Host-Parasite Relationships of Meloidogyne Javanica and M. Lusitanica With Olea Europaea

Meloidogyne javanica and M. lusitanica were found infecting olive (Olea europaea) roots respectively in nurseries in Italy and in an olive orchard in Portugal. SEM studies confirmed their identity. Histological examination of olive roots infected by either species demonstrated that giant cell formation was induced. Hyperplasia and hypertrophy were common phenomena in the cortical and vascular parenchyma. Our results suggest that Meloidogyne species may be important pathogens of olive.