Suppression of Cyst Nematode by Natural Infestation of a Nematophagous Fungus

Authors

  • B. A. Jaffee
  • A. E. Muldoon

Abstract

Penetration of cabbage roots by Heterodera schachtii was suppressed 50-77% in loamy sand naturally infested with the nematophagous fungus Hirsutella rhossiliensis. When Heterodera schachtii was incubated in the suppressive soil without plants for 2 days, 40-63% of the juveniles had Hirsutella rhossiliensis spores adhering to their cuticles. Of those with spores, 82-92% were infected. Infected nematodes were killed and filled with hyphae within 2-3 days. Addition of KC1 to soil did not increase infection of Heterodera schachtii by Hirsutella rhossiliensis. The percentage of infection was lower when nematodes were touched to two spores and incubated in KCl solution than when nematodes naturally acquired two spores in soil. Key words: biological control, Brassica oleracea, cabbage, Criconemella xenoplax, Heterodera schachtii, Hirsutella rhossiliensis, nematophagous fungus, peach, sugar beet cyst nematode, suppressive soil.

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Published

1989-10-15

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Section

Articles