ENZYMATIC DIGESTION OF ROOTS FOR RECOVERY OF ROOT-KNOT NEMATODE DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES

Developmental stages of Meloidogyne javanica were successfully release d from roots by treatment with commercially available cellulase and pe ctinase. The average percentage recovery of nematode developmental sta ges from Dolichos lablab, Elymus glaucus, and Lycopersicon esculentum were as follows: eggs = 526%, J2 = 272%, J3 = 783%, J4 = 549%, adult f emales = 285%, and total = 425%, expressed as percentages of the count s obtained from stained roots spread on glass plates. Root digestion w as more accurate and sensitive in detecting low numbers of nematodes i n roots than was the glass plate method. No simple linear, quadratic, or cubic relationship was found between the two methods that would all ow a conversion factor to be developed.