Greenhouse and field evaluations of commonly occurring weed species for their host suitability to Meloidogyne species

Since weeds serve as hosts for nematode pests, the host status of 20 weed species (commonly occurring in fields of developing farmers) to Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica, respectively, were investigated. Greenhouse studies showed that seven weed species had Rf values >1 for both nematode species indicating susceptibility, while 13 had Rf values ≤ 1 indicating resistance. Greenhouse results showed that Hibiscus trionum and Amaranthus tricolor were identified as the most susceptible and Chenopodium carinatum and Datura ferox the poorest hosts for M. incognita and M. javanica. For field experiments at Kuruman, Solanum retroflexum was the most susceptible weed to a M. javanica population, while the same was evident for H. trionum at Nelspruit, where a mixed population of M. incognita and M. javanica occurred and at Potchefstroom, where a population of M. incognita was present. Results from this study indicated that certain weed species are highly susceptible to root-knot nematodes and should be removed timely and effectively to prevent population level increases of root-knot nematode pests in the fields of farmers.     

Occurrence of Resistance-breaking Populations of Root-knot Nematodes on Tomato in Greece

Nine populations of Meloidogyne spp. from Greece have been identified as M. javanica or M. incognita using either isozyme phenotypes or the sequence characterized amplified region-polymerase chain reaction (SCAR-PCR) technique. Virulence against the Mi resistance gene was assayed by pot experiments in controlled conditions and revealed the ability of five populations of M. javanica and one population of M. incognita to reproduce on tomato cultivars containing that gene. A resistance-breaking population of M. incognita is reported for the first time in the country; the M. javanica populations constitute new records for the Greek mainland.     

Nematicidal Activity of Chrysanthemum coronarium

Organic amendments and green manure are potential alternatives to the harmful chemical control means currently used against plant-parasitic nematodes. In this work, Chrysanthemum coronarium was applied to the soil as a green manure to control the root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica. Chrysanthemum coronarium significantly reduced nematode infection of tomato roots and improved plant-top fresh weight, both in the greenhouse and in microplots. Other green manures, derived from Anthemis pseudocotula, wild chickpea (Cicer pinnatifidum), Geranium spp. and wheat, were not as effective as C. coronarium. Chrysanthemum coronarium, retained its nematicidal activity even when applied as a dried material. Only mature C. coronarium plants, in their flowering stage, exhibited nematode control activity, but the green plant parts were more effective than the flowers. An aqueous extract of C. coronarium exhibited in vitro, nematostatic activity towards M. incognita and M. javanica second-stage juveniles and inhibited their hatching from eggs and egg-masses; its nematostatic activity was expressed also against other phytonematode species such as Heterodera avenae and Pratylenchus mediterraneus, but did not affect the beneficial entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae.     

Weed hosts of Meloidogyne spp. and the effect of aqueous weed extracts on egg hatching

Weeds have a great economic impact on agricultural production because they compete with crops for resources and are alternative hosts for pests, microbial pathogens and plant-parasitic nematodes. This study aimed to investigate the susceptibility of weeds to the root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne javanica and Meloidogyne incognita and assess the effect of aqueous weed extracts on M. javanica egg hatching. Four experiments were conducted, two for each nematode species. Weeds were inoculated with 2000 nematode eggs and grown for 60 days under greenhouse conditions. Soyabean cv. Monsoy 7110 was used as control. The weeds Ipomoea grandifolia, Solanum americanum, Digitaria horizontalis, Amaranthus deflexus, Sorghum halepense and Commelina benghalensis were susceptible to M. javanica and M. incognita in at least one experiment (reproduction factor, RF >1). Crotalaria juncea and Eleusine indica were susceptible to M. incognita in one experiment, and Digitaria insularis, Sida rhombifolia, Bidens pilosa, Urochloa decumbens, Crotalaria breviflora, Cenchrus echinatus, Crotalaria ochroleuca and Crotalaria spectabilis were immune or resistant (RF <1 or RF = 0). Alternanthera tenella, C. juncea, S. rhombifolia, C. ochroleuca, C. spectabilis, C. breviflora, B. pilosa, E. indica, U. decumbens and C. echinatus were resistant or immune to M. javanica (RF <1 or RF = 0). Compared with the control (water), all weed extracts reduced M. javanica egg hatch. Our results highlight the importance of weed control in agricultural systems, as nematodes can survive and multiply in weed roots during the off-season. Weed leaves and shoots, however, may be an interesting source of compounds with nematicidal activity.     

