Nematology (2000) 2, p. 797 (Vovlas et al.)

Nicola Vovlas, Isabel M. De O. Abrantes, Alberto Troccoli, Margarita Pestana and M. Susana De A. Santos (2000)
Parasitism on roots and rhizomes of anthurium (Anthurium andraenum) by Radopholus similis in Madeira
Nematology 2 (7), 797-797
Presented at the 25th International Nematology Symposium, Herzliya, Israel, 2-7 April 2000
Abstract: Extensive sample collections were conducted in many anthurium growing areas of Madeira, Portugal, since the first report of occurrence of the burrowing nematode Radopholus similis (Cobb, 1893), Thorne, 1949. The survey was conducted on anthurium plants (Anthurium andraeanum Linden and Andre) imported and grown in artificial substrates in shade-houses to determine the level of parasitism, population dynamics, parasitic habits, and comparative morphology of the detected population with those from other hosts and origins. Radopholus similis was found parasitising roots (28-52 specimens/g of root tissues) and sometimes the rhizome, with induction of necrotic lesions. Infected plants showed signs of losing vigour, with slightly yellowed leaves, and undersized, distorted flowers. Histological analysis of root and rhizome tissues showed that the burrowing nematode is an exclusively cortical feeder when it parasitises roots, but feeds commonly on meristematic peripheral tissues of rhizomes. Occasionally, vascular elements can be damaged by its feeding activity. Newly laid and embryonated eggs, juvenile stages, mature females and males were recovered from necrotic tissues; the males/females ratio, in well established populations, varied from 1:20 to 1:50. Accordingly, this nematode reproduced efficiently in the anthurium rhizome. Morphometric and morphological characters of one population of R. similis are described, illustrated and compared with populations from other hosts and other geographic origins and carrot-disk cultures. The damage by this phytoparasitic species to flower cultivation and production is discussed.
Database assignments for author(s): Nicola Vovlas, Isabel M. de O. Abrantes, Alberto Troccoli

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
surveys/sampling/distribution
damage/losses/economics

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Radopholus similis	Anthurium (crop)	Portugal (Madeira)