Abstract
Meloidogyne ethiopica is a tropical root-knot nematode species which has recently been found in Europe. We examined its ability to survive in open fields located in regions with sub-Mediterranean and continental European climates. The outdoor microplot experiment consisted of two locations and lasted three growing and two winter seasons. It was demonstrated that M. ethiopica was able to survive at both locations and also that it retained its infection ability although temperatures below zero were recorded. The correct species was confirmed after each winter season by isozyme electrophoresis. Furthermore, the influence of temperature on the reproduction cycle of M. ethiopica was investigated. Meloidogyne ethiopica required 67, 48 and 36 days to complete the reproduction cycle at mean daily temperatures of 18.3, 22.7 and 26.3°C, respectively. At 13.9°C, M. ethiopica was not able to reproduce. The data obtained from these experiments were used to develop a correlation between temperature and the time needed for M. ethiopica to complete a reproduction cycle using a mathematical equation. Furthermore, eight vegetable crops that are important for agricultural production in Slovenia were tested for their suitability as hosts for M. ethiopica.
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This work is the result of research which was financially supported by the grant L4-1021 of the Slovenian Research Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food of the Republic of Slovenia.
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Strajnar, P., Širca, S., Knapič, M. et al. Effect of Slovenian climatic conditions on the development and survival of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne ethiopica . Eur J Plant Pathol 129, 81–88 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-010-9694-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-010-9694-x