Histopathology of Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) Infection on Two African Indigenous Vegetables

Background and Objective: The root-knot nematodes are cosmopolitan pests attacking almost all cultivated crops including African vegetables. Two screen house studies were conducted in 2016 to investigate the histopathology of Meloidogyne incognita on Solanum macrocarponandAmaranthus cruentus. Materials and Methods: The roots of 40 seedlings of Solanum macrocarponwere inoculated with 1,000 eggs of Meloidogyne incognita; the remaining 40 seedlings served as controls. Ten inoculated and 10 uninoculated seedlings were uprooted at seven days intervals. The study was repeated once. The roots were processed and sectioned. The sections were stained and examined under a compound microscope to determine giant cell formation. The establishment of Amaranthus cruentustrial followed a similar pattern to that of Solanum macrocarpon. Results: The Solanum macrocarpon and Amaranthus cruentus are susceptible to Meloidogyne incognita.This was evidenced by the formation of giant cells in the root tissues of the two vegetables. Conclusion: Solanum macrocarpon and Amaranthus cruentus are susceptible to Meloidogyne incognita.