PATHOGENICITY OF Meloidogyne spp. AND Rotylenchulus reniformis ON SWEET POTATO

Abstract

The reaction of sweet potato to Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica and Rotylenchulus reniformis at varying levels of inoculum showed that as population increases there was a corresponding decrease in root, tuber and top weights. Tuber reduction in pots at initial populations of 20,000 eggs and 5,000 larvae of Meloidogyne spp. and R. reniformis were 47.7, 50.6 and 60.6%, respectively, 4 months after inoculation. Plants were stunted and roots were galled with several egg masses on the surface. Lesions, necroses and rotting were observed. Tubers were cracked, deformed and smaller in size.