Seasonal variation in population of phytonematodes associated with peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) and spearmint (Mentha spicata L.)1

Abstract

Seasonal variations in the population of four phytonematodes namely, Tylenchorhynchus vulgaris, Pratylenchus thornei, Meloidogyne sp. and Longidorus pisi in the rhizosphere of peppermint (Mentha piperita) and spearmint (M. spicata) were studied at Lucknow, India. Population of T. vulgaris was maximum in March while it was least in May. Population of P. thornei was high in February and low in June. Populations of Meloidogyne sp. and L. pisi were low throughout the year.