Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope for the Study of Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in Noni, Morinda citrifolia

The applications of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are potentially important for morphological, anatomical and taxonomical studies of plant parasitic nematodes as well as their interactions with host plants. It also allows high resolution examination of surface structure of hydrated fresh (not fixed) material. Host parasite relationships of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita in noni, Morinda citrifolia was studied. Galls and egg masses of root knot nematode infested noni roots were collected and observed under ESEM without any prior processing. The micrographs at different magnifications provided shapes, topography and spatial relationships of structural features of gelatinous matrix of the egg mass and galls of the infected root tissues. The gelatinous matrix appeared transparent, nebulous material with interwoven fibrous network. Small, pear shaped bodies were observed inside the gall.