Author: F. SHAHINA AND A.R. MUSARRAT

Publishing Date: 2006

E-ISSN: 0255-7576

Volume 24 Issue 1

ABSTRACT:

During January 2005, plants growing around the Karachi University Campus (Gulistan-eJauhar) were examined for root-knot nematode. Plants viz., Duranta repens, Bassia scoparia, Ficus benjamina, Pedilenthus tithymaloides, Ipomoea batatas and Sansevicria trifasciata showed symptoms of yellowish and stunted growth as compared to healthy plants. On up rooting, the roots were found infested with root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita) and reniform nematodes (Rotylenchulus reniformis). Under the stereoscopic microscope, eggmasses and white pear shaped females were separated from infested swollen roots. The perineal pattern of mature females was similar to M. incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood as reported by Taylor & Sasser (1978) in having distinct dorsal arch composed of smooth to weavy lines and no lateral incisures. The measurements of juveniles, immature females and males of Rotylenchulusnematodes are similar to R. reniformis given by Linford & Oliveira (1940). These hosts are new reports of M. incognita and R. reniformis from Pakistan. The samples have been deposited in the collection of National Nematological Research Centre, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan.