Australasian Plant Pathology (1998) 27, 84-89

P. Hutangura, M.G.K. Jones and T. Heinrich (1998)
Optimisation of culture conditions for in vitro infection of tomato with the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica
Australasian Plant Pathology 27 (2), 84-89
Abstract: Conditions for in vitro culture of tomato seedlings (Lycopersicon esculentum) were optimised to yield high in vitrorates of infection by the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica. The influence of nutrient salts, gelling agents, sucrose concentration and pH on the development of nematode-induced root galls was investigated. A quarter-strength Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented by 0.5% sucrose and solidified with 0.6% phytagel at pH 6.4 gave most galls on tomato roots. Eggs were sterilised in 2.5% sodium hypochlorite for 4 min followed by 0.2% mercuric chloride for 4 min. Surface-sterilised eggs showed a 16% cumulative hatching rate within 10 days. Tomato seedlings cultivated in vitro for 1 week were inoculated with sterile eggs and the infection process was monitored weekly. After 5 to 7 weeks, sterile egg masses were harvested, second-stage juveniles were hatched in sterile distilled water and used to re-inoculate tomato seedlings without further sterilisation. The culture conditions described gave similar infection results for the related root-knot nematodes M. incognita, M. arenariaand M. hapla.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): M.G.K. Jones

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Meloidogyne javanica	Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
	Meloidogyne incognita	Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
	Meloidogyne hapla	Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
	Meloidogyne arenaria	Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)