Laboratory culture of two Xiphinema americanum-group species (Nematoda: Longidoridae) from Senegal

Two Xiphinema americanum-group species from Senegal were successfully cultured on plants in the laboratory and the effects of host plant, temperature and soil moisture were evaluated. Soil temperature had most effect while soil moisture had no effect on multiplication. Greatest reproduction rates were observed for one species on Pennisetum typhoides (millet) and for the other species on Sorghum vulgare. These two gramineous species were better hosts than the legumes Vigna unguiculata (cowpea) and Arachis hypogaea (peanut). Multiplication was greater when plants were inoculated with freshly extracted nematodes.