The gill nematode or grilles (Meloidogyne incognita), is a plague of low impact in the traditional olive grove, thanks to the rusticity of the olive tree. The olive tree nurseries and the new plantations of olive groves on crops previous tobacco, cotton, sunflower… may have problems, being necessary to monitor the infections of Meloidogyne incognita.
Symptoms of Meloidogyne incognita in olive tree
The symptomatology of the disease in the cup is similar to that of other pathogens that affect the olive tree. The damage caused to the roots creates stress on the tree, appreciating under vigor, with the consequent growth delay of the olive tree. When gill nematode infection joins the presence of the fungus Verticillium dahliae, seedlings may end up drying out.
Underground, the roots suffer small bumps of variable geometry known as gills, nodules or grillsthat are due to the damage of Meloidogyne spp. on the root.
Biological cycle of the olive nematode
Endoparasitic nematodes, such as Meloidogyne incognita, develop their cycle within the plant or host tree.
During its development Meloidogyne spp. goes through four youth phases to reach the adult state from the egg.
During the second youth phase is when the nematode infects the roots of the olive tree. The nematode feeds on the vascular system and produces the typical gills in the roots.
Each generation can take a month if the conditions are suitable or extended for several months.
During the spring and the autumn, coinciding with the olive growth phases, the populations of juveniles reach their < strong>maximum.
Meloidogyne spp. only can extend 1-2 meters annually on its own. However, the application of labor favors the infection of large areas of cultivation.
Nematode Meloidogyne incognita control
In new plantations, the control of nematode-free plant material is of great importance.
In areas with significant nematode infection, solarization techniques should be performed. The solarization is usual with the application of authorized products (usually dichloropropene ).
Recommended reading
There are pests with greater economic relevance in the olive grove. The farmer should focus his prevention and treatment efforts on them (Prays, olive tree borer, anthracnose in olives, peacock spot, olive fruit fly, black scale on olive…)
Warning
We have translated the information on our website from Spanish to English. Note that some words may have seen their meaning altered during their translation.