INTERACTION OF NEMATODES WITH FUSARIUM MONILIFORME, INCITANT OF PREMATURE SENESCENCE OF MAIZE

Abstract

Hoplolaimus indicus, Helicotylenchus dihystera and Tylenchorhynchus sp. were found in association with maize plants that were prematurely senescing but in pot tests only H. indicus significantly increased the disease. The severity of the disease was increased when the nematode inoculum followed 7 days after inoculation of the soil with Fusariurn moniliforme. In the field aldicarb + formalin treatments significantly reduced population of nematodes and fungus, and incidence of the disease, with a consequent increase in 1000-grain weight.