Plant parasitic nematodes associated with different mentha species

Abstract

Thirteen mint species were evaluated for the presence of nematode fauna associated with their rhizospheres. Six plant parasitic and six saprophytic nematode genera were found associated with mint rhizosphere. Tylenchorhynchus spp., was found to be associated with highest number of mint varieties that is seven while Trichodorus was found attached with only one mint variety. The highest population recorded was of Helicotylenchus from six mint varieties. Maximum numbers of plant parasitic nematodes were found associated with pahari podina. No plant parasitic nematode was found associated with field mint (Mentha arvensis) which can further be investigated for its role as nematode repellent and can be used either as mulch or inter cropping.