Host suitability of Vitis rootstocks to root‐knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) and the dagger nematode Xiphinema index,and plant damage caused by infections

The host suitability of commercial Vitis rootstocks commonly used in Spain (161‐49C, 41B, 1103P, 110R, 140Ru and SO4) to root‐knot nematodes (Meloidogyne arenaria, M. incognita, M. javanica) and Xiphinema index, and damage caused by nematode infection were determined under controlled conditions. The three root‐knot nematodes reproduced with a rate higher than one in all rootstocks, indicating that they are suitable hosts for these nematodes. Growth of rootstocks infected with the root‐knot nematodes was less vigorous than that of nematode‐uninfected controls in the majority of the rootstocks studied. Root infection resulted in moderate to severe root galling in all rootstocks. The shoot and main stem diameters appeared to be the most sensitive variables of damage caused by infection by Meloidogyne spp., with reduction rates from 36% and 53% in 161‐49C to 57% and 66% in 140Ru, respectively. The shoot height was not significantly affected by the root‐knot nematodes and the root fresh weight generally increased as a consequence of intensive galling. The nematode X. index caused significant root damage with a reproduction factor higher than one in all rootstocks. However, reproduction factor was significantly influenced by the rootstock and significantly decreased by about 12‐fold (5·7 to 18·1‐fold) with the increase in inoculum density from 100 to 1000 nematodes per plant. The root dry weight was reduced by X. index infections, and was the plant growth variable most affected by the nematode infection in all rootstocks at both inoculum densities. Meloidogyne arenaria, M. incognita, M. javanica and X. index, prevalent in many world vineyards, are all shown to have a damaging effect on the six tested rootstocks.     

Effect of solarization and fumigant applications on soilborne pathogens and root-knot nematodes in greenhouse-grown tomato in Turkey

A study was conducted in two greenhouses with a history of Fusarium crown and root rot (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.radicis-lycopersici, Forl) and root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne javanica andM. incognita). During the 2005–06 growing season, the effectiveness of soil disinfestation by solarization in combination with low doses of metham-sodium (500, 750, 1000 and 1250l ha⁻¹) or dazomet (400 g ha⁻¹), was tested against soilborne pathogens and nematodes in an attempt to find a suitable alternative to methyl bromide, which is soon to be phased out. Solarization alone was not effective in the greenhouse with a high incidence ofForl. In the greenhouse with a low level ofForl, all the treatments tested reduced disease incidence, and were therefore considered to be applicable for soil disinfestation. In addition, root-knot nematode density decreased with all the treatments tested in both of the greenhouses.     

Characterisation of Meloidogyne species from China using Isozyme Phenotypes and Amplified Mitochondrial DNA Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism

Forty-six Meloidogyne populations from 14 provinces of China were characterised in terms of malate dehydrogenase, esterase phenotypes and HinfI restriction profiles of amplification products from the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) region between the COII and lrRNA genes. Isozyme phenotyping revealed that 29 of the populations were M. incognita, six were M. javanica, six were M. arenaria, three were M. hapla and two were M. enterolobii. HinfI restriction patterns of the COII-lrRNA region correlated with nematode isozyme phenotypes and enabled reliable differentiation and identification of the five root-knot nematodes occurring in China. The size and sequence of the mtDNA amplification product were determined for the first time for M. enteroloii, a potentially economically important crop pathogen. Sequence comparison showed that the sequence of the intergenic region between the COII and lrRNA genes for M. enterolobii was identical to that reported for M. mayaguensis. Together with published observations on morphology, host range and esterase phenotype of the two nominal species, the mtDNA sequence evidence suggests that M. mayaguensis could be conspecific with M. enterolobii.     

