MONTEIRO JUNIOR, José Edvar. Detecção de inibidores de proteinases cisteínicas em raízes de feijão-de-corda [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] e avaliação de sua atividade sobre o nematóide das galhas Meloidogyne javanica. 2007. xx, 107 f. : Dissertação (Mestrado em Bioquímica) - Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, 2007. / Submitted by Eric Santiago (erichhcl@gmail.com) on 2016-05-30T13:05:54Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2007_dis_jemonteirojunior.pdf: 3368722 bytes, checksum: 6db6741733e59f2f818b4ae00227e385 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by José Jairo Viana de Sousa (jairo@ufc.br) on 2016-07-11T23:30:16Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2007_dis_jemonteirojunior.pdf: 3368722 bytes, checksum: 6db6741733e59f2f818b4ae00227e385 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-11T23:30:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2007_dis_jemonteirojunior.pdf: 3368722 bytes, checksum: 6db6741733e59f2f818b4ae00227e385 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007 / Detection of cysteine proteinase inhibitors in cowpea[Vigna unguiculata(L.) Walpers] roots as well as the accumulation of inhibitors enriched fractions throughammonium sulfate precipitation followed by reversed-phase liquid chromatography were in this present work accomplished. Fractions containing higher levels of cysteine proteinase inhibitor activity were selected and subjected to evaluation of its ability of to suppress the mobility of second stage juveniles (J2) of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica, race 1. In addition, the nematicidal effect of these fractions was also tested. When the mobility parameter was analyzed the ammonium sulfate precipitated F 30/60 fraction, at a dose of 40 μg of proteins, it shown to be the most potent of all tested samples at 24 h after incubation. However, regarding to mortality the both picks, PIHPLC and PIIHPLC, obtained from the HPLC step were the more actives causing a percentage of killing nematodes of 95.0 % and 94.2 %, respectively when the most potent doses of these picks were compared. Moreover, FITC-coupled F 30/60 fraction was used in light-flu orescence microscopy experiments in order to answer the following basic questions: 1) the observed effects on mobility and mortality will be related to the binding of the proteins in the nematode? And 2) If yes, this interaction is performed with the gut or surface nematode, or yet in the both structures? F 30/60 fraction appears to be incorporated by juveniles and specifically bind to the region corresponding to the gut of nematodes at 6 h after incubation, while at 24 h after incubation the fluorescent complex appears to be widespread along the whole body of the nematode, as observed by light-fluorescence microscopy. These results, all together, suggest the possible use of the inhibitors present in cowpea roots as a potential biological tool in the control of the root-knot nematode, M. javanica. / A detecção de inibidores de proteinases cisteínicas em raízes de feijão-de-corda [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walpers] bem como o acúmulo de frações ricas nestes inibidores por meio de precipitação com sulfato de amônio seguida de cromatografia líquida de fase reversa foram realizados no presente trabalho. Frações contendo os maiores níveis de atividade de inibidores de proteinases cisteínicas foram selecionadas e sujeitas à avaliação de sua habilidade em suprimir a mobilidade de juvenis de segundo estágio (J2) do nematóide das galhas Meloidogyne javanica, raça 1. Em adição o efeito nematicida destas também foi avaliado. Quanto ao parâmetro mobilidade, a fração F 30/60 precipitada com sulfato de amônio, numa dose de 40 µg de proteínas, mostrou ser a mais potente de todas as amostras testadas, às 24 h de incubação. No entanto, com relação à mortalidade ambos os picos PIHPLC e PIIHPLC, obtidos dos passos de HPLC, foram os mais ativos causando um percentual de mortes de nematóides de 95,0 e 94,7 %, respectivamente, quando as doses mais potentes destes picos foram comparadas. Além disso, a fração F 30/60 acoplada a FITC foi usada em experimentos de microscopia de luz-fluorescência para responder as seguintes questões: 1) Estariam os efeitos observados sobre a mobilidade e mortalidade relacionados à ligação das proteínas no nematóide? e 2) Se sim, esta interação é realizada com a superfície do nematóide ou seu intestino, ou com ambas estruturas? A fração F 30/60 parece ser incorporada pelos juvenis e ligar-se especificamente à região correspondente ao intestino dos nematóides às 6 h após incubação, enquanto que às 24 h após incubação o complexo fluorescente parece se dispersar ao longo de todo o corpo do nematóide, como observado pela microscopia de luz-fluorescência. Estes resultados, somados, sugerem o possível uso dos inibidores presentes em raízes de feijão-de-corda como ferramentas biológicas potenciais no controle do nematóide das galhas, M. javanica.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:32:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2005-08-22Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:04:00Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 santos_hs_dr_botfca.pdf: 1546408 bytes, checksum: d25b46b4f52200f204737b84f9ba16ae (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Avaliou-se a produtividade, o acúmulo e a exportação de nutrientes por plantas de pimentão (Capsicum annuum L.) enxertadas e não enxertadas, cultivadas sob ambiente protegido. O experimento foi conduzido de agosto de 2003 a maio de 2004 na Escola Técnica Estadual Augusto Tortolero Araújo pertencente ao Centro Estadual de Educação Tecnológica Paula Souza, em Paraguaçu Paulista, SP. Os porta-enxertos utilizados, AF 2638 e AF 2640, possuem resistência à Phytophthora capsici Leonian e Meloidogyne incognita raça 2. Os tratamentos constaram dos híbridos 'Rúbia R' e 'Margarita' sem enxertar, enxertados sobre os dois porta-enxertos e enxertados neles mesmos. