Pathogenicity of Criconemella curvata to Alfalfa

Large populations of Criconemella curvata and extended experimental periods were required to adversely affect yield of 'Moapa 69' alfalfa. C. curvata ectoparasitic feeding caused a reduction in feeder root numbers and tap root size and small lesions on tap and secondary roots. Greater reproduction occurred at 27 C than at 22 C, but the effect of the nematode on alfalfa growth was the same at both temperatures.