The Influence of Nematode Numbers and of Soil Particle Size, Nutrients and Temperature On the Reproduction of Meloidogyne Javanica

The influence of nematode numbers on reproduction and invasion of M. javanica and on the root growth of the host, tomato, are described for different environmental conditions of soil particle size, nutrient and temperature. Under the particular experimental conditions, the environmental factors influenced the plant and the nematode in its soil and parasitic phases. The rate of root growth probably affected the reproduction of the nematode and in turn the nematode probably influenced root growth. Invasion, reproduction and development were also influenced by population density of nematodes. It is suggested that plant growth and the nematode population density and reproductive rate are the end result of numerous interactions in this ecological situation and that environmental stress, by lowering the tolerance of the plant to the nematode, may be the basis for some of the more serious plant failures due to nematodes.