Resistance of Brassicaceae plants to root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) in northern Australia

Abstract

Brassicaceae plants have the potential as part of an integrated approach to replace fumigant nematicides, providing the biofumigation response following their incorporation is not offset by reproduction of plant-parasitic nematodes on their roots. Forty-three Brassicaceae cultivars were screened in a pot trial for their ability to reduce reproduction of three root-knot nematode isolates from north Queensland, Australia: M. arenaria (NQ1), M. javanica (NQ2) and M. arenaria race 2 (NQ5/7). No cultivar was found to consistently reduce nematode reproduction relative to forage sorghum, the current industry standard, although a commercial fodder radish (Raphanus sativus) and a white mustard (Sinapis alba) line were consistently as resistant to the formation of galls as forage sorghum. A second pot trial screened five commercially available Brassicaceae cultivars, selected for their biofumigation potential, for resistance to two nematode species, M. javanica (NQ2) and M. arenaria (NQ5/7). The fodder radish cv. Weedcheck, was found to be as resistant as forage sorghum to nematode reproduction. A multivariate cluster analysis using the resistance measurements, gall index, nematode number per g of root and multiplication for two nematode species (NQ2 and NQ5/7) confirmed the similarity in resistance between the radish cultivar and forage sorghum. A field trial confirmed the resistance of the fodder radish cv. Weedcheck, with a similar reduction in the number of Meloidogyne spp. juveniles recovered from the roots 8 weeks after planting. The use of fodder radish cultivars as biofumigation crops to manage root-knot nematodes in tropical vegetable production systems deserves further investigation.     

Histological study of giant cells formed by the root-knot nematodeMeloidogyne artiellia as compared withM. hapla andM. javanica in cabbage, turnip and barley

Feeding sites induced by the root-knot nematodeMeloidogyne artiellia in turnip (Brassica rapa), cabbage (Brassica oleracea) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) were examined by light and electron transmission microscopy, and compared with those formed byM. javanica andM. hapla. The feeding cells ofM. artiellia in turnip and cabbage showed hypertrophy, hyperplasia and vacuolization, and became multinucleate giant cells. In contrast to the typical simple-shaped giant cells ofM. javanica andM. hapla, those ofM. artiellia had an amoeboid structure containing ‘protuberances’, which are distinct from previously reported ‘projects’ of giant cells induced byM. incognita in other plants. Protuberances expanding between vascular cells were observed in young and developed giant cells. Since no cell-wall fragments were found at the bases of the protuberances, either by light or electron microscopy, it is strongly indicated that these structures were caused by local expansion of the giant cells rather than by fusion with adjacent cells. The giant cells ofM. artiellia in barley had regular shapes of giant cells without protuberances, and resembled those induced byM. javanica orM. hapla in turnip and cabbage. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Sept. 17, 2006.     

Screening Tomato Cultivars for Resistance to Meloidogyne Species

Abstract

Screening tests on 162 tomato cultivars and hybrids conducted at the Division of Horticulture, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during 1967-8 indicated a high degree of resistance to root-knot nematodes in Nematex, VFN-8, 65N215-1, 65N255-1 and S1-120, under field and laboratory conditions. The degree of resistance varied with the species of Meloidogyne. Nematex was immune to M. javanica, M. incognita and M. arenaria. VFN-8, 65N215-1 and 65N255-1 were immune to M. incognita and M. arenaria and resistant to M. javanica. S1-120, a commercial cultivar, showed a high degree of tolerance to M. javanica, M. incognita and M. arenaria. The degree of resistance varied with nematode population density.     

Interaction of Root-knot Nematodes (RKN) and the Bacterium Agrobacterium Tumefaciens in Roots of Prunus Cerasifera: Evidence of the Protective Effect of the Ma RKN Resistance Genes Against Expression of Crown Gall Symptoms

