Meloidogyne javanica

Meloidogyne javanica is a species of plant-parasitic nematode that is part of the Meloidogyne genus. It is commonly known as the Java root-knot nematode and is a significant pest in many agricultural systems worldwide.

Description

The Meloidogyne javanica is a microscopic, eel-shaped worm. Females are pear-shaped and have a short stylet for feeding. Males are vermiform and have a longer stylet. The nematode's eggs are laid in a gelatinous matrix, usually on the root surface.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Meloidogyne javanica includes the egg, four juvenile stages, and the adult stage. The second-stage juvenile is the infective stage, which invades the root tips of host plants. Once inside the root, the juvenile establishes a feeding site and undergoes three more molts before becoming an adult. Females lay eggs that hatch into second-stage juveniles, completing the life cycle.

Host Plants

Meloidogyne javanica has a wide host range that includes many economically important crops such as tomatoes, potatoes, cotton, and soybeans. It can also infect ornamental plants and weeds.

Damage

Meloidogyne javanica causes significant yield losses in infested crops. The nematode damages the roots, causing the formation of galls or knots. This disrupts the plant's ability to uptake water and nutrients, leading to stunted growth, wilting, and in severe cases, plant death.

Management

Management of Meloidogyne javanica involves a combination of cultural practices, biological control, and chemical control. Crop rotation with non-host plants, use of resistant cultivars, and application of nematicides are common strategies used to manage this pest.

See Also

• Meloidogyne incognita
• Meloidogyne hapla
• Meloidogyne arenaria

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