Elizabeth M. Jordaan

Effects of Root-Lesion Nematodes (Pratylenchus Brachyur Us Godfrey and P. Zeae Graham) and Fusarium Moniliforme Sheldon Alone or in Combination, On Maize

The effects of the association between the root-lesion nematodes, Pratylenchus brachyurus and P. zeae, and the root-rot fungus, Fusarium moniliforme, on maize growth, root-rot severity and root-lesion nematode population were studied under greenhouse conditions. Five inoculation treatments were applied and the effects monitored over 12 weeks. The results demonstrated that the root-lesion nematodes and the fungus affected plant growth more when combined than when alone, and were most severe during the seedling stage. Root-rot severity fluctuated during the experiment and significant differences between the treatments could only be found from 4 weeks following planting. The presence of the fungus facilitated the attraction and/or penetration of the root-lesion nematodes into the roots of the maize seedlings.

Effects of four herbicides on the infestation of maize by the nematode Pratylenchus zeae

The effects of atrazine, alachlor, EPTC and 2, 4-D on penetration and reproduction rate of Pratylenchus zeae on maize, were evaluated. The herbicides had no significant influence on the nematode po...