Pathogenicity of Merlinius brevidens as Related to Host Development. Pete S. Mayol, Department of Biological Sciences, California State College, Stanislaus, Turlock, CA 95380. Plant Dis. 65:248-250. Copyright 1981 American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-65-248.

Inoculation of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. ‘Concho’) with 400 Merlinius brevidens nematodes per 350 cm³ of soil at planting caused 39 and 41% weight reduction of foliage and roots, respectively. Inoculation with 400 nematodes at the start of vernalization caused 33 and 35% reduction of foliage and roots, respectively. Inoculation with 500 nematodes at planting caused 35 and 43% reduction and at the start of vernalization caused 31 and 38% reduction of foliage and roots, respectively. Inoculation with 400, 500, or 900 nematodes midway through or after vernalization did not significantly reduce foliage or roots.