Root-knot nematode damages a large variety of crops including tomato, peanut, cotton, vegetables, orchard trees, and ornamental plants.
How Pasteuria Works
When Pasteuria attacks the nematode, the damage the nematode causes is significantly reduced. The life cycle of a root-knot nematode infected with Pasteuria is shown:
1. Attachment (Infective) Stage: Pasteuria attaches to the nematode as it passes through the treated soil.
2. Germination Stage: Pasteuria penetrates the outer cuticle of the nematode and infects the interior of the body.
3. Cell Growth Stage: Pasteuria cells fill the nematode body and begin to change into several intermediate shapes as nutrients are depleted.
4. Sporulation Stage: Pasteuria spores begin to form.
5. Maturation Stage: The spores develop external structures that will allow them to attach to more nematodes.
At the death of the nematode, spores are released into the soil to repeat the cycle.
Root-knot nematode damages a large variety of crops including tomato, peanut, cotton, vegetables, orchard trees, and ornamental plants.