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso com oito tratamentos, quatro repetições e 15 plantas por parcela. As plantas foram avaliadas quanto a altura da maior haste, altura da primeira bifurcação, precocidade de florescimento, comprimento e número médio de internódios, produção e características dos frutos produzidos em 12 colheitas, massa de matéria verde e seca de folhas, caules e frutos. As análises químicas foram realizadas em uma planta por parcela aos 35, 83, 135, 178 e 213 dias após o transplante, para determinar a marcha de absorção e exportação de nutrientes. Verificou-se que os híbridos enxertados e não enxertados apresentaram produtividades médias de 132 e 153 t ha-1 para as combinações enxertadas de 'Rúbia R' e 'Rúbia R' pé-franco respectivamente e de 144 e 132 t ha-1 para as combinações enxertadas de 'Margarita' e 'Margarita' pé-franco respectivamente. O acúmulo de nutrientes não foi significativamente diferente entre plantas enxertadas e pés-francos, e a ordem decrescente dos nutrientes acumulados foi: K>N>Ca>Mg>P>S. A partir do que foi observado, concluiu-se que, nessas condições, a enxertia em plantas de pimentão não alterou seu desempenho agronômico, nem teve influência sobre a marcha de absorção de nutrientes. / It was evaluated the yield, accumulation and exportation of nutrients by sweet pepper plants grafted and non grafted, under protected cultivation. The research was carried out from August 2003 to May 2004, at the Technical School Augusto Tortolero Araújo, part of Paula Souza State Center of Technological Education, in Paraguaçu Paulista, SP, in Brazil. The rootstocks used - AF 2638 and AF 2640, are resistant to Phytophthora capsici Leonian and Meloidogyne incognita race 2. The treatments were constituted of non grafted hybrids 'Rúbia R' and 'Margarita'; grafted on two evaluated rootstocks and grafted on themselves. The experimental design was of completely randomized blocks with eight treatments, four replications and fifteen plants per plot. Five plants were sent for chemical analysis. Evaluations of the total plants height, first fork height, early blossom, length and average number of internodes, total yield and fruits characteristics of 12 harvests, fresh and dry matter of leaves, stems and fruits, were carried out. The samples for the chemical analysis were taken at the 35th, 83th, 135th, 173th and 213th days after transplantation, with the objective of determining the accumulation and exportation of the nutrients. The results proved that the grafted and non grafted plants had average yield, with the average of 132 and 153 t ha-1 for the grafted combinations of 'Rúbia R' and non grafted plants of 'Rúbia R' respectively and 144 and 132 t ha-1 for the grafted combinations of 'Margarita' and non grafted plants of 'Margarita' respectively. The accumulation of the nutrients was equivalent for grafted combinations and non grafted plants, and nutrients in decreasing order of accumulation were: K>N>Ca>Mg>P>S. It was evidenced that grafting sweet pepper plants neither its agronomic performance, nor interfered on the uptake of nutrients' absorption.

Orientador: Pedro Luiz Martins Soares / Coorientador: Jaime Maia dos Santos / Banca: Celso Antonio Jardim / Banca: Bruno Flávio Figueiredo Barbosa / Banca: Daniel Junior de Andrade / Banca: Rita de Cássia Panizzi / Resumo: A goiabeira (Psidium guajava L.) tem um grave problema com o nematoide de galha Meloidogyne enterolobii, que leva a perdas significativas e inviabiliza pomares, levando os produtores a cultivar as áreas com outras culturas. Na literatura, encontram-se trabalhos acerca dos nematoides na cultura da goiabeira principalmente quando se trata de M. enterolobii, entretanto, até o momento não se registrou estudos solucionando os problemas com os nematoides e as variedades de goiabeira. Diante disto, os objetivos deste trabalho foram: a) Avaliar o desenvolvimento das variedades de goiabeiras Paluma, Pedro Sato, Século XXI e Tailandesa quando parasitadas por M. enterolobii, b) avaliar a reação de variedades de goiabeiras Paluma, Pedro Sato, Século XXI e Tailandesa à Pratylenchus brachyurus, c) Estudar a flutuação populacional de M.enterolobii em goiabeira Paluma, d) Avaliar o desenvolvimento vegetativo das goiabeiras Tailandesa e Paluma em formação sob quatro níveis crescentes de inóculo de M. enterolobii. Todos os experimentos foram realizados em casa de vegetação. O primeiro experimento demonstrou que todas as variedades testadas foram suscetíveis ao nematoide M. enterolobii e somente a variedade Tailandesa foi mais tolerante. O segundo experimento demonstrou que as goiabeiras Pedro Sato, Século XXI e Tailandesa não são boas hospedeiras uma vez que não multiplicam P. brachyurus, todavia, a Paluma foi boa hospedeira pois multiplicou o nematoide. No terceiro experimento, os maiores nív... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The Guava tree (Psidium guajava L.) is seriously affected by root-knot nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii. This specie leads to significant yield losses on field and prevents orchards. Because of nematode damage the growers use to cultivate the area with other crops. In literature, there are some studies about rootknot nematode in guava tree mainly when they refer to M. enterolobii. However, there is not any result discussing how to solve the problems caused by root-knot nematodes considering the use of guava varieties. The objectives of this study were: a) evaluate the development of guava varieties Paluma, Pedro Sato, Século XX1 and Tailandesa when infected by M. enterolobii b) evaluate the reaction of guava varieties Paluma, Pedro Sato, Século XX1 and Tailandesa to lesion nematode Pratylenchus brachyurus c) study the dynamics population of M.enterolobii to Paluma guava variety d) evaluate the vegetative growth of Tailandesa and Paluma guava varieties under four increasing levels of M. enterolobii inoculum. All those studies were conducted in greenhouse. One first experiment all the varieties tested were susceptible to root-knot nematode M. enterolobii and only Tailandesa variety was more tolerant. On second experiment Paluma was considered good host for lesion nematode (P. brachyurus) multiplication while on the varieties Pedro Sato, Século XXI and Tailandesa were not good host. On third experiment, the highest levels of M. enterolobii found in guava roots and soil were obse... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Resumo: Para a cultura da goiabeira esse estudo é de grande interesse, visto que não existem nematicidas registrados. As práticas de manejo desse nematóide visam possibilitar a convivência com a doença. O objetivo da pesquisa foi avaliar a capacidade de parasitismo de ovos de Meloidogyne mayaguensis pelos fungos Pochonia clamydosporia Goddard, isolados FCAV-1 e FCAV-2, Paecilomyces lilacinus Thom., isolados FCAV-1, FCAV-2 e FCAV-3; avaliar a capacidade predatória de juvenis de segundo estádio desse nematóide pelos fungos Arthrobotrys musiformis Drechsler, Arthrobotrys sp., Dactylella leptospora Grove e Monacrosporium elegans Oudem, in vitro; avaliar a resistência de plantas de cobertura como milheto (Pennisetum glaucum), amendoim rasteiro (Arachis pintoi) e crotalária (Crotalaria spectabilis), em casa de vegetação; avaliar a eficácia de fungos nematófagos, adubo organomineral e as mencionadas culturas de cobertura, isoladas e em combinação no controle de M. mayaguensis, em pomar de goiabeiras e estudar a flutuação populacional desse nematoide no período de fevereiro a dezembro de 2009, em pomar de goiabeira irrigado e não irrigado. No presente estudo confirmou-se que a utilização combinada de culturas de cobertura resistentes a M. mayaguensis e fungos