.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
Return
Plant-parasitic nematode community dynamics in guava orchards: the combined role of Meloidogyne enterolobii and Helicotylenchus dihystera
.png){kind=icon}
PRE
AI
R
C
T
M
D
S
R
B
S
N
DOI：10.1016/j.apsoil.2026.107302.png)
.png){kind=icon}
Original request for help.png){kind=icon}
Share.png){kind=icon}
Save
Abstract
En 中文
Guava (Psidium guajava L.) cultivation is increasingly threatened by wilt disease, with plant-parasitic nematodes identified as key contributors. This study surveyed nematode assemblages in guava orchards across major production regions of India, integrating morphological and molecular tools with ecological and greenhouse analyses. Eight nematode genera were recovered from soil samples in surveyed locations, but communities were strongly dominated by Meloidogyne and Helicotylenchus. Molecular characterization confirmed Meloidogyne enterolobii as the sole root-knot nematode species associated with guava, clustering closely with global references. Community composition varied across orchards, with Meloidogyne and Helicotylenchus consistently co-occurring and accounting for more than 75% of total nematode populations. Soil properties, particularly texture, pH and organic carbon, significantly structured nematode assemblages, with sandy, alkaline soils favoring M. enterolobii and Helicotylenchus dominance. Field disease incidence ranged from 18 to 100%, with cultivar and orchard age influencing severity. Regression and partial regression analyses demonstrated that both M. enterolobii and Helicotylenchus densities independently and significantly contributed to wilt incidence, with combined models showing the strongest predictive power. Greenhouse assays confirmed these interactions, while each nematode reduced guava growth individually, co-inoculation produced the greatest biomass suppression and disease severity due to combined damage, highlighting the additive effects. These findings establish M. enterolobii as the predominant and aggressive root-knot nematode in Indian guava orchards, with Helicotylenchus acting as a key co-contributor to guava decline. Management strategies should prioritize monitoring and suppression of both taxa, while considering soil ecological drivers, to develop durable and integrated nematode management frameworks.
Journal
IF:
5
Papers:
6.5K
Citations:
2.0W
Organization
Cited Papers