Host plant effects on hatching of root-knot nematodes

Dormancy and the hatching response enable hatching of many plant-parasitic nematodes to be synchronised with the presence of host plants. There is evidence that the host plant, especially during the onset of senescence, influences the physiology of the developing, unhatched juveniles. Hatching of juveniles of Meloidogyne is primarily temperature driven and usually Occurs without requiring stimulus from host root diffusates. However, root diffusates sometimes stimulate hatching and research has demonstrated that hatching of some species of Meloidogyne is influenced by the host plant. Thus, there are parallels between some root-knot and cyst nematodes in aspects of their hatching response in relation to survival, and understanding these characteristics is an important basis for effective management strategies.