nematófagos reduziu significativamente a densidade de população de M. mayaguensis em pomar de goiabeira, e a curva de tendência da flutuação da população de M. mayaguensis em goiabeira, no Estado de São Paulo, exibe picos de população nos meses quentes e chuvosos do ano (fevereiro a dezembro) / Abstract: This study is of great interest for the culture of guava, since there are no nematicides registered. Management practices are designed to allow these nematodes to living with the disease. The research aimed at evaluating the ability of egg parasitism of Meloidogyne mayaguensis fungi Pochonia clamydosporia Goddard, isolate FCAV-1 and FCAV-2, Paecilomyces lilacinus Thom., Isolate FCAV-1, FCAV-2 and FCAV- 3; evaluate the predatory ability of the fungi Arthrobotrys musiformis Drechsler, Arthrobotrys sp. Dactylella leptospora Grove and Monacrosporium elegans Oudem to second stage juveniles of this nematode, in vitro, evaluate the resistance of cover crops such as millet (Pennisetum glaucum), peanut crop (Arachis pintoi) and (Crotalaria spectabilis) under greenhouse conditions and to evaluate the efficacy of nematophagous fungi, organic mineral fertilizer and the aforementioned cover crops, alone and in combination to control M. mayaguensis, in an orchard of guava trees; and study population dynamics of nematodes in the period from February to December 2009 a the guava orchard with and without irrigation. In the present study it was confirmed that the combined use of cover crops resistant to M. mayaguensis and nematophagous fungi significantly reduced the population density of M. mayaguensis in guava trees, the trend line of population fluctuations of M. mayaguensis in guava in São Paulo, displays peak population in the hot and rainy months of the year (February- December) / Orientador: Jaime Maia dos Santos / Coorientador: Pedro Luiz Martins Soares / Banca: Julio Cesar Galli / Banca: Marineide Mendonça Aguillera / Mestre

Submitted by (lucia.rodrigues@ufrpe.br) on 2016-09-19T14:20:13Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Aluizio Tavares Cordeiro Neto.pdf: 400725 bytes, checksum: efc835355e5018885ec790a126d5b9a0 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-09-19T14:20:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Aluizio Tavares Cordeiro Neto.pdf: 400725 bytes, checksum: efc835355e5018885ec790a126d5b9a0 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-09-28 / Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / In the present study it was carried out two experiments. In the first one it was evaluate effects of soil compactness and Meloidogyne incognita parasitism interaction on macronutrient contents in shoots, sugarcane initial development and nematode reproduction. The experiment was carried out under greenhouse in a completely randomized design in a 2 (sugarcane varieties: RB962962 and RB863129 ) × 2 (presence and absence of nematode) × 3 (soil density: 1.5, 1.6 and 1.7 g.cm-3) factorial arrangement. Fifteen days after planting seedlings were moved to vases and inoculated with approximately 5 M. incognita eggs per cm3 of soil (78000 eggs per plant). After 95 days from inoculation, plants were harvest and it was evaluated plant development, N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S content in shoots and nematode reproduction. For both varieties at 1.7 g.cm-3 soil density there was reduction in plant height and weight and increase in Ca and Mg content in shoots, but there was decrease in K content of parasited plants shoots. Soil compactness increased weight and leaf area of RB962962. In the second experiment the effects of vinasse application in soil at rate of 0, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 m³.ha-1 on Meloidogyne incognita reproduction and macronutrient content of sugarcane variety RB863129 were evaluated in a completely casualised design under greenhouse. Plants were inoculated with 20000 M. incognita eggs per vase 30 days after planting, immediately after vinasse application, and results evaluated 90 days after inoculation. Nematode population density, based on number of eggs per plant and per gram of root, decreased as residue rates increased. Vinasse application significantly reduced number of M. incognita eggs per plant with maximum reduction obtained at dose of 728 m³.ha-1, but the presence of nematodes promoted significant decrease in weight of the plants. The N content in shoots was higher in the dose of 100 m³.ha-1, while for P and K, quadratic fit was reaching its maximum respectively at doses of 507 and 425 m³.ha-1. There was no difference among treatments for Ca, Mg and S. / No presente estudo foram conduzidos dois experimentos. O primeiro avaliou os efeitos da interação entre a compactação do solo e o parasitismo de Meloidogyne incognita sobre os teores de macronutrientes da parte aérea da cana-de-açúcar, desenvolvimento inicial da cultura e multiplicação dos nematoides. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial 2 (variedades: RB962962 e RB863129) × 2 (presença e ausência de nematoides) × 3 (densidades do solo: 1,5, 1,6 e 1,7 g.cm-3). Após 15 dias da brotação, as mudas foram transplantadas para os vasos definitivos e inoculadas com aproximadamente 5 ovos de M. incognita por cm3 de solo (78000 ovos/vaso). Após 95 dias da inoculação, as plantas foram colhidas e avaliado o desenvolvimento das plantas, teores de N, P, K, Ca, Mg e S na parte aérea e reprodução do nematoide. Para as duas variedades houve redução na altura e peso do colmo e aumento nos teores de Ca e Mg da parte aérea, quando na densidade de 1,7 g.cm-3, e redução no teor de K quando parasitadas. A RB962962 foi mais tolerante à compactação do solo apresentando incremento em peso e área foliares. No segundo estudo, os efeitos da incorporação ao solo de doses de vinhaça correspondentes a 0, 50, 100, 500 e 1000 m³.ha-1 sobre a reprodução de Meloidogyne incognita e teores de macronutrientes na cana-de-açúcar variedade RB863129 foram determinados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em casa de vegetação. As plantas foram inoculadas com 20.000 ovos de M. incognita por vaso 30 dias após a semeadura, imediatamente após aplicação da vinhaça, e os resultados avaliados 90 dias após a inoculação. A densidade populacional dos nematoides, fundamentada no número de ovos por planta, decresceu com o aumento das taxas de resíduo administradas. A incorporação da vinhaça promoveu redução significativa no número de ovos de M. incognita por planta, com máximo de redução obtido na dose de 728 m³.ha-1, porém a presença dos nematoides promoveu decréscimo significativo no peso fresco das plantas. O teor de N na parte aérea foi maior na dose de 100 m³.ha-1, enquanto que para o P e o K, houve ajuste quadrático atingindo seus máximos respectivamente nas doses de 507 e 425 m³.ha-1. Para o Ca, Mg e S, não foram observadas diferenças entre os tratamentos.

