DITYLENCHUS DIPSACI, CAUSAL AGENT OF SEVERE DAMAGE IN CELERY CROPS IN APULIA (SOUTHERN ITALY)

Abstract

Severe damage caused by the endoparasitic nematode Ditylenchus dipsaci in Apulian celery (Apium graveolens L.) fields is reported for the first time. Nematode attack and feeding causes distortion of the petiols and swelling and/or blister-like areas of the epidermis. Parenchymatous tissues, infected hy D. dipsaci, exhibited necrosis and cavities, filled with nematode colonies.