Pathogenicity of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica on bottlegourd. (Lagenaria siceraria) using two methods of inoculation

Pathogenicity of Meloidogyne javanica on bottlegourd (Lagenaria siceraria) was tested by inoculating different levels of second stage larvae of Meloidogyne javanica at the time of sowing and in 10 day-old plants. Significant reduction in growth characters, number of galls and egg mass/plant over control (uninoculated) was observed at and above 100 larvae/kg soil in both the methods, More number of galls and egg masses/plant was observed in the second method M₂ (where inoculation was done in 10 day-old plants) as compared to M₁ (where inoculation was done in the soil at the time of sowing).