Geographical distribution and infestation of plant parasitic nematodes on vegetables and fruits in the Punjab province of Pakistan.
Shahid M., Rehman A. U., Khan A. U., Mahmood A.
Author Affiliation: Plant Pathology Section, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Pakistan Journal of Nematology 25 : 59-67
Abstract : The nematodes problem in Pakistan is serious than in the developed countries and the information on the host range and damage caused by plant parasitic nematodes is scarce. Therefore, a survey on the occurrence and geographical distribution of nematodes was conducted during 2004-2005, in the province of Punjab. A total number of 510 root and soil samples were collected from vegetables (aubergine, cucurbits, okra, potato, and tomato) and fruit plants (citrus and mango) from 22 districts of the Punjab province. Out of 266 samples of vegetables, 203 (76%) samples were found to be infested by plant parasitic nematodes and Meloidogyne incognita was predominant among the nematodes isolated. Out of 128 samples of citrus, 105 (82%) samples were found to be infested by plant parasitic nematode and Tylenchulus semipenetrans was pre-dominant among the nematodes isolated. Out of 116 samples of mango, 103 (88%) samples were found infested with plant parasitic nematodes. Helicotylenchus sp. was pre-dominant among the nematodes isolated.