Agrobacterium tumefaciens (AT) is the causal agent of crown gall, a major problem in the family Rosaceae and particularly for Prunus spp. Crown gall symptoms result from the bacterial infection of the cells damaged mechanically at the collar or by root parasitic nematodes. Myrobalan plum (P. cerasifera) is susceptible to AT and is not a host for the root-knot nematode (RKN), M. hapla. Some clones of this plum carry single Ma resistance genes that control M. arenaria, M. incognita and M. javanica. The four above mentioned RKN and Myrobalan progenies segregating for Ma were used in experiments aimed at obtaining a better knowledge of the interaction between AT and RKN in relation to the RKN resistance genes. Prunus rooted cuttings, naturally infected with the bacterium were repotted, grown and inoculated individually with RKN. In a first experiment, Prunus plants were (i) either inoculated with 10,000 juveniles (J2s) of M. arenaria to provide a short inoculum pressure (SIP) or (ii) inoculated by association with one M. arenaria-galled tomato root system that produced a high and durable inoculum pressure of the same nematode species. Four months after RKN inoculation, plants were rated for nematode and bacterial root galling symptoms. RKN and AT galls were more numerous and more homogenous under DIP than under SIP. Nevertheless, for both inoculum regimes, AT galls were present in the RKN-susceptible clones (= carrying none of the Ma genes) and absent in the RKN-resistant clones. Subsequent experiments, conducted under DIP with M. arenaria, M. incognita, M. javanica and M. hapla, also showed, for the three first species, the presence of AT galls only in RKN-susceptible clones whereas Prunus plants inoculated with M. hapla and nematode-free controls were free of AT galls. Consequently RKN act as a wound agent in the AT infection process of Myrobalan plum only when the plant develops a compatible reaction (i.e. when it lacks the Ma resistance genes). Considering that J2s do penetrate the roots of resistant plants, the absence of crown gall symptoms on this material even under durable inoculum pressure strengthens the hypothesis that this nematode stage has a very weak effect on plant cells during the infection process. This is the first evidence of the protective effect of a RKN resistance gene against the expression of root crown gall consecutive to RKN infection. The protective effect of Ma and presumably of other RKN resistance genes against AT is a strong argument for their introgression into Prunus and other Rosaceae or bacterium-susceptible crops.     

Response of tomato rootstocks carrying the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mi</Emphasis>-resistance gene to populations of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Meloidogyne arenaria,M. incognita and M. javanica</Emphasis>

The response of four Mi-resistance gene tomato rootstocks to seven populations of Meloidogyne was determined in pot tests conducted in a glasshouse. Rootstocks PG76 (Solanum lycopersicum × Solanum sp.) and Brigeor (S. lycopersicum × S. habrochaites) and resistant cv. Monika (S. lycopersicum) were assessed against one population of M. arenaria, three of M. incognita, and three of M. javanica. Rootstocks Beaufort and Maxifort were assessed against one population of M. arenaria, two of M. incognita and two of M. javanica. Rootstock PG76 was highly resistant (reproduction index <10%) to all the populations, whereas rootstock Brigeor and cv. Monika were highly to moderate resistant. Rootstocks Beaufort and Maxifort showed reduced resistance or inability to suppress nematode reproduction, and their responses varied according to the population tested. Beaufort and Maxifort were susceptible to the two populations of M. javanica as Maxifort was to one of M. incognita. The reproduction index of the nematode was higher (P < 0.05) on Maxifort than Beaufort for all root-knot nematode populations.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum sisymbriifolium</Emphasis> - a new approach for the management of plant-parasitic nematodes

Plant-parasitic nematodes are serious pests causing important crop losses worldwide. After extensive screening of non-tuber-bearing Solanaceae, a resistant trap crop, Solanum sisymbriifolium, with a high production level of hatching agents, seemed an ideal control method for potato cyst nematodes (PCN), Globodera spp. Recently, root-knot nematodes (RKN), Meloidogyne spp., were found coexisting with PCN. Therefore, it is important to find alternative methods to control both nematode genera. The chemical properties of S. sisymbriifolium turns this plant into an excellent candidate for further nematicidal studies and to develop new crop production models. Studies concerning the effects of this plant on plant-parasitic nematodes are presented. Pathogenicity studies with four S. sisymbriifolium cvs (Domino, Pion, Sis 4004 and Sharp) and five Meloidogyne species showed that all cultivars of S. sisymbriifolium studied were resistant to M. chitwoodi and hypersusceptible to M. arenaria and M. hapla. For M. hispanica only cv Pion was susceptible. M. javanica induced different responses: cvs Pion and Sharp were susceptible; cv Domino resistant and Sis 4004 hypersusceptible. The studies of the hatching effects of root exudates from these cvs showed that they had an influence on the hatching inhibition of second stage juveniles of the five Meloidogyne species tested.     

