Radionics-assisted detection and quantitative assessment of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) before and after soil solarization in protected vegetable cultivation in Kuwait

Muhammad Riaz, Amal Abdul Karim

Abstract


Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are among the most destructive soil-borne pathogens limiting greenhouse vegetable production worldwide. This study evaluated the effectiveness of soil solarization for suppressing Meloidogyne spp. in greenhouse soils and assessed the utility of a Radionics Computer as a rapid tool for nematode detection and population estimation. Soil samples collected from three commercial greenhouses were examined before and after six weeks of soil solarization. Prior to treatment, nematodes were the only detectable soil-borne organisms, while fungi, bacteria, viruses, insects, and weeds were absent. Among 29 nematode genera screened, only Meloidogyne was detected. Species identification revealed the presence of M. hapla in all greenhouses, with M. incognita occurring in greenhouses 3 and 5 and M. javanica in greenhouse 4. Larvae constituted the predominant developmental stage, followed by adults and eggs. Radionic analysis indicated considerable variation in nematode densities among greenhouses, with M. javanica exhibiting the highest populations (365-595), followed by M. incognita (275-545), whereas M. hapla occurred at comparatively low densities (45-100). The estimated total Meloidogyne population ranged from 103 to 7,107 individuals kg-1 soil, with a mean of 1,832 ± 2,478. Following solarization, no soil organisms, including Meloidogyne spp., were detected in any greenhouse. Subsequent cultivation of pepper, bean, and eggplant resulted in vigorous plant growth without root galling or other nematode-associated symptoms. These findings demonstrate that soil solarization can effectively eliminate Meloidogyne populations under greenhouse conditions and highlight the potential of radionic detection as a rapid approach for estimating nematode populations prior to disease management interventions.


Keywords


Radionics, Root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp., Soil solarization, Protected cultivation, Nematode diagnostics

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.33804/pp.010.03.6159

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