Distribution and association of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) with tomato crop in Faisalabad district

A detailed survey of tomato fields located in different parts of Faisalabad district was conducted to identify the association of root-knot nematode (RKN) species with tomato crop and to assess their infestation. Hundred and sixty-one samples from 23 locations scattered over the vegetable growing areas of four tehsils of Faisalabad district including Faisalabad, Chak Jhumra, Jaranwala and Samundri. The results showed that 87% of the tomato fields were infested. The incidence of RKN ranged from 0 to 100% with an average of 36%. The galling index (GI) was ranged between 0 to 5 with a mean of 3. RKN incidence and GI varied from field to field. The RKN incidence was 45%, 34.3%, 28.6% and 10.71%, in the tomato growing areas of Faisalabad, Jaranwala, Samundri and Chak Jhumra, respectively. Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica were found singly or in combination among the tomato root samples. The presence of M. incognita was 75.8% and M. javanica 20.2%.