Assessment of the North Carolina differential host test for identification of Australian populations of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.)

Abstract

Forty-one Australian populations of Meloidogyne were assessed for their host-race status by the North Carolina differential host test which relies on the combination of resistant and susceptible reactions of six differential hosts to the nematode population. Although in most cases the distinction between reactions of the NC differential hosts to nematode populations was clear, there was sufficient discrepancy to make the test unreliable for species and race identification in Australia when used alone. Five atypical combinations of reactions were found.