Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University

Department of Plant Pathology, Bangkok, 10900 Thailand

Namatology Laboratory

Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University

Department of Plant Pathology, Bangkok, 10900 Thailand

Namatology Laboratory

Buncha Chinnasri, Ph.D.- B.S. (Agriculture), Kasetsart University, 1984-1988- M.S. (Plant Pathology), Kasetsart University, 1988-1991

-- M.S. (With Great Distinction) (Nematology), University of Gent,-Belgium, 1997-1998 (under the direction of Professor Godeliven Gheysen)

-- Ph.D. (Plant Pathology), University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA, 1999-2006-(under the direction of Professor Brent Sipes)

e-mail: agrbcc@ku.ac.th

Buncha Chinnasri, Ph.D.- B.S. (Agriculture), Kasetsart University, 1984-1988- M.S. (Plant Pathology), Kasetsart University, 1988-1991

-- M.S. (With Great Distinction) (Nematology), University of Gent,-Belgium, 1997-1998 (under the direction of Professor Godeliven Gheysen)

-- Ph.D. (Plant Pathology), University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA, 1999-2006-(under the direction of Professor Brent Sipes)

e-mail: agrbcc@ku.ac.th

Research TeamResearch Team-- Dr. Danny Coyne (Cooperative Researcher)

- Miss Kansiree Jindapanapat (Researcher)- Mr. Sunchai Khwankue (M.S. student)

Research Programs1. Identification and management of root-knot nematodes in chilli

2. Surveys of plant-parasitic nematodes infecting and associating with cassavas in Thailand

3. Identification of root-knot nematodes in the cassava-growing areas ofThailand

4. Screening of resistance cultivars of tomato and chilli against root-knot

nematodes5. Existence and distribution of Meloidogyne enterolobii on economic and

non-economic crops of Thailand6. Surveys and impacts of plant-parasitic nematodes on the golf courses

in Thailand

+ J I+ J I+ J I+ J I

E E EE E EE E EE E E

Three root-knot nematodes

(Meloidogyne sp.) identified

by primer sets (1108 and C2F3)

J = M. javanica, I = M. incognita

E = M. enterolobii

Root-knot Nematodes in Thailand: A Current Overview

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are currently viewed as the most damaging plant-parasitic nematodes occuring in Thailand. A range of crops, such as vegetables, ornamentals, fruit trees, and field

crops have been reported as hosts for these pests. To date, ninespecies of root-knot nematodes have been identified in Thailand: M.

arenaria was reported from onion in the Central region of Thailand; M.

exigua and M. graminicola from lowland rice paddy fields in the Central and the Northeastern regions of Thailand, respectively; M. hapla was

encountered in more temperate conditions in the highlands of Northern Thailand on ornamentals and herbs; M. incognita, the most prominent and widespread species, are frequently recovered and associated with damage to over 60 plant species throughout the country, while M.

javanica has been associated with tuberose and gerbera in a localised

area of central Thailand. Other species identified include M.

microcephala from tobacco in Northern Thailand, a single record of M.

nasi from sorghum in the Northeastern region, and a recent identification of M. enterolobii causing severe damage to guava near

Bangkok. However, some identifications are based on perineal patterns alone, from before the advent of molecular techniques, while M.

enterolobii was identified using a combination of esterase enzyme patterns, and DNA analysis. Although potato, chilli and guava are currently identified as three key crops that are heavily affected by root

knot nematodes, it is suspected that much greater damage is occurring across crops. A recent report of root knot nematode damage on cassava is currently being assessed, for example. In Thailand, research areas requiring an emphasis and strong engagement include techniques for more accurate diagnosis towards delivery of appropriate management

options. Improving identification, and knowledge on nematode-host or nematode- pathogen interactions, is desired towards improved control.

Major Projects:1. Emerging diseases in cassava caused by nematodes

(Funded by National Science and Technology

Development Agency (NSTDA))2. Local Focus: safe and effective pest and crop

management strategies to strengthen the vegetable value chain in the humid tropics

(International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA))

Collaborative Institutes:1.Nematology Lab, Department of Plant & Environmental

Protection Science, Univ. of Hawaii, USA. (Dr. Brent Sipes)

2. Dept. of Nematology, Univ. of California at Davis, USA(Dr. Valerie Williamson)

3. International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Nigeria

(Dr. Danny Coyne)