Observations on the Seasonal Fluctuation of Meloidogyne hapla on Kiwi (Actinidia Deliciosa) in Spain

Abstract

A study of the population dynamics of Meloidogyne hapla was carried out during a 1-year period in a kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) orchard located in Cabrils, Barcelona, Spain. Meloidogyne hapla population was highest in January and March reaching 8 640 and 7 520 nematodes in 250 cm of soil, respectively. High soil population in winter was correlated with lack of rains and abnormally high temperatures during the months of December, January, and February which caused an early hatching of eggs in soil and root tissues. Following intensive rains, a sharp decrease in population was recorded in November. Rainfall appeared to be the main climatic factor affecting fluctuations in nematode populations.