Abstract: The suppressive effect of olive pomace and chicken manure, alone and in combination, was studied in a field infested by Meloidogyne incognita on tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), and cantaloupe ( Cucumis melo L.) in Southern Italy for two crop cycles. Single application of the two amendments suppressed nematode populations in both years, but more consistently in the second year. Crop yields were also increased in amended plots. The combination of olive pomace with chicken manure enhanced suppressiveness and increased crop yield compared to the single amendments alone.

Abstract: Rodriguez, M G, L Sanchez, and J Rowe 2003 Host Status of agriculturally important plant families to the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne mayaguensis in Cuba Nematropica 33:125-130 Meloidogyne mayaguensis is a major pest of coffee in Cuba and has been reported parasitising plants from several families in Africa Three populations of M mayaguensis, one indigenous to Cuba, the type population from Puerto Rico and one from the Ivory Coast were studied They were identified by biochemical tests and morphology The main objective of this study was to determine the relative host status of thirty-two agriculturally important crops, including coffee, are susceptible to the rootknot nematode, M mayaguensis The results obtained from plants grown under controlled greenhouse conditions at 25°C in pots for 12 weeks indicated that all of the solanaceous plants tested were susceptible, including one variety of tomato containing the Mi gene; about a third of the plants evaluated were non-hosts Information from this initial test will enable additional field studies to be undertaken to give a true assessment of host status

Abstract: Goal of this series of experiments with pot plants was to optimize some steps of the method for resistance screening of Musa cultivars to R. similis. Radopholus similes per 100 g of roots was significantly higher in river sand than in local banana soil, however it followed the same tendency in both growing media. Reproductive index and final root weight decreased with increasing initial inoculation density. In a subsequent experiment with a broader initial inoculation range and two different R. similes populations, reproductive index, root and shoot weight decreased with increasing initial inoculation densities for both populations. When eight exposure times were evaluated,R. similes per 100 g of roots showed a lag phase of about five weeks, then started to grow during six weeks, and stabilized afterwards. Inoculation of plants in a variable pot volume experiment resulted in a lower reproductive index in higher pot volumes. Finally, R. similes per 100 g of roots was not different among Musa AAA cvs. Grand Naine, Gros Michel, and Musa cv. AA Pisang Mas (P ? = 0.25), but varied significantly between the first group and both Musa AAAA cv. FHIA-23 and Musa AAA cv. Yangambi Km5 (P = ?0.0001). In summary, the use of 1.8 liter pots, filled with sterilized local banana soil and initially inoculated with 0.28 R. similes/ml of substrate and exposed to nematodes during 8 to 12 weeks, gave the most consistent results.

Abstract: The lifetime of accomplishments and contributions to Nematology by Mr. A. L. Taylor are well know by nematological, scientific and agricultural communities in general. In particular, Mr. Taylor was a pioneer in proving the benefits of the nematicides, ethylene dibromide, methyl bromide and 1,3-dichloropropene, to reduce nematode damage to crops. As part of this work, he developed application techniques such as introducing a mulch cover when applying methyl bromide, a practice still widely used today. As a result of his efforts, and those of other pioneers, nematodes were recognized as damaging pests of crop plants and the Science of Nematology was greatly expanded. Mr. Taylor's contributions to nematology are chronicled in numerous publications, including book chapters on nematicides. The following contribution apparently was one of his last (written around 1978) and was only published as a Florida Department of Agriculture Internal Information Sheet. We feel it is one of his best since the publication not only gives his direct historical perspectives on the development and use of nematicides but also includes some of his personal observations. The article has received minor editing and formatting to improve clarity. Overall, however, it remains as written by Mr. Taylor some 25 years ago. We hope this article serves as another tribute to an outstanding and pioneer nematologist (J. R. Rich and L. W. Duncan).

