Root-Knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) Infecting Pomegranate: A Review

Phytonematodes are one of the major constraints in arid zone pomegranate cultivation under light to medium soil which cause severe yield loss to the tune of 17.3 %. Besides several plant parasitic nematodes, root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, is predominant species threatening the pomegranate crop area by severe incidence of root-knot disease. It is known that Meloidogyne spp. are most active at moderate temperatures (22.0 to 35oC) and optimum field capacity (about 50-60%) by which the congenial moisture conditions during entire crop period favours the rapid multiplication of nematodes which finally results in wilting of plants. The nematode population is influenced by both biotic and abiotic stresses. Since, the systemic studies on seasonal incidence of root-knot nematodes under nematode sick microplot condition, assessment of avoidable loss due to root-knot nematode and use of potent bioagents with desire strength of cfu persistence in soil after application in pomegranate were yet not reported around the world.