First report of rice root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne graminicola) infecting wild jute (Corchorus aestuans)

A wild species of jute, Corchorus aestuans (family: Tiliaceae), was found to be infected root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne graminicola. The pathogenicity of M. graminicola on C. aestuans (local cultivar) under pot conditions showed that M. graminicola could infect, reproduce, and incite profuse root galling in C. aestuans. The initial inoculum of 10-second stage juveniles per 1000 cm3 of soil displayed the highest reproduction factor (P-f/P-i, RF = 145). Our findings demonstrated C. aestuans as a good host of M. graminicola, and its infection on roots exhibits typical terminal root gall with a distinct egg mass visible from the outside. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. aestuans as a host of M. graminicola from West Bengal, India.