The replacement series approach was used to detect and define competition between Meloidogyne incognita (Mi) and Rotylenchulus reniformis (Rr) on soybean. In three greenhouse tests, soybean cv. Davis seedlings were inoculated with 1,000 vermiform nematodes in the following Mi:Rr ratios: 0:0, 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100. After 86 days, relative nematode-yield values (number of each species in mixed culture divided by number in nonmixed culture) were calculated based on nematodes in soil per gram of dry root tissue. Calculated values were plotted and the resulting line compared with a reference line representing equal inter- and intraspecific competition predicted by the replacement series. Relative yields for Mi were higher than predicted at all ratios where Mi and Rr occurred together (lack-of-fit regression, F= 5.9401, P = 0.0008), indicating increased reproduction in the presence of Rr. Relative yields for Rr did not differ from predicted yields (lack-of-fit regression, F= 0.7565, P = 0.5203), indicating no effect of Mi on Rr. These relationships were not detected using analysis of variance. The relationship between Mi and Rr was independent of host colonization by Diaporthe phaseolorum var. caulivora, the stem canker fungus.
Keywords: Diapoothe phaseolorum var. caulivooa; Glycine max; Meloidogyne incognita; Rotylenchulus reniformis; competition; nematode; reniform nematode; root-knot nematode; soybean; stem canker.