Espécies de Meloidogyne constituem o principal grupo de fitonematoides causadores de doenças em plantas. São espécies polífagas, distribuídas mundialmente e que se reproduzem profusamente nas mais variadas culturas agrícolas. O fumo não figura exceção, sendo severamente afetado por tais vermes. Globalmente, o controle destas moléstias é realizado essencialmente pela incorporação, em cultivares comerciais, de um único gene de resistência encontrado em Nicotiana tomentosa (gene Rk) e sabidamente efetivo contra às raças 1 e 3 de M. incognita. Todavia, a frequente ocorrência de plantas sintomáticas em cultivos nacionais sugere a existência de outros genótipos de Meloidogyne como agentes etiológicos da doença atualmente. Neste ensejo, realizou-se, no presente estudo, um levantamento das espécies de Meloidogyne ocorrentes em 39 áreas de plantio de fumo na região Sul do Brasil, em cultivares portadoras do gene Rk. Para isto, populações oriundas de raízes infectadas foram estabelecidas e mantidas em plantas de tomate e indivíduos das mesmas foram identificados em nível de espécie por meio da análise de isoenzimas (&alpha;-esterases), da observação de configurações perineais e do sequenciamento da região 18S-ITS1-5.8S do RNA ribossomal. Isolados obtidos a partir destas populações foram estabelecidos a partir de uma única massa de ovos, mantidos em plantas de tomate, agrupados em espécies com base nestes resultados e analisados quanto à patogenicidade em hospedeiros diferenciais e frente a várias características morfométricas. Identificaram-se M. incognita em dezoito amostras (46,2%), M. enterolobii em dez (25,6%), M. javanica em treze (33,3%), M. arenaria em duas (5,1%) e M. inornata em uma (2,6%). Populações mistas também foram encontradas (25,6%). Duas populações (5,1%) morfológica e bioquimicamente atípicas (LGM 27 e LGM 38) foram encontradas, mas com espectro de patogenicidade e sequências de 18S-ITS1-5.8S idênticas a M. enterolobii e M. incognita, respectivamente. Variações intra-específicas foram observadas sob o âmbito patogênico e morfométrico, porém geralmente próximas às suas descrições originais. M. incognita raça 2 foi predominante (79%) e variantes de M. enterolobii foi fato comum (40%). Tendo em vista a elevada ocorrência de M. enterolobii neste levantamento e a escassez de informações acerca de fontes de resistência a esta espécie, buscou-se, também, caracterizar, com base em índice de galhas (IG), a reação (resistência/suscetibilidade) de 97 acessos perante M. enterolobii. Destes, 7 genótipos (J102007T10, J1612008T12, J1612008T34, I112008T97, I112008T98, I112008T99 e I112008T100) foram identificados e avaliados em um segundo experimento. Estes mostraram-se como fontes promissoras de resistência, haja vista que exibiram valores baixos de severidade (IG<1,0). Diante dos resultados, depreende-se a necessidade de incluir resistência a biótipos virulentos, máxime raça 2, de M. incognita, a M. javanica, a M. arenaria e a M. enterolobii em cultivares comerciais. Sob este aspecto, este estudo definiu fontes de resistência para M. enterolobii, constituindo informação inédita na literatura fitonematológica. / Meloidogyne species are undoubtedly the major group of plant parasitic nematodes. Meloidogyne species are polyphagous, worldwide distributed and reproduce profusely in various agronomical crops. Tobacco crop is not an exception, being severely affected by these worms. Worldwide, the control of these diseases is based mainly on the incorporation in commercial cultivars of a single resistance gene found in Nicotiana tomentosa (gene Rk) and known to be effective against races 1 and 3 of M. incognita. However, the frequent occurrence of symptomatic plants in tobacco crops suggests the existence of other genotypes of Meloidogyne as etiological agents of the disease today. Therefore, our study aimed to perform a survey of Meloidogyne species occurring in 39 tobacco growing areas in Southern Brazil, in cultivars carrying the Rk gene. For this, Meloidogyne populations obtained from infected roots were established, maintained on tomato plants and specimens were identified at specific level by isoenzyme analysis (&alpha;-esterase), by analysis of perineal patterns and by sequencing of the 18S- ITS1-5.8S ribosomal RNA region. Isolates obtained from these populations were established from a single egg mass, maintained in tomato plants, grouped into species based on these results and analyzed for host range (pathogenicity) and several morphometric characteristics. From the total of samples, eighteen (46.2%) contained M. incognita, ten (25.6%) M. enterolobii, thirteen (33.3%) M. javanica, one (2.6%) M. arenaria and one (2.6%) M. inornata. Mixed populations were also found in 25.6% of the samples. Two populations (LGM 27 e LGM 38) (5.1%) were morphologically and biochemically atypical, but with host ranges and ITS1-5.8S-18S sequences identical to M. enterolobii and M. incognita, respectively. Intraspecific variations were observed in relation to host range and morphometric characters, but usually close to their original descriptions. M. incognita race 2 was predominant (79%) and strains of M. enterolobii were common fact (40%). Due to the high incidence of M. enterolobii found in this survey and the absence of information about resistance sources to this species, we characterized, based on gall index (GI), the reactions (resistance/susceptibility) of 97 accession of Nicotiana spp. to M. enterolobii. Seven genotypes (J102007T10, J1612008T12, J1612008T34, I112008T97, I112008T98, and I112008T99 I112008T100) were identified and evaluated in a second experiment. These were considered promising sources of resistance, once they exhibited low severity values (IG <1.0). From of our results, it is obviously necessary to include resistance to virulent biotypes (mainly race 2) of M. incognita, M. javanica, M. enterolobii and M. arenaria in commercial cultivars. This study defined resistance sources for M. enterolobii thus providing novel information for the literature related to plant nematodes.

