Studies on the occurrence of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp) in the Slovak Republic

Studies on the outdoor occurrence of root-knot nematodes in Slovakia reveal ed the presence of Meloidogyne in 20 of 114 samples collected from various biotopes in different regions of the country. Meloidogyne ardenensis, which is reported for the territory of the Slovak R epublic for the first time, was found associated with natural river bank ve getation at two localities. Meloidogyne hapla was identified from several areas of the country associat ed with vegetables and sporadically in natural meadows, woodland and, toget her with M. ardenensis, with vegetation along river banks. Both species wer e found exclusively in light sandy or loamy-sandy soils.