Search

Summary Root-knot nematodes in the genus Meloidogyne are an important group of plant-parasitic nematodes causing severe damage on agricultural crops worldwide. A study was conducted to identify the species of root-knot nematodes causing damage on honeybush monocultures and to assess the seasonal variations in the nematode population. Soil samples were collected from six experimental sites in Genadendal, Western Cape province of South Africa from 2016 to 2017. DNA was extracted from single-second stage juveniles and species identifi cation was done using species-specifi c sequence-characterised amplifi ed regions (SCAR) primers. Meloidogyne hapla and M. javanica were identifi ed from the sites. Mean population density of the nematodes varied significantly (p < 0.05) in the six sites, with the peak population being recorded in summer of 2017. The study suggests that seasonal variation in temperature and moisture could contribute to changes in the population density of root-knot nematodes in the soil.

This study summarises the results of in vitro screening of the nematophagous activity of Stropharia rugosoannulata and Arthrobotrys oligospora. The tests were conducted with Meloidogyne hapla plant parasitic nematode juveniles placed into Petri dishes containing cultures of the tested fungal species. Immobilisation of the nematodes was observed after 4 and 24 hours. Both species of fungi showed nematophagous activity, however it was much stronger and faster in the case of S. rugosoannulata.