Thesis (M. A. Agriculture (Plant Protection)) -- University of Limpopo, 2019 / Available potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars do not have any genotype that is resistant to the root-knot (Meloidogyne species) nematodes. Due to the susceptibility of potato cultivars to Meloidogyne species, alternative management strategies had to be researched and developed after the withdrawal of methyl bromide from the agro-chemical markets, amongst which were the cucurbitacin-containing phytonematicides. However, of the available application methods of phytonematicides, the ground leaching technology (GLT) and botinemagation technology were not suitable for use in most high-rainfall potato-producing regions, where production is under rain-fed conditions. The objective of the study, therefore, was to determine whether pre- and post-emergent application of Nemafric-BG phytonematicide would have effects on growth of potato and suppression of M. javanica population densities. Parallel pot trials of pre- and post-emergent application of Nemafric-BL phytonematicide were conducted under greenhouse conditions in autumn (February-April: Experiment 1) 2017 and validated (Experiment 2) in 2018. Each plant was inoculated with 3000 M. javanica eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2). Five treatments, namely, 0, 2, 4, 8 and 16 g concentration of Nemafric-BG phytonematicide, arranged in randomised complete block design, were either applied mixed with seed tubers for pre-emergent or spread on the soil surface after emergence for post-emergent trials. In all cases, plant growth variables were assessed using the Curve-fitting Allelochemical Response Data (CARD) model, whereas nutrient elements (Fe, K, Na and Zn) and nematode variables were assessed using analysis of variance, with data subjected to lines of the best fit. In pre-emergent application trial, plant height (R2 = 0.98) and fresh root mass (R2 = 0.99) exhibited quadratic relations, characterised by density dependent growth patterns with increasing concentrations of Nemafric-BG xv phytonematicide in Experiment 1, similar trends were also observed on plant height (R2 = 0.99) and root mass (R2 = 0.99) in Experiment 2. In contrast, in post-emergent application trial, plant height (R2 = 0.97), fresh root mass (R2 = 0.99) and dry shoot (R2 = 0.98) exhibited quadratic relations in Experiment 1, which ascribed to DDG patterns, similar trends were also observed in Experiment 2 on plant height (R2 = 0.99), fresh root mass (R2 = 0.96) and dry shoot (R2 = 0.99) of potato cv. ꞌMondial G3ꞌ. In pre-emergent application trials, Mean Concentration Stimulation Point (MCSP) = 24.18 and 7.82 g, respectively, in Experiment 1 and Experiment 2, with ∑k being equivalent to 20 and 6 units for potato to the product, respectively, in Experiment 1 and Experiment 2. In contrast, post-emergent application trials, MCSP = 9.87 and 12.10 g, respectively, in Experiment 1 and Experiment 2, whereas the ∑k value for potato to the product was 11 and 6 units, respectively in Experiment 1 and Experiment 2. Increasing concentrations of the phytonematicide significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected the selected nutrient elements. In pre emergent application trials, K (R2  =  0.96) Na (R2  =  0.90) and Zn (R2  =  0.83) each with increasing Nemafric-BG phytonematicide concentrations exhibited positive quadratic fashion, while Fe (R2  =  0.87) exhibited negative quadratic relations in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, K (R2  = 0.99), Na (R2  = 0.90) and Zn (R2 =  0.97) contents each in leaf tissues against the increasing concentrations of the phytonematicide exhibited negative quadratic relations, while Fe (R2  = 0.88) exhibited positive quadratic relations. In post emergent trials, Fe (R2 = 0.91, Na (R2 = 0.90) and Zn (R2 = 0.99) contents in leaf tissues against increasing Nemafric-BG phytonematicide concentration exhibited negative quadratic relations, whereas K (R2 = 0.86) exhibited positive quadratic relation in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, Fe (R2 = 0.93), K (R2 = 0.92), Na ( R2  = 0.79) and Zn (R2 xvi = 0.89) contents in leaf tissues of potato exhibited positive quadratic, respectively. In pre emergent trial for Experiment 1, eggs in roots (R2 = 0.78), J2 in roots (R2 = 0.85), J2 in soil (R2 = 0.97) and Pf (R2 = 0.78) of M. javanica against increasing pre-emergent application concentrations of Nemafric-BG phytonematicide exhibited negative quadratic relations, characterised by DDG patterns. Similar trends were observed on eggs in roots (R2 = 0.82), J2 in roots (R2 = 0.99), J2 in soil (R2 = 0.84) and Pf (R2 = 0.85) in Experiment 2. In contrast, in post-emergent application trial, eggs in roots (R2 = 0.87), J2 in roots (R2 = 0.99), J2 in soil (R2 = 0.91) and Pf (R2 = 0.99) of M. javanica against increasing post emergent application concentrations of Nemafric-BG phytonematicide also exhibited negative quadratic relations in Experiment 1, which ascribed to DDG patterns. Similar trends were also observed on eggs in roots (R2 = 0.72), J2 in roots (R2 = 0.68), J2 in soil (R2 = 0.85) and Pf (R2 = 0.83) in Experiment 2. Results from the study demonstrated that Nemafric-BG phytonematicide stimulated plant growth at lower concentration and the product does not have any detrimental effects in accumulation of nutrient elements in leaf tissues. Therefore, it is concluded, that the product could be applied at the recommended rates of 7.82 and 9.87 g/plant in pre and post-emergent application, respectively, for the management of root-knot nematodes, provided the active ingredient does not accumulate in potato tubers or have any detrimental effects in accumulation of nutrient elements in tubers and temper with nutritional value of potatoes.

