Effect of Different Soil Textures and Infestation Levels on Reproduction and Damage Potential of Meloidogyne incognita on Sugarbeet

Maareg, M. F.; Yassin, Abeer S.; Agami, K. M.

doi:10.21608/jppp.2025.417510.1376

Effect of Different Soil Textures and Infestation Levels on Reproduction and Damage Potential of Meloidogyne incognita on Sugarbeet

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Sugar Crops Pests and Diseases

² Department of Agriculture Practices, Sugar Crops Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt.

10.21608/jppp.2025.417510.1376

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of five soil textures (sandy, sandy loamy, loamy sandy, loamy, and loamy clay) and five inoculum levels (1250, 2500, 5000, 10000, and 20000 J2/pot) on the reproduction and damage potential of Meloidogyne incognita on sugar beet. Results indicated that both soil texture and initial population density had significant effects on nematode reproduction and sugar beet yield. The highest final population and reproduction rate occurred in sandy soil, followed by sandy loamy and loamy sandy soils, whereas loamy clay soil recorded the lowest values. Yield losses in roots, top, and raw sugar were most sever in sandy and sandy loamy soils, while loamy clay soil exhibited the least reduction. A strong positive correlation was observed between sand percentage and nematode parameters (final population, reproduction rate, and yield loss), while clay and silt percentages were negatively correlated with these factors. Regarding inoculum levels, the final nematode population increased with initial density up to 10000 J2 and then declined at 20000 J2, whereas reproduction rate consistently decreased with higher inoculum levels. Yield components were adversely affected by increasing inoculum density, with maximum losses recorded at 20000 J2. In conclusion, sandy soils were more favorable for nematode reproduction and crop loss compared to loamy clay soils. These findings highlight the importance of soil texture as a key factor for predicting risk and developing management strategies against root-knot nematodes in sugarbeet cultivation.

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