Abstract: Crotalaria species used in rotations with maize to replenish soil fertility have been noted to host high populations of lesion (Pratylenchus spp.) and spiral nematodes (Helicotylenchus spp. and Scutellonema spp.). Thus, there is a need to identify Crotalaria species resistant to lesion and spiral nematodes to reduce their detrimental effect on maize. Eight Crotalaria species (C. agatiflora, C. grahamiana, C. laburnifolia, C. ochroleuca, C. paulina, C. incana, C. pychnostachya and C. striata) were evaluated along with maize, Sesbania sesban and Tephrosia vogelii to determine their effects on nematodes in two trials. Maize was grown subsequent to one-or two-seasons growth of each Crotalaria spp. These tests were conducted in randomized complete blocks replicated on farms near Yala town in western Kenya. The response of Crotalaria spp. to Pratylenchus spp. was not consistent across the two trials. In soils containing high initial Pratylenchus spp. populations, S. sesban and T. vogelii supported low nematode populations. All Crotalaria spp. and maize hosted high nematode populations. Pratylenchus and spiral nematodes did not affect the biomass production of Crotalaria species that produced good early growth, indicating the need for good early management. Poor plant stand was noted for C. agatiflora, C. grahamiana and C. paulina which had high root infection by Pratylenchus spp. In soils containing low initial populations of Pratylenchus spp., Crotalaria spp. caused only small changes in the nematode populations. Maize yields were not reduced by spiral nematodes in any of the studies. Maize yields, however, were negatively correlated to the Pratylenchus spp. populations in the highly infested soils. Despite increasing lesion and spiral nematodes, Crotalaria cover crops may not pose a threat to subsequent maize in the short-term. However, in the long-term, or when pre-existing Pratylenchus populations are already high, maize following Crotalaria cover crops may suffer from the nematode damage.

Abstract: Cactodera galinsogae n. sp. (Heteroderinae) was isolated from dicotyledonous Galinsoga parviflora (Asteraceae) roots. It also reproduced on barley (Hordeum vulgare) and wild oats (Avena fatua) (Poaceae) and on other dicotyledonous weeds, notably Bidens odorata (Asteraceae). The samples were taken from a cultivated field of barley in the town of "La Raya", municipality of Singuilucan, Hidalgo, in the Central Valleys of Mexico. Cactodera galinsogae is characterized by the vulval cone of the females and the cysts are smaller than in most other species of this genus, with a straight neck, and the vulval cone with circumfenestra but without vulval denticles. The cysts are small (average length 523 µm), spherical or sub-spherical and light to dark brown with a straight neck, and with the transverse branching striae of the cuticle surface pattern of the midbody forming an interlaced pattern. The second stage juveniles have six pseudolips, and four lateral lines with incomplete areolation (non-areolated internal lines) on the side of the body. The eggs are retained in the females, although a gelatinous matrix (without eggs) is observed in some. The egg-shells, when observed under the scanning electron microscope, show a specific pattern of punctations. The males are cylindrical and small (average length 830 µm) compared to the other species of Cactodera. They adopt a 'C' shape when killed by heat, with 4-5 lip annuli on the irregular labial region. The excretory pore is located at the level of the esophageal gland lobe (distance from the anterior end to the excretory pore/L = 14.7%). The spicules are slightly curved and bifid.

Abstract: The reaction of potato clones of Solanum acaule , S. bulbocastanum , S. canasense , S. cardiophyllum , S. chacoense , S. commersonii , S. etuberosum , S. fendleri , S. tarijense , S. tuberosum and S. tuberosum × S. phureja to Italian populations of Meloidogyne arenaria , M. hapla, M. incognita and M. javanica was evaluated in a glasshouse. Five seedlings of each clone were transplanted into trays filled with steam sterilized sandy soil and inoculated with 10,000 eggs of each nematode species per plant. One clone each of S. chacoense and S. tuberosum were resistant to all Meloidogyne spp. tested. One clone each of S. commersonii , S. tarijense and S. tuberosum were resistant only to M. javanica . The remaining clones were susceptible to all four species of root knot nematodes. The potential of resistant genotypes in potato breeding is discussed.