Thesis (M. A. Agriculture (Plant Protection)) -- University of Limpopo, 2019 / The influence of cultural practices can be modified by environmental conditions such as container-type or positioning. The objective of the study was to determine whether container-type and positioning would have an influence on the growth of tomato plants and suppression of Meloidogyne javanica exposed to biomuti (Trial 1) and Afrikelp (Trial 2). Different container-types were filled with approximately 10.4 L growing mixture comprising steam-pasteurised sandy loam soil and Hygromix-T at 3:1 (v/v) ratio. The containers were established in microplots at 0.6 m × 0.6 m spacing, with treatments being brown pot-below; brown pot-above, black pot-below, black pot-above, plastic bag-above and plastic bag-below. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cv. 'Floradade' seedlings were each transplanted and irrigated with 500 ml chlorine-free tapwater every other day. Seven days after transplanting, each plant was inoculated with 2000 eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2) of M. javanica. Biomuti and Afrikelp, obtained from the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) Vegetable, Ornamentals and Plants (VOP), were applied in separate trials weekly at 2.5%. At 56 days after inoculation, plant growth including selected nutrient elements and nematode variables were measured. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, with separation of means achieved using Fisher’s Least Significant Difference test at the probability level of 5%. In the biomuti trial, container-type and positioning had a significant effect on plant height, fruit number, dry root mass, dry shoot mass and fruit mass, contributing 82, 48, 44, 85 and 89% in total treatment variation (TTV) of the respective variables. Relative to brown pot-below; black pot above, plastic bag-above and brown pot-above reduced plant variables, whereas treatment effects were not significant on nematode variables. In the Afrikelp trial, trends where similar to those in biomuti, treatments had highly significant effects on xvi plant height, dry root mass, dry shoot mass and gall rating, contributing 91, 88, 66 and 60% in TTV of the respective variables. Relative to brown pot-below; black pot above, plastic bag-above and brown pot-above reduced the plant variables, but had no significant effects on nematode variables. Generally, plastic bags and polyethylene pots below-ground improved most plant growth variables when compared to those in containers positioned above-ground.

Thesis (Ph. D. Agriculture (Plant Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2016. / Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides, had been researched and developed from indigenous plants at the University of Limpopo, Green Technologies Research Centre, under the auspices of the Indigenous Cucurbitaceae Technologies (ICT) Research Programme. After the international 2005 cut-off withdrawal date of the highly effective methyl bromide nematicide from the agrochemical markets, management options on nematode population densities shifted to more environment-friendly alternatives. Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides as environment-friendly alternatives to synthetic chemical nematicides had been consistent in nematode suppression under diverse conditions. In order to avoid challenges similar to those experienced with the use of synthetic chemical nematicides, the South African Fertiliser, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act No. 36 of 1947 (amended) require that the product to be used in agriculture must first be registered with the National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, after extensive efficacy and bioactivity tests. The information on bioactivity of the phytonematicides is also critical in the effective application of the product for efficient management of nematodes. Information on bioactivities of Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides on nematodes, plant and soil was not available. This study comprised eight objectives: (1) to examine whether (i) increasing concentration of cucurbitacin A and B would have impact on second-stage juvenile (J2) hatch of M. incognita, (ii) the Curve-fitting Allelochemical Response Dosage (CARD) model would quantify the three phases of density-dependent growth (DDG) patterns on J2 hatch when exposed to increasing cucurbitacin concentrations, (iii) computed J2 hatch inhibition concentration (EHIC) and xli CARD-generated D-values would be statistically similar, (iv) the CARD model would provide information on minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and (v) J2 hatch inhibition would be reversible when cucurbitacins were diluted, (2) to determine whether (i) increasing concentration of Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides would have impact on J2 hatch of M. incognita, (ii) the CARD model would quantify the three phases of DDG pattern on J2 hatch when compared to increasing phytonematicide concentrations, (iii) comparison of computed EHIC and CARD-generated D-values would be statistically comparable in magnitudes, (iv) the CARD model would provide information on MIC and (v) J2 hatch inhibition would be reversible when phytonematicides were diluted, (3) to establish whether (i) increasing concentration of cucurbitacin A and B would have impact on M. incognita J2 immobility, (ii) the CARD model would quantify the three phases of DDG pattern on J2 immobility when compared to increasing cucurbitacin concentration, (iii) comparison of computed J2 immobility concentration and CARD-generated D-values would be statistically comparable in magnitudes, (iv) the CARD model would provide information on MIC and (v) juvenile immobility would be reversible when cucurbitacins were diluted, (4) to test whether (i) increasing concentration of Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides would have impact on M. incognita J2 immobility, (ii) the CARD model would quantify the three phases of DDG pattern on J2 immobility when compared to increasing phytonematicide concentrations, (iii) comparison of computed J2 immobility concentration and CARD generated D-values would be statistically comparable in magnitudes, (iv) the CARD model would provide information on MIC and (v) juvenile immobility would be reversible when phytonematicides were diluted, (5) to determine whether (i) increasing xlii concentration of cucurbitacin A and B would have impact on M. incognita J2 mortality, (ii) the CARD model would quantify the three phases of DDG patterns on J2 mortality when compared to increasing cucurbitacin concentration, (iii) comparison of computed lethal concentration (LC) and CARD-generated D-values would be statistically comparable in magnitudes and (iv) the CARD model would provide information on minimum lethal concentration (MLC), (6) to investigate whether (i) increasing concentration of Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides would have impact on M. incognita J2 mortality, (ii) the CARD model would quantify the three phases of DDG pattern on J2 mortality when compared to increasing phytonematicide concentrations, (iii) comparison of computed LC and CARD-generated D-values would be statistically comparable in magnitudes and (iv) the CARD model would provide information on MLC, (7) to test whether (i) increasing concentrations of Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides would impact on M. incognita J2 infectivity of susceptible tomato plant, (ii) the CARD model would quantify the three phases of DDG pattern (iii) generated inhibition concentration (IC) and CARD-generated D-values would be statistically comparable in magnitudes and (iv) the CARD model would provide information on MIC and (8) to determine whether nematodes can serve as bioindicators of Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides in tomato plant roots/fruits, soil types and organic matter at different depths. To achieve these objectives, reliability of measured variables was ensured by using statistical levels of significance (P ≤ 0.05) and coefficient of determination (R2), with validity ensured by conducting three independent experiments over time. In Objective 1, pure cucurbitacin A and B concentration effects on J2 hatch were significant, with both exhibiting DDG patterns. xliii The DDG patterns demonstrated that J2 hatch was inhibited at low pure cucurbitacin concentrations and slightly stimulated at higher cucurbitacin concentrations. At 24-, 48- and 72-h exposure periods, cucurbitacin A reduced J2 hatch by 40‒67, 34‒66 and 34‒45%, respectively, whereas cucurbitacin B reduced J2 hatch by 12‒57, 3‒36 and 9‒54%, respectively. CARD model