THE PATHOGENICITY OF <i>PRATYLENCHUS PENETRANS</i> TO STRAWBERRY

Abstract

Under aseptic conditions, Pratylenchus penetrans (Cobb, 1917) Filip. &amp; Stek., 1941, was pathogenic to roots of strawberry seedlings. After penetrating the epidermis, the nematodes aligned themselves with the long axis of the root at various depths in the cortical parenchyma. Although the endodermis was not invaded by the nematode, it was the first tissue to become discolored. Later, a less intense discoloration was observed in the cortex and epidermis, with the formation of polyderm beneath the damaged endodermis. The intensity of discoloration may be associated with the concentration of phenolic substances in the different tissues.