Reproduction of the rice root nematode, Hirschmanniella oryzae on some field crops and common weeds

Abstract

An investigation was conducted in a screen-house to asses the host status for an Egyptian population of the rice root nematode, Hirschmanniella oryzae, of some crop plants cultivated in rotation with rice and weeds commonly occurring in rice fields. The nematode infected and multiplied in the roots of the main host, rice cv. Giza 171, but not in those of cotton, maize, soybean, barley, wheat, Egyptian clover, alfalfa, horse bean and flax. However, the nematode did penetrate and multiply in the roots of several of the selected annual and perennial weeds. Among the weeds and grasses, barnyard (Echinochloa crus-galli) and Juncus spp. were classified as excellent hosts for H. oryzae, juncle rice, red rice, knot grass and bristle rush were classified as good hosts, nut grass, bermuda grass and common reed were classified as poor hosts, but false daisy, red stem or flat sedge and Ammania sp. were considered as non-hosts for the nematode.