Interaction between root lesion nematode pratylenchus thornei and root rot pathogen Fusarim culmorum in wheat

The root lesion nematode Pratylenchus thornei (Sher & Allen) and the root rot pathogen Fusarium culmorum cause significant crop losses in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). This study was aimed to determine the interaction between these two soil-borne pathogens at different inoculation times. The susceptible (Seri 82 and Bezostaya) and moderately resistant (GS50A and CROC_1/AE.SQUAROSSA (224)//OPATA) wheat genotypes used in the study were obtained from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)'s Soil-Borne Pathogens (SBP) program. The interactions of Pratylenchus thornei and Fusarium culmorum, both individually and together, were investigated, and their effects on plant biomass parameters (root weight, root length, plant height, and plant weight) were assessed depending on the wheat genotypes. The results showed that the combined inoculation of Pratylenchus thornei and Fusarium culmorum led to the highest nematode density and disease score, resulting in decreased plant biomass (root weight, root length, plant height, and plant weight). Low values of plant biomass were observed in susceptible genotypes, while moderately resistant varieties revealed significantly higher values. The timing of the application was found to influence the interactions between the pathogens, varying according to the wheat genotypes.