3 of soil samples was determined by the sieving-cummodified Baermann funnel techniques. The incidence of infestation was assessed by [(Number of samples with RKN ¸ total number of samples) x 100]. The perennial pattern of RKN samples revealed the presence of M. incognita singly or in combination of M. javanica. Out of 163 samples, 86(52.76%) were infested with RKN. Twenty two (88%) sites showed the presence of RKN and only three sites were free of RKN infestation. Seven nematode genera, other than RKN including Aphelenchus, Criconema, Helicotylenchus, Hoplolaimus, Longidorus, Pratylenchus, and Xiphinema were also reported. Our preliminary results indicated Meloidogyne spp., might be the serious nematode pests of tomato and it warrants to investigate its impact on plant health and yield.