南方根结线虫中国分离群体种内变异分析

为调查我国不同地区和不同寄主上的根结线虫Meloidogyne spp.种类分布以及群体变异情况,基于酯酶和苹果酸脱氢酶同工酶图谱及SCAR分子标记技术对2017—2019年从6省19种植物根部组织分离到的40个根结线虫群体进行鉴定,针对南方根结线虫M. incognita群体分别通过寄主鉴别法进行生理小种鉴别,利用携带Mi抗性基因的番茄进行毒力测试,对2龄幼虫的口针长度和体长进行测量,并对核糖体ITS和线粒体Nad5基因序列进行比较分析。结果显示:根结线虫分离群体经鉴定包括38个南方根结线虫群体和2个象耳豆根结线虫M. erterolobii群体;38个南方根结线虫群体中有35个群体被鉴别为1号生理小种,其余3个群体被鉴别为2号生理小种;发现1个南方根结线虫群体CN19可在携带Mi抗性基因的番茄上侵染繁殖,为毒性群体,其余群体无法进行侵染和繁殖,为无毒群体。南方根结线虫群体2龄幼虫的口针长度和体长均差异较大,而不同寄主来源分离群体的ITS和Nad5基因序列也存在一定变异。基于ITS和Nad5基因序列构建的系统发育树将所有根结线虫群体归为南方根结线虫和象耳豆根结线虫组成的2个独立分支,...     

Occurrence of virulent root-knot nematode populations on tomatoes bearing the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mi</Emphasis> gene in protected vegetable-growing areas of Turkey

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.; RKN) are one of the most important pathogens of vegetables in Turkey. Assessing the existing virulent RKN populations is of importance for pathogen mapping in the west Mediterranean region of Turkey. Therefore, 95 populations of RKN were collected from different protected vegetable-growing locations in the region. Pure cultures were obtained and identified by means of species-specific primers. Virulence of the populations against the Mi-1 gene conferring resistance to Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica and M. arenaria was determined according to their egg masses and gall rating on resistant and susceptible tomato varieties. Results showed that seven populations of M. incognita and six populations of M. javanica were able to overcome the resistance controlled by the Mi-1 gene. The frequency of virulent populations of M. incognita and M. javanica collected from different protected-grown vegetables was 11.7% and 21.4%, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report of populations of RKN virulent to the Mi-1 gene in Turkey.     

长枝木霉菌株TL16防治南方根结线虫的作用机理

为探明长枝木霉Trichoderma longibrachiatum菌株TL16防治南方根结线虫Meloidogyne incognita的作用机理,采用原生质体转化法获得绿色荧光蛋白(green fluorescent protein,GFP)标记菌株GFP-TL16,通过测定菌株TL16和GFP-TL16对南方根结线虫卵和2龄幼虫(2nd-stage juvenile,J2)的寄生与致死作用,其发酵液对卵孵化的抑制作用和对J2的致死作用,以及菌株GFP-TL16在黄瓜根系的定殖情况和菌株TL16对番茄根结形成的抑制作用来综合分析其作用机理。结果显示:菌株TL16菌丝对南方根结线虫卵无寄生作用,处理19 d后卵降解率为26.33%,致死作用较低;菌株TL16分生孢子悬浮液处理南方根结线虫J2后72 h的致死率为1.65%,且无寄生作用。菌株TL16发酵液处理南方根结线虫J2后48 h的校正死亡率为10.71%,处理卵15 d后对卵孵化的相对抑制率为77.11%。菌株GFP-TL16可定殖于黄瓜根系中,经菌株TL16处理后接种南方根结线虫J2,番茄根结减退率为55.88%。表明长枝木霉菌株TL16可通过抑制根结线虫卵孵化和诱导番茄产生抗病性来防治根结线虫病。     

Evaluation of Natural Chemical Compounds Against Root-lesion and Root-knot Nematodes and Side-effects on the Infectivity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

The survival of two species of plant parasitic nematodes: the root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus brachyurus, and the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica, was evaluated in saturated atmospheres of 12 natural chemical compounds. The infectivity of two isolates of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi: Glomus mosseae and Glomus intraradices, under identical experimental conditions, was also determined. All the compounds tested exerted a highly significant control against M. javanica and among them, benzaldehyde, salicilaldehyde, borneol, p-anisaldehyde and cinnamaldehyde caused a mortality rate above 50% over P. brachyurus. The infectivity of G. intraradices was inhibited by cinnamaldehyde, salicilaldehyde, thymol, carvacrol, p-anisaldehyde, and benzaldehyde, while only cinnamaldehyde and thymol significantly inhibited mycorrhizal colonization by G. mosseae.     

