Newly Discovered Transmission Pathway of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus from Males of the Beetle Monochamus alternatus to Pinus densiflora Trees via Oviposition Wounds

The transmission of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus from Monochamus alternatus males to Pinus densiflora trees via oviposition wounds has been determined. Nematode-infested males, with mandibles fixed experimentally to prevent feeding, were placed for 48 hours with pine bolts containing oviposition wounds that had been made by nematode-free females. After removal of the nematode-infested males, the pine bolts were held for 1 month and then examined for the presence of nematodes. Reproducing nematode populations were recovered from pine bolts that were exposed to male beetles carrying a high number of nematodes. No reproducing nematode population could be recovered from pine bolts exposed to beetles with a small number of nematodes. Nematode reproduction in the pine bolts was not related to the number of oviposition wounds per bolt. Fourth-stage dispersal B. xylophilus juveniles, collected from beetle body surfaces, were inoculated on pine bolt bark 0, 5, 10, and 15 cm away from a single artificial, small hole. These dauer juveniles successfully entered some bolts. The probability of successful nematode reproduction decreased with increased distance between inoculation point and artificial hole. The results indicated that B. xylophilus can move a significant distance to oviposition wounds along the bark surface and enter a tree via the wounds. The new transmission pathway is considered important for the nematode to persist in pine forests such as in North America where pine wilt disease does not occur.

Behavior of Tethered Meloidogyne incognita

The tethered-nematode technique was adapted for use with second-stage juveniles of Meloidogyne incognita. The data demonstrate that M. incognita exhibits the same patterns of behavior as adults of the free-living nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans. The principal differences are that M. incognita is slower and less regular in its behavior than C. elegans. The frequency of normal waves is about 0.2 Hz; that of reversal waves is about 0.06 Hz. Reversal bouts last about 1 minute. In response to a change in NaCl concentration, M. incognita modulates the probability of initiating a reversal bout in the same manner as C. elegans except that it responds more slowly and is repelled instead of attracted.

Effect of Soil Texture on the Distribution and Infectivity of Neoaplectana glaseri (Nematoda: Steinernematidae)

The vertical migration of infective juveniles of Neoaplectana glaseri applied to the soil surface or introduced 16 cm below the soil surface was studied in pure silica sand, coarse sandy loam, silty clay loam, and clay. The number of juveniles that migrated and infected wax moth pupae placed in the soil decreased as the proportion of clay and silt increased. The majority of nematodes moved downwards 2-6 cm from the surface, but some penetrated to a depth of 14 cm in pure silica sand and coarse sandy loam. In pure silica sand and coarse sandy loam, nematodes introduced 16 cm below the soil surface were able to infect wax moth pupae located at depths of 0-4 cm and 28-32 cm. Nematodes showed a greater tendency to disperse downwards from the point of application. Movement of the nematode was least in clay soil and limited in silty clay loam soil. The number of migrating nematodes was greatest when wax moth pupae were present.

Effect of Soil Texture on the Distribution and Infectivity of Neoaplectana carpocapsae (Nematoda: Steinernematidae)

The vertical migration of N. carpocapsae infective juveniles applied to the soil surface or introduced 14 cm below the soil surface was studied in four different soil types (pure silica sand, coarse sandy loam, silty clay loam, and clay). The percentage of juveniles able to migrate and infect wax moth pupae placed in the soil decreased as the percentage of clay and silt increased. Most nematodes placed on the soil surface remained within 2 cm of the surface, but some penetrated to a depth of 10 cm in pure silica sand and coarse sandy loam to infect pupae. Some pupae at the same depth were also infected with nematodes in silty clay loam soil. In pure silica sand and coarse sandy loam, nematodes introduced 14 cm below the soil surface were able to infect wax moth pupae located between 4 and 24 cm. Movement was least in clay soil and limited in silty clay loam. Nematodes showed a tendency to disperse upwards from the point of application. In all cases the number of migrating nematodes was greatest when wax moth pupae were present.

Effect of Soil Texture and the Clay Component on Migration of Meloidogyne incognita Second-stage Juveniles

The vertical migration of M. incognita juveniles introduced at 20 cm from the roots was studied in five natural soils, 100% silica sand, 95% silica sand with 5% clay, 90% silica sand with 10% clay, and 95% silica sand with 5% clay as a concentrated layer. In natural soils the percentage of juveniles capable of migrating 20 cm and penetrating the roots decreased when the percentage of clay and silt increased. No migration occurred in silica sand without clay particles; when 5 or 10% of clay were mixed to silica sand, 34 and 26%, respectively, of the juveniles were able to migrate 20 cm. Clay separated from silica sand in which tomatoes were grown was attractive for juveniles. It is suggested that clay particles aid in the migration of root-knot juveniles over long distances to plant roots by absorbing and holding root exudates or bacterial by-products which form a concentration gradient enabling nematodes to locate roots.

Citrus Tree Decline Caused by Pratylenchus coffeae

The pathogenic effects of Pratylenchus coffeae on growth and yield of tangelo (Citrus paradisi x C. reticulata) scions grafted on rough lemon (C jambhiri), sour orange (C. aurantium) and 'Cleopatra' mandarin (C. reticulata) rootstocks were evaluated under field conditions for 4 years. Pratylenchus coffeae on inoculated trees increased to significantly damaging population densities on rough lemon rootstock the second year, on sour orange the third and on Cleopatra mandarin the fourth year after planting. Mean growth reduction of P. coffeae-infected trees after 4 years was 80, 77 and 49%, respectively, for the three rootstocks. Noninoculated trees on rough lemon and sour orange rootstocks yielded significantly more fruit than comparable inoculated trees. Natural migration of P. coffeae occurred horizontally on roots for a distance of 4.5 m.