Influence of inoculation levels of Heterodera zeae on the two nematode populations behavior and the host growth response in Egypt

Different inoculation levels of two Egyptian populations namely, Belbais and Giza of the corn cyst nematode (CCN), Heterodera zeae infecting Giza 2 corn had almost similar trend of development and multiplication under greenhouse conditions. As the initial level of CCN increased, the total nematode population also increased; whereas, there was a negative relation between the initial inoculation and the rate of reproduction of the nematode. It is worthy to notice, in general, that Belbais population was the main reproductive population; producing the highest numbers of white females and brown cysts and achieved higher rate of build-up than Giza population did. Also, the plant growth parameters as influenced by different inoculation levels of both isolates of CCN were discussed.

Keywords:

Corn cyst nematode (CCN) , Heterodera zeae , Inoculation levels , Nematode populations , Corn , Zea mays L