VARYING INOCULUM LEVELS OF BACTERIA-NEMATODES AND THE SEVERITY OF TOMATO BACTERIAL WILT

Abstract

Development of bacterial wilt was consistently earlier on plants inoculated with both bacterium (Pseudomonas solanacearum E.F. Smith) and nematode Meloidogyne incognita Chitwood) compared to those inoculated with the bacterium alone. The percentage mortality also increased with increasing nematode population in the bacterium-infested soil. The presence of M. incognita enhanced the development and severity of bacterial wilt and lowered the yield of wilt-resistant tomato cultivars.