Studies on Aphelenchoides besseyi (Christie, 1942) on proso millet and fungi favoring their development

Abstract

Foliar nematode, Aphelenchoides besseyi is of a great concern in millet productions. The genus Aphelenchoides has a very wide host range especially in cereals. Mode of seed transmission with associative fungal genera have significant role in nematode feeding and movement in the host tissues being fungivore in nature. Highest incidence of A. besseyi have been noticed in abnormal seeds stored for four years as compared to apparent healthy once of the same duration. The germplasm TNAU-194 (174N) harboured high incidence of A. besseyi. Nematode, A. besseyi infested seeds harboured Alternaria alternata and Curvularia lunata were found most suitable for A. besseyi reproduction were as other where poor to very poor in nematode reproduction.