Author: W.M.A. EL-NAGDI AND M.M.A. YOUSSEF

Publishing Date: 2004

E-ISSN: 0255-7576

Volume 22 Issue 2

ABSTRACT:

 Under greenhouse conditions, okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) cv. Baladi, highly susceptible toMeloidogyne incognita root-knot nematode, was tested as trap crop for managing this pest. Plants were uprooted from the infected soil 4, 8, 16, 24, 32 and 48 days after nematode inoculation. M. incognita began to develop to mature females after the 8th day from nematode inoculation. Then, it started to lay eggs in gelatinous matrices after the 16thday. Hence, it is advised to pull out okra susceptible cultivar within the period after the 16th day from nematode inoculation. Cellular alternations in the root of okra resulting from infection with the root-knot nematode, M. incognitawere studied. The feeding site
(giant cells) of the nematode was mainly confined in the stele region. Cells of the feeding site showed thickening of cell walls with granular cytoplasm and enlarged nuclei and the giant cells were surrounded by hyperplasia cells. Giant cells in cluster had distinct, thickened boundary walls and occupied the stele region.