Horticulture Commons^™

A Comparison Of Three Methods For Determining Root-Knot Nematode Infection Of Cotton Roots, Robert G. Mcbride, Robert Mikkelsen

Robert Mikkelsen

Three methods for determining the extent of infection of cotton roots (Gossypium hirsutum L.) by root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood, were compared. Root-knot nematode eggs were added to pots containing either sterilized soil or soil amended with rye, and cotton seedlings were planted. Cotton root systems were then assessed for infection/damage after 14 and 28 days of exposure. At the 14-day sampling, the roots were stained, using the lactophenol acid fuchsin method and the juvenile nematodes counted. At the 28-day samplings, the cotton roots were given a visual rating for nematode-induced root galling (0-100), and the galls …