Root-Knot Nematodes Infecting Okra in Major Vegetable Growing Districts of Punjab, Pakistan
Root-Knot Nematodes Infecting Okra in Major Vegetable Growing Districts of Punjab, Pakistan
Muhammad Arshad Hussain1 and Tariq Mukhtar2,*
ABSTRACT
The lucrative production of okra throughout the globe is threatened by root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.). As very little information is available on the distribution of root-knot nematodes in okra plantations, therefore, in the present studies surveys were conducted to record incidence, prevalence, and severity of root-knot nematode species associated with okra in the major vegetable growing districts of the Punjab province of Pakistan. The overall incidence of 39%, prevalence of 85% and severity of 4.1 in terms of the galling index was recorded throughout the province. Differences in the incidence of root-knot nematodes were recorded from all the districts ranging from 11% to 70%. The incidence was found to be the maximum (70%) in districts of Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan followed by Dera Ghazi Khan and Vehari showing incidences of 66 and 63%, respectively. On the other hand, the incidence was found to be the minimum (4%) in Lodhran followed by Jhang and Rajan Pur districts showing incidences of 11 and 13%, respectively. The rest of the districts showed incidences ranging from 13 to 63%. Variations were also recorded in the prevalence of root-knot nematodes in the seventeen districts of the Punjab province. The prevalence was found to be 100% in seven districts while the remaining districts showed prevalence below 100% and the minimum was found in district Lodhran. As regards the severity of root-knot nematodes, it was found to be the maximum (6.2) in Bahawalnagar followed by Vehari and Rahim Yar Khan with severities of 6.0 and 5.8, respectively. On the contrary, the severity was the minimum (0.6) in district Lodhran. Of all the associated species of root-knot nematodes, M. incognita constituted 73%, M. javanica 24%, M. arenaria 2 % and M. hapla 1%. The study will aid in developing control strategies for the management of these nematodes accordingly.
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