A convenient space miniaturised methodology for short-term experiments with Xiphinema index on fig (Ficus carica)

Fig is a good host of the nematode Xiphinema index and plants derived from rooted fig cuttings are usually used for rearing the nematode in the laboratory and for experiments. Seeds, of dried edible fig fruits, were germinated in wet sandy substrate and after 1 month, the seedlings were transplanted in 250 cm3 pots or 100 cm3 plastic cups, filled with the same substrate. Cups were arranged in a container support frame (seedling tray) with 35 wells and suspended in a plastic tray holder 50 × 37 cm. The seedlings in 250 cm3 pots were inoculated with a geometric sequence of six initial nematode densities (0.28 - 8.96 nematodes (cm substrate)-3, 45 days later. Similarly, the seedlings grown in 100 cm3 plastic cups, were inoculated with a geometric progression of six initial nematode densities (0.5-1.6 nematodes (cm substrate)-3 after 30 days. Seed germination and plant growth was in a controlled temperature room at 23–25˚C and 16-h photoperiod and the plants grew for 2.5 months after nematode inoculation. Despite the total lack of natural light, the seedlings developed very well in the controlled environment. With initial nematode densities of 0.56 nematodes (cm sand)-3 in pots and 0.5-1 nematodes (cm sand)-3 in plastic cups, the highest reproduction factor values were ca 55 and 25, respectively. The plant growth in plastic cups was not affected by the nematodes at these initial inoculation densities. This method of growing seedlings of fig in 100 cm3 plastic cups is convenient for short term duration (2-2.5 months) experiments in controlled conditions as a relatively small area (0.185 m2) is required for 35 plants.