Influence of soil nutrients on reproduction and pathogenicity of Rotylenchulus reniformis on cotton

Abstract

Greenhouse studies were conducted to determine the effects of different soil nutrients on reniform nematode pathogenicity and reproduction. The nutrients evaluated were phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulfur (S). For the first greenhouse study, P and K were used in high and low levels. Treatments for the second, third and fourth greenhouse studies were five different levels of P, K, and S, respectively. Application of P showed a significant increase in plant shoot and root dry weights in both greenhouse studies one and two. Similarly, it was observed that reproduction of reniform nematodes in greenhouse studies one and two was significantly affected by the levels of P included in the treatments. Greenhouse studies three and four that were treated with P and S, did not show any effect on reniform reproduction or pathogenicity, but significantly affected shoot dry weights.