PATHOGENIC POTENTIAL OF PRATYLENCHUS THORNEI ON MENTHA CITRATA AS INFLUENCED BY SOIL TYPE

Abstract

In a glasshouse experiment Pratylenchus thornei reproduced best (Rf = 8.49) in sandy clay loam soil followed by loamy sand (Rf = 7.80) and sandy loam (Rf = 6.41) respectively in Mentha citrata suckers/roots inoculated with 12,500 nematodes per pot. The greatest reduction in growth and oil yield of M. citrata occurred in sandy clay loam followed by loamy sand and sandy loam at initial inoculum (Pi) levels of 12,500 and 25,000 nematodes/pot. In the absence of nematodes the greatest plant growth and oil yield were in sandy loam soil followed by sandy clay loam and loamy sand.