Pathogenicity of Citrus Nematode (Tylenchulus semipenetrans)

Abstract

Citrus slow decline nematode, Tylenchulus semipenetrans, causes significant damage to all citrus-producing regions of the world and limits the production of citrus fruit under a wide range of environmental and edaphic conditions. T. semipenetrans is a semiendoparasite with a fairly narrow host rang that includes olive, grape, and citrus. No species in the genus citrus has been found to have resistance to T. semipenetrans but the only source of resistance incorporated into citrus is a dominate trait derived from Poncirus trifoliate. This chapter covers host preference among the citrus species and other hosts, biotypes, or races of T. semipenetrans and the relationship between different initial densities of T. semipenetrans and nematode infestation. Consequently, it is necessary to understand the environmental factors affecting parasitism to T. semipenetrans and management practices.