quantified the concentration ranges of the two pure cucurbitacins associated with the phases of DDG patterns. The J2 hatch was highly sensitive to cucurbitacin B and highly tolerant to cucurbitacin A, as shown by sensitivities values of 0‒2 and 5‒20 units, respectively. The CARD-generated MIC values for cucurbitacin A and B were 1.75‒2.88 and 1.31‒1.88 µg.mL-1, respectively. The conventionally generated J2 hatch inhibition concentrations were higher than CARD-generated D-values at all exposure periods for both pure cucurbitacins. The J2 hatch inhibition effect was not reversible for both pure cucurbitacins. In Objective 2, Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicide concentration effects on J2 hatch were highly significant (P ≤ 0.01), with both exhibiting DDG patterns. The DDG patterns demonstrated that J2 hatch inhibition increased with increase in phytonematicide concentrations. Relative to water control, Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide significantly reduced J2 hatch at 48-, 72-h and 7-d by 22‒92, 3‒79 and 1‒42%, respectively, whereas Nemafric-BL phytonematicide reduced it by 41‒93, 1‒80 and 12‒84%, respectively. The J2 hatch inhibition was highly sensitive to Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric BL phytonematicides, with sensitivity of 0‒1 and 0‒4 units, respectively. The conventionally generated J2 hatch inhibition concentrations at 50 and 100% were higher than CARD-generated D-values for both phytonematicides. The J2 hatch inhibition effect was not reversible for both phytonematicides. In Objective 3, pure cucurbitacin A xliv and B concentration effects on J2 immobility were significant, with both exhibiting DDG patterns. The J2 immobility over increasing concentrations of pure cucurbitacins had DDG patterns which were similar for conventional method and those from CARD model. The DDG patterns were characterised by stimulation of J2 immobility at low concentrations, followed by saturation at higher concentrations. The CARD model could not generate the D-values for comparison with JMC-values, but generated MIC-values for cucurbitacin A and B which were 0.5‒0.6 and 0.5‒0.7 µg.mL-1, respectively. The J2 immobility was moderately sensitive to both cucurbitacins with sensitivity of 4 units and the inhibition effect of the two pure cucubitacins was not reversible. In Objective 4, Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicide concentration effects on J2 immobility were highly significant (P ≤ 0.01), with both phytonematicides exhibiting DDG patterns. The DDG pattern had stimulation, saturation and inhibition effects for Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide, whereas for Nemafric-BL phytonematicide they had stimulation and saturation effects on J2 immobility as concentrations increased. The MIC-values for Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides were 3.6‒115.2 and 0.1‒6.5%, respectively. The CARD generated D-values were comparable with computed JMC values for Nemafric-BL phytonematicide unlike for Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide. The J2 immobility was highly sensitive to the two phytonematicides with sensitivity values of 0‒4 and 0‒2 units, respectively. The effects on J2 immobility of the two phytonematicides were not reversible. In Objective 5, pure cucurbitacin A and B concentration effects on J2 mortality were highly significant (P ≤ 0.01), with both cucurbitacins exhibiting DDG patterns. The DDG pattern had stimulation, saturation and slight inhibition effects for both cucurbitacin A and B as concentrations increased. The xlv MIC-values for cucurbitacin A and B were 0.63 and 0.61 µg.mL-1, respectively. The CARD-generated D-values were higher than the computed LC-values for both cucurbitacin A and B, with J2 mortality being highly sensitive to cucurbitacin A and B, with sensitivity of 4 units for both cucurbitacins. In Objective 6, Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicide effects on J2 mortality were highly significant (P ≤ 0.01), with both phytonematicides exhibiting DDG patterns. The DDG pattern had stimulation effect at low phytonematicide concentrations and saturation effects at higher concentrations for both relative impact and CARD-generated graphs of J2 exposed to both phytonematicides. The MIC-values for Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides were 1.12 and 0.67%, respectively. The CARD-generated D-values were higher than the computed LC-values for both phytonematicides and J2 mortalities were highly sensitive to Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides with sensitivity value of 2 and 1 units, respectively. In Objective 7, Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicide concentrations had a highly significant effect on infectivity of M. incognita post-exposure on susceptible tomato seedlings. The relationship between infectivity and increasing concentrations of the two phytonematicides exhibited DDG patterns. The DDG patterns were characterised by stimulation effect at low Nemarioc AL phytonematicide concentrations and saturation effects at higher phytonematicide concentrations, whereas for Nemafric-BL phytonematicide slight inhibition, saturation and stimulation effects were observed. The CARD-generated inhibition concentrations for Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide were comparable with computed inhibition concentrations, whereas for Nemafric-BL phytonematicides, the values were not comparable. The MIC-values for Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides were xlvi 0.2 and 0.7%, respectively and J2 infectivity were highly sensitive to the two phytonematicides, with sensitivity value of 2 and 0 units, respectively. In Objective 8, M. incognita was an excellent bioindicator in response to the application of two phytonematicides. The two phytonematicides significantly affected distribution of population densities of M. incognita across the tested soil types, with Nemafric-BL phytonematicide reducing population densities of M. incognita relative to Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide. The active ingredient of Nemafric-BL phytonematicide, cucurbitacin B tended to remain in the top layers of soil, where more roots accumulated, thereby reducing a relatively higher population densities of M. incognita than did active ingredient of Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide, cucurbitacin A which moved with water beyond the effective root zone. Soil type alone and phytonematicide alone had no effect on nematode numbers, whereas the interaction of soil type, phytonematicides and depth, the nematode population densities were inversely proportional to soil depth. The interaction of clay with any of the two phytonematicides, reduced M. incognita population densities compared to sand and loam interactions. More than 62% tomato root systems occurred in the top 0–25 cm depth. The interactions between organic matter levels, phytonematicides and depth had no effect on the population densities of M. incognita. The two phytonematicides were able to reduce nematode population densities throughout the soil column in all four soil types and organic matter levels. Cucurbitacin residues were not detected in all tomato fruit samples. In conclusion, Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides have bioactivities on J2 hatch, J2 immobility, J2 mortality and J2 infectivity. The CARD model quantified the three phases of DDG patterns for most of the variables. Even though CARD-generated inhibition xlvii concentrations at 50 and 100% were not comparable with computed values for pure cucurbitacins they were for most phytonematicide variables, the model was able to generate excellent MIC-values for all variables. The inhibition effects of the two phytonematicides were irreversible. The major findings of this study were that the two phytonematicides exhibited DDG patterns for all variables tested and that the CARD model could be adopted for the in vitro evaluation of phytonematicides. Meloidogyne incognita was an excellent bioindicator on movement of two phytonematicides across soil types and organic matter levels at different depths. Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides did not leave any cucurbitacin residues in tomato fruit. The information on bioactivities of the two phytonematicides generated in this study provides a much needed data for the registration of the products as required by the law. Proposed future research area includes, microscopy study of molecular effects of the phytonematicides on nematodes post-exposure. / National Research Foundation (NRF), Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR) and Land Bank Chair-University of Limpopo.