Distribution and genetic diversity of root‐knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) in potatoes from South Africa

A molecular‐based assay was employed to analyse and accurately identify various root‐knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) parasitizing potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) in South Africa. Using the intergenic region (IGS) and the 28S D2–D3 expansion segments within the ribosomal DNA (rDNA), together with the region between the cytochrome oxidase subunit II (COII) and the 16S rRNA gene of the mtDNA, 78 composite potato tubers collected from seven major potato growing provinces were analysed and all Meloidogyne species present were identified. During this study, M. incognita, M. arenaria, M. javanica, M. hapla, M. chitwoodi and M. enterolobii were identified. The three tropical species M. javanica, M. incognita and M. arenaria were identified as the most prevalent species, occurring in almost every region sampled. Meloidogyne hapla and M. enterolobii occurred in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu‐Natal, respectively, while M. chitwoodi was isolated from two growers located within the Free State. Results presented here form part of the first comprehensive surveillance study of root‐knot nematodes to be carried out on potatoes in South Africa using a molecular‐based approach. The three genes were able to distinguish various Meloidogyne populations from one another, providing a reliable and robust method for future use in diagnostics within the potato industry for these phytoparasites.     

Nematode quantitative resistance conferred by the pepper genetic background presents additive effects and is stable against different isolates of Meloidogyne incognita

Root‐knot nematodes (RKNs), Meloidogyne spp., are a major disease problem in solanaceous crops worldwide, including pepper (Capsicum spp.). Genetic control provides an economically and environmentally sustainable protection alternative to soil fumigants. In pepper, resistance to the main RKN species (M. incognita, M. javanica and M. arenaria) is conferred by the major genes (R genes) Me1, Me3 and N. However, RKNs are able to develop virulence, thus endangering the efficiency of R genes. Quantitative resistance (QR) against Meloidogyne spp. is expected to provide an alternative to R genes, or to be combined with R genes, to increase the resistance efficiency and durability in pepper. In order to explore the ability of QR to protect pepper against RKNs, five pepper inbred lines, differing in their QR level, were tested directly, or after combination with the Me1 and Me3 genes, for their resistance to a panel of M. arenaria, M. javanica and M. incognita isolates. The M. arenaria and M. javanica isolates showed low pathogenicity to pepper, unlike the M. incognita isolates. The QR, controlled by the pepper genetic background, displayed a high resistance level with a broad spectrum of action, protecting pepper against Me3‐virulent as well as avirulent M. incognita isolates. The QR was also expressed when combined with the Me1 and Me3 genes, but presented additive genetic effects so that heterozygous F₁ hybrids proved less resistant than homozygous inbred lines. The discovery of this QR is expected to provide promising applications for preserving the efficiency and durability of nematode resistance.     

Evaluation of methyl iodide as a soil fumigant in container and small field plot studies

Methyl iodide was evaluated as a soil fumigant as a potential replacement for the widely used soil fumigant methyl bromide. In container trials, methyl iodide was significantly more effective than methyl bromide against the plant parasitic nematodes Meloidogyne incognita, Heterodera schachtii and Tylenchulus semipenetrans and the plant pathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia solani. In small field plots, soil populations of root-knot nematodes were no longer detected after methyl iodide fumigation at an application rate of 112 kg ha^-1. However, after growing a susceptible lima bean host for two months, substantial root-knot galling occurred, while Rhizobium nodulation was absent. At 168 kg ha^-1 of methyl iodide, root-knot galling was reduced to less than 1%, and no Pythium propagules were recovered on selective detection media. These efficacy data support the conclusion that methyl iodide is a likely candidate for replacing methyl bromide as a soil fumigant. © 1998 SCI.