Inflorescence and Leaf Galls on Palisota barteri Caused by Meloidogyne javanica.

Meloidogyne spp. are recognized worldwide as causing root galls on a wide range of plants. They have also been reported to cause galls on above-ground parts of 26 plant species in 22 genera, either under natural field conditions or after artificial inoculation (2,3,5,8,10-13). We observed galls containing root-knot nematodes on inflorescences and leaves of Palisota barteri Hook. f. in a Florida nursery. Inflorescences ofP. barteri are thyrsus with white petals and, at maturity, produce red berries (Fig. 1A). Infected flower bracts and bracteoles had small galls. Inflorescences were stained in acid fuchsin-lactophenol, and mature Meloidogyne sp. females with egg masses were observed in the bracts and bracteoles (Fig. 1B-D). We observed that the nematode completed its life cycle and produced eggs in the inflorescence of P. barteri. To our knowledge, Meloidogyne spp. have not previously been reported to complete the life cycle in the inflorescence of any other plant (4,6). The flowering period in many plants is very short, but in P. barteri inflorescence development and flowering occur over several weeks, which is ample time for the nematode to complete its life cycle. Flowers of P. barteri develop at the bases of the leaves where they may easily become contaminated with juveniles from infected leaves. Dense foliage (Fig. 2A) protects nematodes in the flowers from irradiation and helps to maintain a humid environment for nematode infection and development.