Vol. 12, Issue 11 (2023)

Author(s):
Gajja Bharath Goud, Nishi Keshari, Gurram Mallikarjun and Palukuru Usha

Abstract:
The Rice root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne graminicola) has become a major concern worldwide, attaining the status of a 'National Pest' due to its serious impact. India contributes a substantial 23% to the world's rice production, the infestation by M. graminicola results in a significant setback, accounting for roughly 16% of the annual global rice production of 160 million tonnes with an estimated loss value of 320 million USD annually. The current study was done to investigate the life cycle of M. graminicola on paddy cv. Pusa Bhagwati. The results revealed that within 24 hours of inoculation, infective second-stage juveniles entered rice roots, initiated feeding, and became sessile as the body size increased. The duration of the second (J2), advanced juveniles (J3/J4), preadult female, and adult female stage lasted for 1-7, 8-19, 20-22, and 23-30 days, respectively, at a temperature of 25 ± 2°C. Females laid about 250-300 eggs in an egg sac inside the root tissues. The total duration of life cycle including the preparasitic stage, was 28-30 days.