Abstract

A method is described for the laboratory rearing of potato cyst nematode, Globodera rostochiensis (Wollenweber, 1923) Mulvey & Stone, 1976 and G. pallida (Stone, 1973) Mulvey & Stone, 1976. Potato root systems were grown in 500 ml of sand in closed, clear plastic canisters. The enclosed system inhibited foliage growth and stabilised moisture balance. Root systems were sustained by the seed tubers, but supplementary nutrient was added. Potato cyst nematode eggs were inoculated into the sand after root initiation. At optimum rearing temperatures of 15–20°c the life cycle was completed within 8–12 weeks. The cyst‐to‐cyst multiplication factor was 10–20‐fold. The method has the advantage of not requiring light, and rearing canisters can be stacked in standard incubators. Its high reliability renders the method particularly suited to pathotype analysis.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call