Infestation assessment of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) associated with cucumber in the Pothowar region of Pakistan

Studies to estimate root-knot nematode infestations on cucumber were conducted during mid- to late-eason at 378 randomly selected sites in 126 villages of the four districts across the Pothowar zone of the country. The overall mean infestation of root-knot nematodes in the region was found to be 15.66%. The studies revealed variations in the incidence and severity of root-knot nematodes in the four districts. The incidence of root-knot nematodes was the highest in Rawalpindi district (21.86%), followed by 13.89% in Attock. Of the four districts, the minimum incidence of 10.97% was recorded in Jhelum district. The maximum mean severity (3.79), measured in terms of the galling index, was found in Rawalpindi district, while the minimum (1.86) was observed in Jhelum district. The mean severities of root-knot nematodes in the districts of Attock and Chakwal were 2.66 and 2.19 respectively. Variations in incidence and severity were also observed among subdivisions of the districts. Of all the associated species of root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne incognita constituted 78.53%, Meloidogyne javanica 19.03%, Meloidogyne arenaria 1.82% and Meloidogyne hapla 0.62%. M. incognita and M. javanica were recorded in all of the districts, with M. incognita predominating. M. incognita as a pure population was recorded in 29.63% of the villages, while the other three species were found as mixtures. The most common mixed population was M. incognita and M. javanica, observed in 70.37% of villages in the region. M. arenaria and M. hapla were not found together in any of the population mixtures. The results indicate that cucumber is severely attacked by root-knot nematodes, warranting adoption of strict control measures for its management. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.