Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) in Europe

Abstract

In Europe, root-knot nematodes are increasingly important. Out of more than 90 Meloidogyne species currently described, 23 have been found on the continent. In the cooler climates, Meloidogyne hapla, M. naasi, M. chitwoodi and M. fallax are prevalent. Meloidogyne arenaria, M. javanica and M. incognita are the most common species in warmer conditions of southern Europe, but also in glasshouses in northern Europe. Morphological identification of root-knot nematodes is difficult and time consuming; therefore, many research groups have been developing molecular techniques for identification of Meloidogyne species. Meloidogyne chitwoodi and M. fallax are quarantine organisms and subject to regulations, and the highly aggressive M. enterolobii has been added to the EPPO alert list. Differences between temperate and tropical Meloidogyne species and their prevalence in Europe imply the need for different management strategies in south and north Europe. Possible crop rotations for the control of root-knot nematodes are limited due to the wide host range of several important species. The banning of methyl bromide and restrictions on other fumigant pesticides in the EU have increased the application of biofumigation significantly in south Europe. The egg-parasitising fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus is commercialised in Germany and applied as dispersible granules for application in water. Intensive research is conducted on the eggparasitising fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia, and the obligate parasitic bacterium Pasteuria penetrans. European research has paid much attention to resistance breeding and selection. The Mi gene of tomato is widely used but resistance-breaking populations of M. incognita and M. javanica have been reported in different countries.

Evaluation of some botanicals and Trichoderma harzianum against root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chit wood) in tomato

“…Many workers have attempted to assess crop losses caused by plant parasitic nematode species in Ethiopia (Tadale and Mengistu, 2000;Wondirad and Tesfamariam, 2002). The yield of tomato suffered 2.3% loss due to M. incognita infestation at the rate of 3-4 larvae/g soil under field conditions in Ethiopia (Sikora and Fernández, 2005;Wesemael et al, 2011). Several methods known to manage the root-knot nematode include the use of nematicide, organic amendments, resistant cultivars, soil solarization and biological control, which have been used with different levels of success on tomatoes (Randhawa et al, 2001;Sakhuja and Jain, 2001).…”

Development of virulence to Meloidogyne incognita on resistant pepper rootstocks

“…Some species are responsible for losses estimated at US$ 100,000 million per year -1 (Sasser & Freckman, 1987). Those which cause most damage are M. incognita, M. arenaria, M. hapla and M. javanica, although in recent years M. enterolobii, a tropical species, and M. chitwoodi and M. fallax, associated with temperate climates, have also been considered to be emerging pathogens (Ozarslandan et al, 2009;Wesemael et al, 2011;Castagnone-Sereno, 2012).…”

Role of Oil Cakes and Pochonia chlamydosporia for the Management of Meloidogyne javanica Attacking Solanum melongena L.

“…The root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are most damaging plant pests and seriously affect many economically important crops worldwide (Wesemael et al, 2010). Most of the vegetables, horticultural crops, spices and pulses are highly susceptible to root knot infection (Khan et al, 1984).…”