Abstract: The effects of 1,3 dichloropropene and rootstocks alone and in combination on Tylenchulus semipenetrans population densities and tree growth were evaluated during three years in a nematode-infested citrus orchard. The experiment was a 2 × 2 factorial with six replications. One factor was fumigation and the second, citrus nematode resistant and susceptible rootstocks. Soil population densities of the citrus nematode remained below detectable levels in fumigated plots planted with the resistant rootstock Cleopatra mandarin × Poncirus trifoliata 03.01.5 throughout the study. The nematode was not recovered from fumigated plots with Carrizo citrange until after the third year, when it appeared sporadically in some of the plots. The nematode was not recovered from citrus roots of either rootstock in fumigated plots. In non-fumigated plots, the resistant rootstock suppressed nematode reproduction. The number of juveniles per 250 cm3 soil, females per gram of root, and eggs per gram of root were 8, 6, and 0.3%, respectively, compared to Carrizo citrange by the third year. The trunk diameter of Orogrande mandarin scion was greater on the resistant than on the susceptible rootstock in non-fumigated plots, but there was no difference in fumigated plots. Fumigation with 1,3 D combined with the resistant rootstock 03.01.5 retarded nematode reinfestation for at least three years. Also, 1,3 D delayed reinfestation of the plots with the susceptible rootstock. The resistant rootstock suppressed nematode reproduction, and the growth rate of the nematode on this rootstock was slower than on the susceptible one.

Abstract: Four field trials were conducted on loamy fine sand soils in northern Florida U.S.A. to determine efficacy of soil fumigant alternatives to methyl bromide for control of root-knot (Meloidogyne spp.) and reniform (Rotylenchulus reniformis) nematodes in tomato. Tests were conducted with commercially available fumigants and arranged in randomized complete block designs containing five or six replications. Fumigants and combinations varied but generally included 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D), methyl bromide (Mbr), and chloropicrin (Pic). Chemicals were applied on 0.91-cmwide raised beds formed in 1.8-m-wide rows. Black polyethylene mulch, drip irrigation, and trellising were used in the tomato production system. Data collection in these tests included fruit yield, root gall indices, and reniform nematode soil population densities. Mbr and Mbr + Pic generally resulted in greatest reduction in root galling and reniform nematode populations in these tests. The 1,3-D + Pic and Pic alone treatments, however, approximated Mbr treatments in yield but varied somewhat in nematode control. These data indicated that soil treatments with 1,3-D + Pic or Pic may be used as chemical alternatives to Mbr, but appropriate rates of these materials should be further explored.

Abstract: A cDNA expression library of the soybean cyst nematode Heterodera glycines was screened with polyclonal antibodies raised against complete homogenate of Globodera rostochiensis second-stage juveniles (J2). Two cDNAs with complete Open Reading Frames were isolated and sequenced. These cDNAs showed high similarity to genes encoding intermediate filament proteins and tropomyosins of other nematodes, including Caenorhabditis elegans. The sequences were named HG-if 1 (filament protein) and HG-trp 1 (tropomyosin). Considering that IF proteins and tropomyosins are essential for nematode development and show high levels of allergenicity, facilitating the production of antibodies, these molecules have potential as target molecules for the production of plantibodies to control soybean cyst nematode.

