Effect of permanent partial root-zone irrigation on <i>Meloidogyne ethiopica</i> parasitising roots of <i>Vitis vinifera</i> rootstock SO4
In Chile Meloidogyne ethiopica often causes death of plants in vineyards with drip irrigation, where the dry season leaves part of the roots in dry soil. The effects of M. ethiopica on grapevine were evaluated in conditions of permanent partial irrigation. The study was conducted in series of experiments where roots were divided into two planters with sandy soil under glasshouse condition. The partial irrigation was simulated by watering only one of the two or both of the planters and with water treatments once or twice per day, and some infected with M. ethiopica. After 6 months, the quality and weight of roots and size of above ground plant parts were evaluated and measured. The permanent partial irrigation resulted in higher quality and weight of roots; however, it further aggravates the consequences of infection, especially when M. ethiopica was present in irrigated soil. Meloidogyne ethiopica decreases the ability of the plant to preserve plant roots in areas without irrigation.