Effect of Gamma-irradiation and Heat on Root-knot Nematode, Meloidogyne javanica

Effects of gamma-irradiation on the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica were investigated. A dose of 7.5 kGy killed all second-stage juveniles (J2) within 1 day after treatment. Egg hatch was completely inhibited at 6.25 kGy. A bioassay on tomato measuring galling and egg production was used to determine the infectivity of irradiated J2 and J2 hatched from irradiated eggs. The J2 and eggs irradiated with a dose of 4.25 kGy did not induce galls or reproduce on tomato plants. When nematodes were exposed to combined irradiation and heat treatment, no synergistic effect on J2 or eggs was measured. Heat treatment at 49 degrees C for 10 minutes or 20 minutes without irradiation immobilized J2 and prevented egg development. Irradiation rates needed to kill or incapacitate M. javanica were high and may be impractical as a quarantine measure.