OBSERVATIONS ON THE LIFE CYCLE OF HETERODERACRUCIFERAE ON ITS MAIN HOSTS UNDER THREE DIFFERENT CONDITIONS IN IRAN

Abstract

The cabbage cyst nematode, Heterodera cruciferae has been reported as one of the pests infecting kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea L. var. gongylodes) and white cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. captita alba) in Tabriz vegetable farmlands. In this project, its life cycle on these two hosts in the region was studied. Two cultivars of cabbage commonly grown in the region were cultivated under three different conditions: in naturally infested field, in greenhouse, and in micro plots. During the growing season, the nematode life cycle on the crops was monitored. Samples were collected periodically from host plant roots and soil. The nematode completed two generations and initiated the third on the cabbage. These findings can be used to determine the critical harvesting date of the different cabbage crops to avoid nematode reproduction.