Infection and damage potential of Meloidogyne java']javanica on Sesbania sesban in different soil types

An experiment in western Kenya tested the effects of six inoculum levels (0, 80, 400, 800, 2000 and 4000 eggs per 100 cm(3) soil) of Meloidogyne javanica on nematode infection and growth of two Sesbania sesban provenences (Kakamega and Kisii) in six soils with sand contents of 26 to 82%. At 1 month after sowing, nematode infection, gall index and seedling mortality increased with inoculum level and sand/clay ratio. Gall index decreased and seedling growth improved with extractable cations, particularly calcium. At 3 months, nematode infection and damage were affected neither by soil texture nor by extractable cations. However, nodulation and plant growth decreased with increasing inoculum levels in all soils. Soils with higher cations and inherent fertility were less prone to nematode infestation and sustained better Sesbania growth irrespective of soil texture. It appears that as Sesbania grows it develops tolerance to M. javanica, suggesting that nematode infection is important at seedling stage primarily in determining stand establishment and early growth. Kisii provenance was more tolerant to the nematode and more productive than Kakamega. There is a need for screening a wide range of Sesbania germplasm for nematode resistance to select appropriate provenances and exploring low cost methods to minimise nematode damage to Sesbania at establishment stage.