Histological Interactions of Paecilomyces Lilacinus and Meloidogyne Incognita on Bitter Gourd

_____________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT: Momordica charantia roots were histologically examined for the interaction of Meloidogyne incognita and the fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus which was applied at different time intervals. Meloidogyne incognita induced large sized galls on the plants which were treated with P.lilacinus. Fully mature females were found associated with giant cells. All the mature females on the roots of untreated, Meloidogyne incoginta infected plants laid egg masses. The xylem and the phloem exhibited abnormalities in structure near the giant cells.Abnormal vessel elements were occupying larger area near giant cells. The fungus P.lilacinus. Soon after the application, entered the roots and spread through the lumen of the vessel elements. The plants that were treated with fungus either one weak before nematode inoculation or simultaneously, produced significantly (P= 0.01) small sized galls in comparison to untreated plants. The size of galls remained unchanged after completion of one life cycle by the nematode. In fungus treated plants the giant cells were small sized and the abnormality of vascular plants was less. Paecilomyces lilacinus entered the giant cells and also into the body of mature females. It destroyed the eggs and egg masses in and out side females. The fungus by destroying eggs checked the possibility of secondary infection that ultimately arrested increase of gall size. [Journal of American Science 2009: 5(1), 8-12] (ISSN: 1545-1003)