Reproduction of Aphelenchus Avenae On Plant Tissues in Culture

Abstract

The mycophagous nematode, Aphelenchus avenae, fed and reproduced readily on carrot, periwinkle, tobacco and tomato callus tissues. Maximum populations developed approximately 1 month after inoculation with a rapid decline occurring 1 to 2 weeks later. Reproduction rates were much higher on non-differentiated tissues growing on modified White's D-medium than on semi-differentiated tissues growing on a synthetic medium. Tissues became resistant to the nematode when they were allowed to grow for 2 or 3 weeks previous to inoculation.