Effect of different fixatives and processing techniques on clarity of morphological features of Pratylenchus zeae Graham, 1951

Four commonly used fixatives (4 per cent formalin, PAA, TAP and formalin and glycerine) in combination with processing techniques, Seinhorst's and lactophenol, for mounting nematodes in glycerine on morphological features of Prutylenchus zeae were investigated. The visual clarity varied in different combinations of fixativesand processing techniques, with minimum clarity in specimens processed through TAP + Seinhorst and FAA + Seinhorst methods in comparison to water mounts. It was also observed that lactophenol reduced clarity more in comparison to Seinhorst's method for corresponding fixatives.