Effects of long term storage and above normal temperatures on spore adhesion of Pasteuria penetrans and infection of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica

Abstract

The effects of storage and temperature on the attachment and infection of root-knot nematodes by the parasite Pasteuria penetrans were investigated. Storage for 11 years did not reduce the ability of P. penetrans to attach to juveniles of Meloidogyne javanica but it greatly decreased levels of infection compared with that obtained using freshly produced spores from the same population. Preheating spores to above normal temperatures (60 degrees C) significantly increased attachment but reduced infection.