Incidence and Population Density of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes Associated with Olive Planting Stocks at Nurseries in Southern Spain

Abstract

Nematode population densities were determined in 259 soil and root samples collected from 18 olive nurseries in Córdoba, Jaén, and Sevilla provinces (southern Spain), between October 1997 and May 1998. The most important plant-parasitic nematodes detected, in order of decreasing frequency of infestation (percentage of samples), were Mesocriconema xenoplax (39.0%), Pratylenchus penetrans (32.1%), P. vulnus (25.9%), Meloidogyne incognita (14.7%), M. javanica (11.2%), and M. arenaria (2.7%). No disease symptoms were noted on aboveground organs of infected plants. However, population densities of Pratylenchus and Meloidogyne spp. were at potentially damaging levels in most of the olive nurseries surveyed. Histopathological studies of galled roots from the naturally infected olive planting stocks showed a susceptible response to root-knot nematode infection. Large numbers of egg masses were present within the galled root tissues that might contribute to secondary infections. Feeding by root-knot nematodes induced the expected cellular alterations in the cortex, endodermis, pericycle, and vascular system, including giant-cell formation and the alteration of vascular tissues.

Plant Parasitic Nematodes Associated with Olive in Algeria

“…These migratory endoparasites are considered as quarantine pests for Algeria. Also, these nematodes have potential to cause considerable damage both to olive orchards and nurseries all over the world (Abrantes et al, 1992;Nico et al, 2002;Castillo and Vovlas, 2002). Of the genus Pratylenchus the most common and severe species to olive are P. penetrans and P. vulnus (Nico et al, 2002; causing severe defoliation, leaf chlorosis, shortening of internodes, lesions and necrosis on roots (Lamberti and Baines, 1969;Nico et al, 2003).…”

“…They are present in the regions of Mascara and Boumerdes, both in olive nurseries and orchards with frequencies of 31.57% and 27.69% and soil population densities of 33-98 and 10-102 juveniles/100 cm 3 soil, respectively. Outside Algeria, several species are reported associated to olive orchards and nurseries (Nico et al, 2002). The main species most frequently encountered are Meloid- (Castilllo et al, 2003;Nico et al, 2003).…”

“…are ectoparasites with a low economic importance but have large host ranges. The species G. peratica, G. teres are reported on olive in Italy with a density of 280-360 nematodes per gram of roots (Nico et al, 2002) and Spain (Castillo et al, 2010).…”

“…According to preliminary surveys carried out by staff of the Plant Protection Institute and farmers complaints, olive plants are prone to diseases and pests (Bennai and Hamadache, 2012). Nico et al (2002) and Castillo et al, (1999Castillo et al, ( , 2010 reported that plant-parasitic nematodes can be very damaging to olive crop. Among these nematodes Pratylenchus spp.…”

A new root‐knot nematode, Meloidogyne silvestris n. sp. (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae), parasitizing European holly in northern Spain

“…A M. javanica population from olive trees sampled at Córdoba, Spain (Nico et al ., 2002) was used as a reference. Meloidogyne javanica inoculum was increased on tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum cv.…”