Effects of Several Phytoparasitic Nematodes on the Growth of Basil, Ocimum basilicum

Greenhouse experiments were conducted in 15-cm-d pots of steamed Myakka fine sand to determine the host status and tolerance of common basil (Ocimum basilicum) to several important phytoparasitic nematodes in Florida. Populations of Meloidogyne incognita, Belonolaimus longicaudatus, and Pratylenchus scribneri increased and caused significant suppression of foliage and root growth during a 10-month period. The population of Paratrichodorus christiei increased and caused a significant reduction in foliage yield but did not reduce root growth. Dolichodorus heterocephalus also increased in number without affecting foliage yield or root growth. Basil was a poor host for Hoplolaimus galeatus and was not damaged by this nematode.