The importance of tropical root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) and factors affecting the utility of Pasteuria penetrans as a biocontrol agent

The conclusions of a collaborative study of the occurrence and importance of root-knot nematodes (RKN, Meloidogyne spp,) and of their control agent, Pasteuria penetrans, in parts of Europe, Africa, South America and the Caribbean are presented. Root-knot nematodes were estimated to reduce the yields of a wide range of horticultural crops by > 25% in Ecuador, Malawi and Tanzania, and by ca 10% in Trinidad and Tobago. The greatest proportion of infected crops were observed in Ecuador (205 of 207) and the least in Trinidad and Tobago (70 of 174). The mean gall index was greatest in Ecuador (5.5). Levels of galling were least in Senegal (1.6), even though 89% of crops were infested and virulent M. mayaguensis was widespread. In all countries. M. incognita and M. javanica were the most abundant species, but M. hispanica occurred widely in Burkina Faso, even in newly cultivated areas in the Sahile. Several new esterase phenotypes were detected, especially in Ecuador and Malawi. Juveniles (J2) collected from the soil during the surveys were examined for attached spores of P. penetrans. It was widespread (20 to 60% of RKN populations). except in Malawi and Tanzania 8 to 5% for every increase of one in the gall index. Yields were increased by alternating tomato with leguminous crops in some trials, but not in others. It is proposed that, in natural infections, mutual selection produces a dynamic balance between the P. penetrans and the RKN whereby levels of infection are rarely suppressive. However, the introduction of an "exotic" isolate of P. penetrans, with a different attachment profile, can disturb this balance, resulting in a greatly increased proportion of infected J2 and females, increased yields of spores and more suppression of RKN populations.Peer reviewe