EFFECT OF PLANT AND MICROBIAL CHITINASES ON THE EGGS AND JUVENILES OF MELOIDOGYNE-HAPLA CHITWOOD (NEMATODA, TYLENCHIDA)

Chitinases from Phaseolus vulgaris, Serratia marcescens and Streptomyces griseus were compared for their effects on eggs and juveniles of Meloidogyne hapla Chitwood. Increased hatch rates of nematode eggs were observed on incubation with chitinase from all three sources. After treatment with chitinases from S. marcescens and St. griseus many of the eggs remaining spherical with a concomitant increase in the number of dead juveniles. Egg mortality observed with purified P. vulgaris chitinase at concentrations of 17-mu-g protein/ml and above. The results suggest that exogenous chitinases cause premature hatch of nematode eggs and could be used as an aid in the control of nematodes.