Meloidogyne hapla

Meloidogyne hapla, also known as the Northern root-knot nematode, is a species of plant-parasitic nematodes that is widely distributed in temperate regions. It is a significant pest of many economically important crops, including potato, carrot, and tomato.

Biology

The life cycle of Meloidogyne hapla includes egg, four juvenile stages, and adult. The second-stage juvenile is the infective stage, which invades plant roots and establishes a feeding site. The nematode feeds and develops through the remaining juvenile stages within the root, eventually maturing into an adult female that produces eggs. Males are rarely observed and are not required for reproduction, as M. hapla reproduces by parthenogenesis.

Host Range and Distribution

Meloidogyne hapla has a wide host range that includes many economically important crops, as well as numerous weed species. It is particularly damaging to root crops such as potato and carrot, but can also cause significant yield losses in tomato, lettuce, and other vegetable crops. The nematode is widely distributed in temperate regions, including North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.

Management

Management of Meloidogyne hapla typically involves a combination of cultural practices, such as crop rotation with non-host crops, and the use of nematicides. Biological control agents, including certain types of fungi and bacteria, have also been used with varying degrees of success.

Economic Impact

The economic impact of Meloidogyne hapla is significant due to yield losses in affected crops. In addition, the nematode can reduce the marketability of root crops due to the galling and deformation caused by the feeding activity of the nematode.

See Also

• Root-knot nematode
• Plant-parasitic nematodes
• Parthenogenesis