Histopathology of sweetpotato roots infected with Meloidogyne incognita

Meloidogyne incognita infected roots of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) were observed for histopathology changes included cellular disorganization in the root cortex, endodermis and vascular cells. Female nematode displaced root cells and occupied large cavities and the surrounding cells were compressed. The nematode induced formation of an average of four giant cells each with 7 ± 0.5 nuclei around the head of nematode close to vascular cells. Nematode eggs were seen in the cortical cells but more eggs were recorded near the root surface. Multiple infections were also observed.