Ditylenchus dipsaci (Kühn, 1857) (Filipjev, 1936) detection in faba bean seeds sold in Valdivia

Abstract

The aims of the study were to establish the presence of Ditylenchus dipsaci in seeds of faba bean (Vicia faba) sold by small farmers from the province of Valdivia, X Region of Chile and lo evaluate the effect of the nematode on the first stages of development of the plant. Five seed samples were collected at different local selling points. Each sample was divided in 2 sub samples of 50 seeds, identified individually according to size and appearance. One of these sub samples was evaluated directly for the presence of nematodes on the seeds. The second sub sample was sown in pots with sterile soil and the presence of the nematode was evaluated on the plants 30 days later. D. dipsaci was found in all of the samples evaluated with infestations varying between 6 and 64 % when seeds were analysed and between 18 and 64 % when plants were analysed. The average number of nematodes per seed fluctuated between 1 and 2 individuals; the infected seed did not show any significant alteration in size or appearance with respect to uninfected control seeds. Thirty days after sowing the seeds, the number of D. dipsaci per plant was also low. Signs of plant development such as height, number of leaves and fresh plant weight were normal; however infested plants showed signs of deformation in leaves and stems.