Pathogenicity of Meloidogyne incognita on Dianthus caryophillus

Resumen

Studies were undertaken to assess the pathogenic potential of Meloidogyne incognita on carnation. Nematodes were inoculated on thirty-day-old carnation (Dianthus caryophillus) plant roots at population levels of 10, 100, 1,000 and 1,0000 second stage juveniles. Plant growth was reduced at the level of 1,000 and 10,000 juveniles compared to the control. Plant growth, root length, root weight, time taken to first bloom and floral diameter were all adversely affected and stalk sturdiness was reduced, thus reducing the commercial value of the flowers.