Thesis (Ph. D. Agriculture (Plant Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Plant-parasitic nematodes inflict economic damages on vegetable and field crops due to a lack of suitable crop protection chemicals and integrated crop management practices. Toxic synthetic chemical nematicides were withdrawn from the agro-chemical markets in 2005 due to their damage to the environment and humans. As such, there is continuous need to develop integrated nematode management strategies that are economic, environment friendly yet capable of effectively controlling the pest to alleviate crop loss and food insecurity. Root-knot (Meloidogyne species) nematodes are a major yield- and quality-reducing pest in most potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) producing regions in South Africa. However, little is known about the different plant-parasitic nematode species that are associated with potato in some Provinces. The sustainable production of crops in the absence of nematode resistant genotypes depends on the availability of nematode resistant crops in crop rotation systems. However, the effectiveness of these nematode resistance crops in managing root-knot nematodes in potato-based cropping systems has not been investigated in South Africa. The aim of the study was the development of sustainable cropping sequences for management of population densities of Meloidogyne species in potato production using crops with different mechanisms of nematode resistance. Two main objectives were investigated, but the second objective was sub-divided into three. The objectives of the study were to investigate (1) whether the diversity and abundance of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with potato in Limpopo Province, would be different to those in other potato-producing regions of South Africa, (2) whether (a) monoculturing potato would have any effects on population densities of Meloidogyne species, plant growth and soil health, (b) sequencing potato with a post-infectional nematode resistant crop like Cucumis africanus would have any effects on population densities of Meloidogyne species, plant growth and soil health and (c) sequencing potato with a pre-infectional nematode resistant crop such as sweet stem sorghum would have any effects on population densities of Meloidogyne species, plant growth and soil health. Ten known nematode genera, namely, Scutellonema, Helicotylenchus, Telotylenchus, Rotylenchulus, Paratylenchus, Tylenchorhynchus, Criconema, Nanidorus, Meloidogyne and Pratylenchus species were present in potato production fields in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study was conducted on 30 farms, located in Mopani, Sekhukhune, Capricorn, and Waterberg districts by randomly collecting 10 core soil samples per hectare in a zigzag-sampling pattern. A total of eight nematode genera except two (Meloidogyne and Pratylenchus species) were recorded for the first time in potato fields in Limpopo Province. Additionally, the sampled districts were predominated by different nematode species. The Meloidogyne species were the most prevalent nematodes associated with potato crops followed by Helicotylenchus and Scutellonema species. In contrast, the Tylenchorhynchus and Nanidorus species were the least prevalent parasitic nematodes in potato production fields in the Limpopo Province. To achieve Objective 2, two field experiments were conducted at the University of Limpopo (UL) and the Agricultural Research Council-Vegetable and Ornamental Plants (ARC-VOP). In Sequence 1, the treatments (sorghum cv. ʹNdendaneʹ, potato cv. ′Mondial G3′, Cucumis africanus and potato (cv. ′Mondial G3′)-(Velum) were laid out in a randomised complete block design. In Sequence 2, potato (cv. ′Mondial G3′) was cultivated on all plots as the successor main crop. In Sequence 3, the treatments were laid out as in Sequence 1, whereas in Sequence 4 sole potato crop was cultivated as in Sequence 2. Therefore, four cropping sequences namely, sorghum-potato, potato monoculture, C. africanus–potato and potato-(Velum)-potato (control) were investigated simultaneously.Generally, post-infectional resistant C. africanus-potato was more effective than pre-infectional nematode resistant sorghum-potato or potato monoculture cropping sequences in reducing the population densities of Meloidogyne species in the soil. This has led to reduced damage to subsequent potato crop providing higher tuber yield, increased shoot mass and nutrients elements accumulation in potato leaf tissues at both sites. The high soil organic carbon content, microbial diversity and enzyme activity observed in C. africanus-potato and sorghum-potato showed that these two cropping sequences enhanced soil health better than the monoculture production system of potato with or without Velum application. The different indices (maturity index, channel index, enrichment index and structure index) collectively demonstrated that the soil was highly disturbed with bacteria dominated decomposition pathways. The nematode faunal profile showed that sorghum-potato was the only cropping sequence that improved soil structure as exhibited by high structure index. Therefore, the inclusion of nematode resistant sweet stem sorghum in potato-based cropping system promoted soil health better than the other cropping sequences. In conclusion, C. africanus-potato sequence could be used to effectively manage root-knot nematode population densities, whereas sorghum-potato sequence could be considered where the aim is to improve soil health. / National Research Foundation(NRF) Green Biotechnologies Research Centre of Excellence(GBRCE) Agricultural Research Council-Vegetable and Ornamental Plants(ARC-VOP)