HETERODERA LATIPONS AND PRATYLENCHUS THORNEI ATTACKING BARLEY IN CYPRUS

Abstract

The Mediterranean cereal cyst nematode, Heterodera latipons and the lesion nematode, Pratylenchus thornei are widespread in Cyprus and cause stunting and chlorosis in autumn sown barley. Crop damage is enhanced in dry seasons due to the inability of the infested root system to utilize the available moisture from deeper soil layers. Nematode invasion by P. thornei was observed in late December, 1996 and by H. latipons in early January, 1997. H. latipons caused abnormal branching and slight swelling of the young infested roots while P. thornei caused destruction of the root cortex. Very often the nematodes were found to coexist.