Nutrient status and photosynthetic efficiency of banana (Musa sp.) influenced by Meloidogyne incognita infected with Pasteuria penetrans

Authors

  • K. Devrajan
  • G. Rajendran
  • N. Seenivasan

Abstract

Investigations were made to study the changes in the leaf nutrient status, total chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency of banana (Musa sp.) due to Meloidogyne incognita alone and in association with Pasteuria penetrans. Significant reduction of M. incognita infestation, in terms of gall index, number of egg masses and nematode population in soil, was recorded when more P. penetrans spores were added to the soil in which the plants were growing. The infestation of M. incognita decreased the nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium levels in the leaves of banana and increased the calcium level. The total chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency were reduced by up to 7.2 and 13 percent, respectively, in banana inoculated with M. incognita alone. Application of P. penetrans induced changes in the opposite direction and the reactions were more pronounced when greater quantities of P. penetrans were applied.

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Published

2003-12-15

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Articles