Changes in Root Architecture Caused by Meloidogyne incognita and Thielaviopsis basicola and Their Interaction on Cotton

The root system is vital for the cotton plant to absorb nutrients and water from the soil and to anchor the plant. Two important soil-borne pathogens of cotton, Meloidogyne incognita (root-knot nematode), and Thielaviopsis basicola can adversely affect root systems resulting in suppressed growth and less efficient water and nutrient uptake and transport. In fields where these pathogens occur together, disease severity increases dramatically. Quantitative analysis of the effects of these pathogens on root architecture, or at differing soil bulk densities has not been reported. Because root-knot causes gall formation and T. basicola infection results in loss of root cortical tissue, an investigation of the severity of these pathogens in the presence of a soil compaction layer is needed to fully understand their potential for crop damage and yield loss.