Effect of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) on distribution of nutrients in Pistachio Trees

Root-knot nematode is an important disease of pistachio in the world that cause too many problems such as failure in nutrient distribution in plant. Imbalanced distribution of nutrients results in reduction of yield and observes symptoms in air parts of the plant. Experiment was conducted to determine of root-knot nematode and its influence on distribution of nutrients of Pistachio Trees. The experiment was designed in 2×3 factorial experiment in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 replications on Ohadi cultivar in Mahvelat region of Iran. Healthy and contaminated trees were as a first factor and plant organs as a second factor. Samples from different organs were collected and analyzed for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn. The results indicated that M. javanica caused to accumulation of nutrients such as K and Zn in root and decreased those nutrients in branch and leaf. In particular about K it resulted in K deficiency and leaf necrosis. P, N, Mg, Fe concentrations in branch, leaf, and root were not significantly influenced by rootknot nematode. Calcium concentration in contaminated tree was low.