Abstract:
The development and life cycle of Heterodera sacchari Luc & Merny, 1963 were investigated under screenhouse conditions. The life cycle of the nematode from second stage juveniles to adult females was completed within 30 – 35 days at a soil temperature of 24 – 35oC. The nematode entered sugarcane roots within 24 h after inoculation with 2nd, 3rd and the 4 th moults occurring 11 – 15 days, 22 – 24 days, and 27 – 29 days, respectively, after inoculation. Profuse gelatinous matrix was produced 30 days after development of adult female whereas the first batch of embryonated eggs was deposited 33 days of nematode development
in sugarcane roots. Males occurred in plant rhizosphere 40 days after entry of second-stage juveniles into the roots. Adult females body wall changed colour from milky white to light brown in 36 – 39 days and brown in 40 – 45 days.
