Effect of initial inoculum levels of Meloidogynve spp. on some cucurbitaceous crops

The effect of initial inoculum levels of Meloidogyne spp. was investigated in some cucurbitaceous crops in 15 cm size earthen pots, each containing 1 kg. sterikised soil. It was observed that 100 larvae of M. javanica per pot as initial inoculum in bittergourd and 1000 larvae in smooth gourd, ridge gourd and squash melon signficantly reduced the growth parameters. Initial inoculum of 1000 of M. incognita also significantly reduced the growth parameters. Galling and nematode reproduction was directly related to initial inoculum level.