Development of Heterodera schachtii on Large Rooted Crop Plants and the Significance of Root Debris as Substratum for Increasing Field Infestations
Steele, A.E.
Journal of Nematology 4(4): 250-255
1972
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-300X PMID: 19319274 Document Number: 48901
The infection of detached lateral roots, whole storage roots and cut surfaces of whole or sliced storage roots of several commercial crops after inoculation with eggs and larvae of Heterodera schachtii was studied. Male and female H. schachtii developed to maturity 31 days after inoculation on lateral roots which were attached to large tap roots of defoliated sugar-beet. Nematodes did not develop on detached lateral roots or on those of young plants with small tap roots. H. schachtii developed on the cut surfaces of sugar-beet tap roots and females were found on cut surfaces of 2 radish varieties. No nematodes were found on the cut surfaces of parsnip or salsify. Male and female nematodes developed on slices of sugar-beet, turnip, red beet and rutabaga incubated in the dark at 24 deg C for 15 days after inoculation but did not survive on slices of carrot, parsnip or salsify. After 25 days 2 adult males were found on potato slices. It is concluded that H. schachtii may increase successfully in post-harvest root debris of large-root crops.