Project name: Meloidogyne arenaria

Description: Meloidogyne genus of root-knot nematodes include major agricultural parasites of a wide range of crops worldwide. Host plants include Solanaceae (tomato, egg plant, potato), Cucurbitaceae (melon, cucumber), Leguminosae (bean), carrot, salsify, lettuce, witloof chicory, artichoke, mangold, celery, etc.Species of Meloidogyne show an outstanding diversity in it's host plants: some of them are extremely polyphagous (with up to 3000 host plants) while the others are restricted to very specific hosts. They also have been know for extreme cytogenetic diversity and their mode of reproduction ranges from obligatory amphimixis to obligatory parthenogenesis.Meloidogyne arenariais a mitotically parthenogenetic species with chromosome numbers that range from 30-50. It is more common for warmer regions of the world, causing severe damage to peanuts (e.g., large galls on roots, pegs, pods, and runners; reduced plant growth). Other plant hosts include vegetables, grasses, fruit, ornamentals, and tobacco.

Last updated: 2004-08-16