Abstract: Individual and interactive effects of the pathogen complex, Rotylenchulus reniformis and Phytophthora palmivora , were investigated on papaya ( Carica papaya ) grown in greenhouse pots (10-cm-diam) for 3-4 months. P. palmivora was a more virulent pathogen than R. reniformis and caused moderate to severe mortality (27-73%) at an inoculum density of 1,000 zoospores per pot. No lethal or sublethal effects of P. palmivora on papaya at lower inoculum densities were evident. R. reniformis stimulated papaya growth at inoculum densities below 500 juveniles per pot and only moderately decreased growth (1-2 g loss in plant dry weight for every log10 increase in initial population density) at higher densities (1,000-10,000 juveniles per pot). Synergistic interactions were observed between the two pathogens on papaya mortality, root ratings, and plant dry weight in some experiments. R. reniformis predisposed papaya to attack by P. palmivora , although P. palmivora had indirect negative effects on R. reniformis by reducing nematode reproduction through reduced quantity and quality of host roots. Four-wk-old plants were more susceptible to the pathogen complex, especially to P. palmivora , than 8-wk-old plants.

Abstract: Radopholus similis, the burrowing nematode colonizes and reproduces in roots and rhizomes of Anthurium andraeanum Linden ex Andre in Madeira, Portugal. Histological examination of nematodeinfected rhizomes shows necrosis and cavities extending from the cortical parenchyma into the vascular bundles. Nematode feeding and migration caused disruption of the vascular bundles. All nematode life stages, coiled juveniles, adults, including gravid females, and eggs, occurred in the phloem. Nematode specimens were also observed in metaxylem elements.

Abstract: The suitability of onion (Allium cepa cv. Sweet Vidalia) as a host for Meloidogyne incognita, M. arenaria, and M. javanica was evaluated. The effect of M. incognita on yield and economic return of directseeded and transplanted onions also was evaluated. Nematode reproduction was evaluated in two greenhouse trials with six replications each. All three nematode species increased with final egg counts of 19,300 for M. incognita, 32,100 for M. arenaria, and 40,350 for M. javanica in the first trial and 167,200 for M. incognita, 71,600 for M. arenaria, and 101,950 for M. javanica in the second trial. Final egg counts were similar (P =0.05) among the three species in the first trial, but M. incognita produced more eggs (P =0.05) than M. arenaria in the second trial. The application of 1,3-D in directseeded onions increased the weight (kg/ha) of large and colossal sizes in both seasons and the weight of small and medium sizes in 2002-2003. In transplanted onions, the weight of colossal onions was increased in 2001-2002, but weights were unaffected in 2002-2003. Onion is a good host for all three Meloidogyne species tested, and M. incognita can reduce yields and economic return when onions are direct-seeded. Transplanted onions in this study did not suffer economic loss.

Abstract: Tests were conducted to determine efficacy of acrolein, ethylene sulfide, formaldehyde, and propylene oxide to control Meloidogyne incognita on tomato in three greenhouse trials and Rotylenchulus reniformis on cotton in a field trial. The chemicals were applied at rates of 100, 200, and 400 mg a.i./ kg soil and compared with the 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) standard at 120 mg a.i./kg. They were injected into soil contained in polyethylene bags, and the bags were sealed for four days. In the field trial, holes were made 20-cm-deep, the chemicals applied, and the holes were sealed with soil. At test termination, nematodes were extracted from 100 cm3 subsamples of soil and counted. Root-gall ratings were estimated on a 0-10 scale in the M. incognita greenhouse trials. Foliar weight of cotton in the field trial was recorded. In greenhouse tests, acrolein and formaldehype resulted in stunted and chlorotic tomato plants and were subsequently dropped from further testing. Ethylene sulfide and propylene oxide significantly reduced M. incognita juvenile soil populations and root galling in the three greenhouse tests. In the cotton field test, R. reniformis soil population densities were significantly reduced by the propylene oxide, ethylene sulfide and 1,3-D treatments compared to the nontreated controls. Foliar weight of cotton was increased significantly when using these chemicals. In these tests, ethylene sulfide and propylene oxide compared favorably in nematicidal activity to the 1,3-D nematicide standard.

