Pathogenicity of reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) on the stinking passionflower (Passiflora foetida)

Abstract

Stinking passionflower (Passiflora foetida L.) is a medicinal species that may be used as rootstock to sour passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) against wilting and collar rot caused by Fusarium spp. However, as it is a host of the reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis), the cultivation of this species may be constrained in crop fields infested by this nematode. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of R. reniformis on the growth of stinking passion flower. The length of plants inoculated with the highest dose of each trial (152,900 and 78,900 specimens per plant corresponding to 402.4 and 207.6 specimens / cm3 of soil) was shorter than in plants not inoculated with the reniform nematode. Therefore, R. reniformis should be considered a pathogen of stinking passionflower and be properly managed.