Population fluctuation of three parasitic nematodes in Florida citrus
O'Bannon, J.H.; Radewald, J.D.; Tomerlin, A.T.
Journal of Nematology 4(3): 194-199
1972
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-300X PMID: 19319266 Document Number: 55380
Population fluctuations of Tylenchulus semipenetrans, Pratylenchus coffeae and P. brachyurus on citrus in Florida, USA, were recorded for one year (T. semipenetrans, P. coffeae) or 26 months (P. brachyrus) together with rainfall, soil temperature and moisture. Increases in numbers of T. semipenetrans occurred in April-May and November-December, 4 to 5 weeks after spring and autumn flushes of root growth. Populations of P. coffeae varied widely and were not related to season. P. brachyurus numbers increased in June-July and decreased in March-May and males were found rarely and only in November and December. Males of the other species occurred throughout the year. Although numbers are influenced by environmental conditions, it is suggested that inherent behavioural dynamics also influence population fluctuations.