Abstract: During the 1991 and 1992 soybean growing seasons an experiment was conducted near Blackville, South Carolina to study the seasonal population fluctuations of Hoplolaimus columbus in soil and roots and their relationship to seed yield of soybean. The soybean 'Braxton', susceptible and intolerant to H. columbus, was planted in a field naturally infested with H. columbus on 17 May 1991 and 19 May 1992. Nematodes were recovered from soil samples at planting and from soil and root samples at various times during the soybean growing season and at harvest. Nematode/g dry weight of root was highest on early sample dates. Nematode numbers from soil increased over the growing season, with highest numbers from 16- to 20-weeks after planting. Hoplolaimus columbus juvenile recovery from soil increased through the growing season and was generally higher than adult recovery. Recovery of H. columbus adults from soil or roots remained fairly constant throughout the growing season. Soil population densities were consistently associated with seed yield during the 1991 season and at some dates during the 1992 season, whereas nematode densities in the roots were not associated with yield in either season. In both seasons at 16-weeks after planting, total (adults + juveniles) H.columbus/100 cm3 of soil were significantly (P =0.05) correlated with soybean seed yield.

Abstract: The influence of a soil amendment consisting of fresh and spent mushroom compost, and of soil fumigation with metham sodium or methyl bromide on nematode population densities was studied in a cucumber-Swiss chard rotation in greenhouses. The compost treatment was effective against plant parasitic nematodes and provided a similar level of control to the chemicals metham sodium and methyl bromide. The compost produced an increase in omnivorous and predator nematodes, which drastically decreased in the methyl bromide plots. Cucumber production was similar in both compost and methyl bromide treatments, with lower costs for the compost application.

Abstract: Two formulations of a water-soluble, iodophor were evaluated as potential alternatives to methyl bromide soil fumigation by assessing their effects on growth, disease and yield of tomato. Three field trials evaluating Plantpro 45 and Plantpro 20EC were conducted in 2001 at two locations in central Florida. Plantpro 45 and Plantpro 20EC were applied through two drip irrigation lines and methyl bromide was shank applied in the bed. Methyl bromide treated soil consistently produced plants with increased shoot height, shoot weight, and root weight early in the season, healthier root condition and lower gall ratings throughout the season, and greater yields compared to both Plantpro formulations in two of three experiments. Both Plantpro formulations resulted in root-knot nematode populations in soil similar to the nontreated control soil in all studies. In fall experiments at both locations, plants in methyl bromide treated soil had less galling at the end of the season than both Plantpro formulations.

Abstract: The relationship of population densities of Meloidogyne konaensis to nutritional status of roots and leaves of coffee in a commercial field in the Kona district on the island of Hawaii was assessed. The clustered spatial pattern of M. konaensis was inversely related to concentrations of K+Ca+Mg in the coffee roots. Other inverse relationships existed between the numbers of M. konaensis and concentrations of Mg (roots), Cu (roots and leaves), and Al (roots). From February (first flush of flowering) to May (early stage of fruit development), concentrations of P, K, Mg, K+Ca+Mg, Cu, B decreased in the coffee roots and Zn and Al concentrations decreased in the coffee leaves. The association between foliar nutrient deficiencies in trees associated with high population densities of the nematode is an indication that the nematode is inciting the deficiencies.

Abstract: The Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad (INBio), in collaboration with the Nematology Laboratory at Universidad Nacional (U.N.A) of Costa Rica, conducted a nematode inventory of Costa Rican wild lands. Hundreds of samples were randomly collected for nematode analyses and thousands of specimens were permanently mounted on Cobb slides. A total of 74 families, 231 genera and 105 species has been detected so far. Dorylaimida was the dominant order both in number of specimens and genera, while the least dominant orders were Aphelenchida, Monhysterida and Desmocolecida. Some nematodes were widely distributed across all microhabitats, others appeared be restricted to a specific microhabitat or ecosystem. Basic and advanced reports regarding nematode inventory in Costa Rican protected areas can be requested through the web page of INBio (http://atta.inbio.ac.cr).