Pathogenicity and reproduction of Heterodera sorghi on Zea mays

Significant reduction in the shoot length and fresh shoot and root weights of maize cultivar Deccan - 103 was observed at an initial inoculum level of 452 of Heterodera sorghi/cm³ of soil and hence, this level was considered as the minimum damaging threshold level for this host. The cyst population and nematode multiplication increased significantly with the increasing levels of inoculum. Though, the maximum cysts and total nematode populations were recorded at the highest level of inoculum i.e. 16 J2/cm³ soil, the rate of reproduction of nematode was found to be highest at the lowest level of initial inoculum i.e. 1J2/cm³ soil.