HISTOPATHOLOGY OF ROOT-KNOT NEMATODE (MELOIDOGYNE JAVANICA (TREUB) CHITWOOD INFECTING GUAVA SEEDLINGS ROOT

Abstract

Guava roots naturally infected with root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne javanica) were fixed, sectioned and examined with a microscope. It was observed that the nematode juveniles developed and moved normally within root tissue. The cortex was completely destroyed. Cells showing hypertrophy and hyperplasia were common. Females deposited eggs into a gelatinous egg mass, while the males were present in the rhizosphere soil.