Orientation, reproduction and effect of spiral nematode ( Helicotylenchus dihystera ) on growth of white clover (cv. Haifa)

Abstract

Helicotylenchus dihystera oriented towards white clover roots in an artificial growth medium and feeding was indicated by head penetration of the roots. In a glasshouse pot experiment, H. dihystera reproduced successfully on white clover with reproduction (Pf:Pi) falling from 7.4 to 3.2 as initial density rose from 10 to 500 nematodes per pot. There was no significant effect on plant growth, even at the highest initial density which was equivalent to the average density previously found in the field.